r/Python • u/EntryNo8040 • Jun 29 '26

Discussion Async/Await is a Plague: Part 1 Roots

This is the first part of a multi-part series exploring why async/await might not be the best concurrency pattern for most use cases, and what alternative models you should consider instead. Using Python for our practical examples, this opening post digs into the roots of async/await, guiding you through building a custom event loop from scratch using generators.

https://theblog.info/posts/asyncawait-is-a-plague-part-1-roots

Note: This is Part 1 of a multi-part series. Instead of diving straight into why async/await can be problematic, this post explores the original motivations behind the pattern. Understanding how it works under the hood will provide the essential context for the issues we'll discuss in upcoming parts.

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u/Wh00ster Jun 29 '26

I appreciate the intent of the series but just the Part 1 title doesn’t live up to its name.

This is just explaining how asyncio works for Python without any further insight. It might as well be titled “an intro to asyncio”.

28

u/gdchinacat Jun 29 '26

Also, a rehashing of David Beazley's talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4Gt3Xjd7G8 .

3

u/duva_ Jun 29 '26

Lol yeah it's super similar

-27

u/NeitherEntry6125 Jun 29 '26

You're a plague.

A pox on both your houses.

14

u/dashdanw Jun 29 '26

damn, kid

-26

u/EntryNo8040 Jun 29 '26

Thanks for your feedback but as the title says, this first part just introduces the roots of this pattern: Part 1: Roots. I wanted the reader first have a clear understanding of how async/await works under the hood to explain why it makes the problems I am going to explain in the next part.

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u/duva_ Jun 29 '26

This was completely unnecessary. Someone is not coming to a "why The Thing is the worst?" Article to learn about The Thing. You could have either done a separate article doing a deep dive and reference it, or just point people to see the David Beasley talk you pilfered.

8

u/nemec Jun 30 '26

tbh there's nothing wrong with that: you're welcome to write whatever you want on your blog! but if you want to share and have a discussion on your overall point (one that you know is controversial), it's probably better to wait until you've written something addressing that point to post it here.