Check if a file is really a file, whether a string contains anything, and whether you can run a program with these vital patterns.

Python -O won’t magically make every script faster, but in the right workloads it’s a free win—here’s how to test it safely.

Jason Chun is a CNET writer covering a range of topics in tech, home, wellness, finance and streaming services. He is passionate about language and technology, and has been an avid writer/reader of ...