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+# Positron Python Extension Development
+
+## Overview
+The Positron Python extension provides comprehensive Python language support and advanced data science features for Positron IDE, including interactive data exploration, kernel management, debugging, and environment detection. This extension is a fork of Microsoft's Python extension, enhanced for data science workflows.
+
+## Project Structure
+```
+extensions/positron-python/
+├── src/                           # TypeScript extension code
+├── python_files/                  # Python runtime components
+│   ├── posit/                    # Positron-specific Python modules
+│   │   ├── positron/             # Core Positron Python functionality
+│   │   │   └── tests/            # Python unit tests for Positron modules
+│   │   ├── pyproject.toml        # Python project configuration
+│   │   └── test-requirements.txt # Python test dependencies
+│   └── lib/                      # Vendored Python dependencies
+├── build/                        # Build configurations and CI helpers
+├── package.json                  # Node.js extension manifest
+└── requirements.txt              # Base Python dependencies
+```
+
+## Development Environment Setup
+
+We assume for now that the user is responsible for setting up their development environment.
+
+## Claude Code Configuration
+
+### Recommended Bash Command Permissions
+
+When working with Claude Code on the Python extension, consider allowing these commands for efficient development:
+
+```bash
+# Python testing (from extensions/positron-python/python_files/posit)
+cd extensions/positron-python/python_files/posit && python -m pytest*
+
+# TypeScript extension testing (from root directory)
+npm run test-extension -- -l positron-python*
+
+# Code quality commands (only for posit directory)
+cd extensions/positron-python/python_files/posit && ruff check*
+cd extensions/positron-python/python_files/posit && ruff format*
+cd extensions/positron-python/python_files/posit && pyright positron/*
+
+# Helper scripts (from extensions/positron-python)
+cd extensions/positron-python && ./scripts/check-python-quality.sh
+cd extensions/positron-python && ./scripts/fix-python-format.sh
+```
+
+These permissions enable Claude to run tests, check code quality, and apply formatting fixes without requiring manual approval for each command.
+
+## Testing Framework
+
+### Python Testing
+**CRITICAL**: All Python tests MUST be run from `extensions/positron-python/python_files/posit` directory:
+
+```bash
+# ALWAYS start from project root, then navigate to the correct directory
+cd extensions/positron-python/python_files/posit
+
+# Run all Positron Python tests
+python -m pytest
+
+# Run specific test modules
+python -m pytest positron/tests/test_data_explorer.py
+
+# Run with coverage
+python -m pytest --cov=positron --cov-report=term-missing
+
+# Run specific test with verbose output
+python -m pytest positron/tests/test_data_explorer.py::test_specific_function -v
+```
+
+### TypeScript Extension Testing
+**Run from project root directory**:
+
+```bash
+# Test the positron-python extension TypeScript code
+npm run test-extension -- -l positron-python
+
+# With grep pattern for specific tests
+npm run test-extension -- -l positron-python --grep "test pattern"
+```
+
+### Test Requirements
+- **Module Resolution**: Always run pytest from `python_files/posit` directory
+- **No Main Blocks**: Never use `if __name__ == "__main__"` in test files
+
+## Code Quality & Linting
+
+### Automatic Formatting
+Code formatting is handled automatically via Claude Code hooks using ruff format.
+
+### Helper Scripts
+
+```bash
+# Run all Python quality checks (linting + type checking)
+cd extensions/positron-python
+./scripts/check-python-quality.sh
+
+# Fix formatting and safe linting issues
+./scripts/fix-python-format.sh
+```
+
+### Manual Quality Checks
+
+```bash
+# Python linting (from python_files/posit/)
+cd extensions/positron-python/python_files/posit
+ruff check .
