backinbottle

Backinbottle is a Python library designed to enable the execution of legacy Python code from older versions in modern Python environments. It provides a way to run code written for outdated Python versions (such as Python 2.x or earlier 3.x releases) without requiring significant modifications or dependencies. The tool bridges compatibility gaps by emulating the behavior of older Python implementations, including syntax, built-in functions, and standard library modules.

The library works by dynamically patching the Python interpreter to mimic the behavior of earlier versions. It supports features like Python 2.x’s `print` statement, `xrange`, and certain deprecated modules while allowing the rest of the codebase to run under the current Python version. Backinbottle is particularly useful for maintaining legacy applications, scripts, or third-party libraries that rely on older Python features.

Installation is straightforward via pip, and usage involves wrapping the target code in a compatibility layer. Developers can run scripts or modules directly through the library, which handles version-specific adjustments transparently. While Backinbottle is not a full Python 2.x emulator like PyPy or CPython 2.x, it focuses on selective compatibility, making it lightweight and efficient for targeted use cases.

Limitations include partial support for some older modules or edge cases, as well as potential performance overhead due to runtime emulation. It is best suited for incremental migration rather than complete rewrites. Backinbottle is maintained as an open-source project, with contributions from the community to expand its feature set and address compatibility issues.