Modshim – A new alternative to monkey-patching in Python
I've invented a new alternative to forking / vendoring / monkey-patching packages in Python. It's a bit like OverlayFS for Python modules - it allows you write modifications for a target module (lower) in a new module (upper), and have these combined in a new virtual module (mount). It works by rewriting imports using AST transformations, then running both the lower and upper module's code in the new Python module. This prevents polluting the global namespace when monkey-patching, and means if you want to make changes to a third-party package, you don't have to take on the…
Modshim – A new alternative to monkey-patching in Python launched on October 16, 2025 with 109 votes, #284 of 8,178 launches that month and more than 95% of that year's launches. The site was still online in September 2026, 1 year on.
In plain words
Modshim is a Python development tool that provides an alternative to monkey-patching, forking, or vendoring packages. It works like OverlayFS for Python modules, allowing developers to write modifications in a separate module that are combined with the original code in a virtual module. Using AST transformations to rewrite imports, it keeps changes isolated without polluting the global namespace. This lets developers distribute modifications to third-party packages without maintaining a full fork.
written from the facts on this page · September 2026
From the sources
Override and customize Python packages without touching their code - joouha/modshim
In the maker’s words, at launch
I've invented a new alternative to forking / vendoring / monkey-patching packages in Python. It's a bit like OverlayFS for Python modules - it allows you write modifications for a target module (lower) in a new module (upper), and have these combined in a new virtual module (mount). It works by rewriting…
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