2025-10-31 –, Auditorium
Python’s Global Interpreter Lock (GIL) is often portrayed as a limitation but it doesn’t have to be a blocker. In this talk, we will discuss the core concepts behind Python concurrency and explore practical ways to work with GIL rather than working against it. From threading to multiprocessing, async IO to real-world patterns, we will break down what’s really going on under the hood and when to use which approach.
Whether you are building data pipelines, web backends, or automating workflows, understanding concurrency is key to writing responsive and efficient Python code. I will use simple examples and real life scenarios to show how concurrency works in modern Python and share some hard earned lessons from debugging slow, blocking code in production systems.
Python’s Global Interpreter Lock (GIL) often sparks confusion and debate among developers trying to scale their applications. But beyond the misconceptions, Python offers multiple concurrency tools that, when understood correctly, can unlock powerful design patterns and performance gains.
In this talk, we’ll explore Python’s concurrency features through a pragmatic lens. I’ll break down the role of the GIL, what it actually restricts, and how you can use concurrency effectively with threads, multiprocessing, and asyncio. We'll discuss where each model shines—and where it falls short—backed by real-world use cases from backend development and data processing pipelines.
Whether you're working on API services, automation scripts, or event-driven systems, this talk will help you build mental models for writing efficient, non-blocking Python code. Expect clear examples, debugging strategies, and performance tips that you can take straight into your project.
What the audience will learn:
1. What the GIL is and how it affects concurrency in Python.
2. How to choose between threading, multiprocessing, and asyncio.
3. How to apply concurrency in real-world Python systems
4. Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
5. How to think about performance and responsiveness beyond "faster code"
This session is ideal for Python developers who are ready to deepen their understanding of concurrency without getting lost in jargon or theory.
Theresa Seyram Agbenyegah is a backend developer, Open-Source advocate/contributor, Social Entrepreneur, PSF and DSF member. She leads PyLadies Ghana Programs and Events, Black Python Devs Ghana Organizer, and co-organized and Co-facilitate PyCon Ghana 2022 DjangoGirls. PyCon Africa 2024 LOC Programmes Lead and DjangoGirls PyCon Africa 2024 Organizer, she champions education and community growth.