pylint-sort-functions 1.0.0

Pylint plugin to sort functions in Python code

pylint-sort-functions

A PyLint plugin that enforces alphabetical sorting of functions and methods within Python classes and modules.

Features

• Function Organization: Enforces alphabetical sorting of functions within modules
• Method Organization: Enforces alphabetical sorting of methods within classes
• Public/Private Separation: Ensures public functions/methods come before private ones (underscore prefix)
• Configurable Rules: Customizable message codes (W9001-W9003) for different violations
• Clear Error Messages: Helpful messages indicating exactly what needs to be reordered

Installation

pip install pylint-sort-functions

Usage

Enable the Plugin

Add the plugin to your pylint configuration:

pylint --load-plugins=pylint_sort_functions your_module.py

Or add to your .pylintrc file:

[MASTER]
load-plugins = pylint_sort_functions

Or in pyproject.toml:

[tool.pylint.MASTER]
load-plugins = ["pylint_sort_functions"]

Example

❌ Bad (will trigger warnings):

class MyClass:
    def public_method_b(self):
        pass

    def _private_method_a(self):
        pass

    def public_method_a(self):  # Out of order!
        pass

✅ Good (follows sorting rules):

class MyClass:
    # Public methods
    def public_method_a(self):
        pass

    def public_method_b(self):
        pass

    # Private methods
    def _private_method_a(self):
        pass

Message Codes

• W9001: unsorted-functions - Functions not sorted alphabetically within their scope
• W9002: unsorted-methods - Class methods not sorted alphabetically within their scope
• W9003: mixed-function-visibility - Public and private functions not properly separated

Warning

⚠️ This project is currently under active development and not ready for production use.

Key limitations:

• Many core features are still being implemented
• More unit tests need to be added
• Documentation is incomplete
• APIs and functionality may change significantly

Please check back later for a stable release.

Documentation

See hakonhagland.github.io/pylint-sort-functions

PyPI

See pylint-sort-functions