+ruff format --check
+
+# Type checking with Pyright (from python_files/posit/)
+pyright positron/
+```
+
+### Tool Versions
+
+- **Pyright**: Version 1.1.308 (matches CI)
+- **Ruff**: Latest version
+
+## Development Workflows
+
+### Adding New Features
+1. **Plan**: Use TodoWrite tool for complex multi-step tasks
+2. **Develop**: Follow existing code patterns and conventions
+3. **Test**: Write comprehensive tests covering edge cases
+4. **Lint**: Code passes ruff and pyright checks
+
+## Dependencies & Compatibility
+
+### Core Dependencies
+- **Required**: Python 3.9+, core data science libraries
+- **Testing**: pytest, pytest-asyncio, pytest-mock, syrupy
+- **Optional**: Various data science packages for enhanced functionality
+
+### Version Support
+- **Python**: 3.9, 3.10, 3.11, 3.12, 3.13
+- **Platforms**: Windows, macOS, Linux
+- **Data Libraries**: Latest stable versions with fallbacks for older Python
+
+## Common Development Patterns
+
+### Error Handling
+```python
+# Graceful degradation for missing dependencies
+try:
+    import optional_library
+    HAS_OPTIONAL = True
+except ImportError:
+    HAS_OPTIONAL = False
+    
+def enhanced_function(data):
+    if HAS_OPTIONAL:
+        return optional_library.process(data)
+    else:
+        return fallback_implementation(data)
+```
+
+### Testing Best Practices
+```python
+import pytest
+
+@pytest.mark.parametrize("input_data,expected", [
+    # Regular cases
+    ([1, 2, 3, 4, 5], "expected_result_1"),
+    ([1.1, 2.2, 3.3], "expected_result_2"),
+    # Edge cases
+    ([], "empty_result"),
+    ([1], "single_item_result"),
+])
+def test_function_with_various_inputs(input_data, expected):
+    """Test function with different input types and edge cases."""
+    result = function_under_test(input_data)
+    assert result == expected
+```
+
+## Troubleshooting
+
+### Common Issues
+1. **Import errors**: Always run pytest from `python_files/posit` directory
+2. **Module not found**: Check that your Python environment has required packages
+3. **Test failures**: Ensure test requirements are installed
+4. **Type errors**: Run pyright to catch type issues early
diff --git a/extensions/positron-python/scripts/check-python-quality.sh b/extensions/positron-python/scripts/check-python-quality.sh
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+#!/bin/bash
+# Helper script for running Python linting and type checking on Positron-specific code
+# Run from extensions/positron-python directory
+# Only checks the posit/ directory (Positron-specific code)
+
+set -e
+
+echo "Running Python code quality checks on posit/ directory..."
+echo
+
+# Navigate to posit directory where Positron-specific Python code lives
+cd python_files/posit
+
+echo "1. Running ruff linter..."
+ruff check .
+echo "✓ Ruff linting passed"
+echo
+
+echo "2. Running ruff format check..."
+ruff format --check .
+echo "✓ Ruff format check passed"
+echo
+
+echo "3. Running pyright type checker on posit directory only..."
+pyright positron/
+echo "✓ Pyright type checking passed"
+echo
+
+echo "All Python quality checks passed successfully for posit/ directory!"
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diff --git a/extensions/positron-python/scripts/fix-python-format.sh b/extensions/positron-python/scripts/fix-python-format.sh
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+#!/bin/bash
+# Helper script for fixing Python formatting and safe linting issues in Positron-specific code
+# Run from extensions/positron-python directory
+# Only formats the posit/ directory (Positron-specific code)
+
+set -e
+
+echo "Fixing Python code formatting and linting issues in posit/ directory..."
+echo
+
+# Navigate to posit directory where Positron-specific Python code lives
+cd python_files/posit
+
+echo "1. Running ruff format..."
+ruff format .
+echo "✓ Ruff formatting applied"
+echo
+
+echo "2. Running ruff check with --fix for safe fixes..."
+ruff check --fix .
+echo "✓ Ruff safe fixes applied"
+echo
+
+echo "3. Running final check to show any remaining issues..."
+echo
+ruff check .
+
+echo
+echo "Formatting and safe fixes complete for posit/ directory!"
+echo "Run ./scripts/check-python-quality.sh to verify all checks pass."
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