Create 2025-10-12-Week 9 @ Season of Commits.md

Author: prex03

_posts/2025-10-12-Week 9 @ Season of Commits.md

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+---
+title: Optimizing PyDataStructs - Shift to Meson Build
+date: 2025-10-12 23:05:17 +0530
+categories: [Season of Commits]
+tags: [Week 9]
+---
+
+This week’s update focused on adding the Meson-based build process in PyDataStructs and improving type handling within the graph backend. The [PR](https://github.com/codezonediitj/pydatastructs/pull/696) builds upon PR #689, which introduced the Meson build system and laid the groundwork for the C++ graph backend.
+
+1. Python 3.9+ Becomes the New Baseline
+
+As part of ongoing modernization, the minimum supported Python version for PyDataStructs was raised to 3.9.
+Python 3.8’s handling of collections.abc imports caused compatibility issues with several external dependencies when using Meson. By moving to 3.9+, the library benefits from a more stable standard library, better typing features (like typing.Protocol and enhanced generics), and broader third-party package support, all essential for future backend extensions like LLVM integration.
+
+2. Why Meson Over Setuptools
+
+The migration from setuptools to Meson was a deliberate move aimed at improving build performance, modularity, and C++ integration. Unlike setuptools, which primarily targets Python packaging, Meson is designed as a cross-language build system with first-class support for C and C++ projects.
+
+For PyDataStructs, which now includes extensive C++ backend code, Meson offers:
+
+a. Faster incremental builds and better dependency tracking
+
+b. Cleaner integration with compiled extensions (C++, LLVM, and future GPU modules)
+
+c. Unified configuration across Python and native components, reducing setup complexity
+
+d. Cross-platform consistency, especially for developers working on macOS, Linux, and Windows
+
+This shift ensures that PyDataStructs’ build pipeline is robust enough to handle increasingly complex backends while remaining developer-friendly.
+
+3. Fixing TypeErrors in Graph Node Tests
+
+This PR also addressed a TypeError encountered when testing C++ graph nodes under Meson. The issue stemmed from inconsistencies in how Python and C++ objects were mapped within the compiled module. The fix ensures stable interoperation between layers, paving the way for seamless backend extensibility — particularly as the LLVM graph backend matures.
+
+4. The Road Ahead
+
+With Meson now stabilized and Python 3.9 as the new baseline, the next development steps include:
+
+a. Adding functions to the graph C++ backend
+
+b. Benchmark them and look for areas which could benifit from being delegated to the LLVM backend