Library to parse Python 2 and 3

Question

I'm looking for a library that allows parsing and modification of Python 3 source code. There is the built-in ast module, but that doesn't allow parsing Python 3 code from Python 2 and vice versa.

Is there such a library, or a way to make the ast module recognize Python 2 code on Python 3?

How does 2to3 work? That must have some way of handling Python 2 and 3 code. — Thomas K, Nov 27 '11 at 17:58
@LennartRegebro I want to preprocess source code (similar to minification, for example resolving local imports and applying compatibility code for Python 2.5 and even older platforms), and possibly implement [2to6](http://www.mail-archive.com/python-list@python.org/msg289271.html). — phihag, Nov 27 '11 at 18:07
I could also note that I really do want a 2to6 set of fixers, so please make that. :-) Put it on github and I might even help. — Lennart Regebro, Nov 30 '11 at 11:23

score 3 · Answer 1 · answered Nov 27 '11 at 18:02

Python's lib2to3 library includes a code parser can can parse both Python 2 and Python 3 code. It's not well documented though. This chapter from the porting book provides an introduction. If you want to modify code (refactoring, maybe) then 2to3 could very well be exactly what you are looking for.

Library to parse Python 2 and 3

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