Async Python Patterns

Comprehensive guidance for implementing asynchronous Python applications using asyncio, concurrent programming patterns, and async/await for building high-performance, non-blocking systems.

Use this skill when

• Building async web APIs (FastAPI, aiohttp, Sanic)
• Implementing concurrent I/O operations (database, file, network)
• Creating web scrapers with concurrent requests
• Developing real-time applications (WebSocket servers, chat systems)
• Processing multiple independent tasks simultaneously
• Building microservices with async communication
• Optimizing I/O-bound workloads
• Implementing async background tasks and queues

Do not use this skill when

• The workload is CPU-bound with minimal I/O.
• A simple synchronous script is sufficient.
• The runtime environment cannot support asyncio/event loop usage.

Instructions

• Clarify workload characteristics (I/O vs CPU), targets, and runtime constraints.
• Pick concurrency patterns (tasks, gather, queues, pools) with cancellation rules.
• Add timeouts, backpressure, and structured error handling.
• Include testing and debugging guidance for async code paths.
• If detailed examples are required, open resources/implementation-playbook.md.

Refer to resources/implementation-playbook.md for detailed patterns and examples.

Resources

• resources/implementation-playbook.md for detailed patterns and examples.

When to Use

Master Python asyncio, concurrent programming, and async/await patterns for high-performance applications. Use when building async APIs, concurrent systems, or I/O-bound applications requiring non-blocking operations.