PyObjC ScreenTime Framework

Warnings

• breaking PyObjC frequently drops support for older Python versions. PyObjC 12.0 dropped Python 3.9, and PyObjC 11.0 dropped Python 3.8. Always check the `requires_python` metadata or release notes to ensure compatibility with your Python environment.
  Fix: Ensure your Python environment meets the `requires_python` specification (>=3.10 for PyObjC 12.1) before upgrading PyObjC.
• breaking PyObjC 11.1 aligned its core bridge with `clang`'s Automatic Reference Counting (ARC) documentation for initializer methods. Methods in the 'init' family now correctly steal a reference to `self` and return a new reference. This changed behavior for `[NSObject alloc]` proxies and can affect custom `init` implementations, potentially leading to crashes if old patterns are used.
  Fix: Review custom `init` implementations in Python subclasses of Objective-C objects. PyObjC 10.3 introduced a Pythonic `Class(...)` instantiation pattern that is generally safer and recommended.
• gotcha Version 10.3 initially broke `__init__` usage for Python subclasses of Objective-C classes, particularly when a user implemented `__new__` or when relying on PyObjC's `__new__` behavior. This was partially reverted in 10.3.1 to reintroduce `__init__` support when a user implements `__new__`.
  Fix: When subclassing Objective-C classes, implement Objective-C style `init` methods (e.g., `initWithFoo_:`). If overriding `__new__` in a Python subclass, be aware of the interaction with `__init__` and refer to PyObjC documentation on object instantiation. The Pythonic `Class(...)` instantiation is often a safer alternative.
• gotcha PyObjC 11.0 introduced experimental support for free-threading (PEP 703) with Python 3.13+. While PyObjC protects its own implementation, Apple's frameworks are not necessarily thread-safe (e.g., `NSMutableArray` for concurrent updates, non-atomic properties, GUI classes on non-main threads).
  Fix: Exercise caution when using PyObjC in a free-threaded Python environment (Python 3.13+). Always consult Apple's documentation for the specific framework and classes you are using to understand their thread-safety guarantees.

Install

• pip install pyobjc-framework-screentime Install latest version

Imports

• ScreenTime

  import ScreenTime

  Bindings for the ScreenTime framework are accessed through the 'ScreenTime' package.

Quickstart

This quickstart demonstrates basic object instantiation and method calling using `Foundation.NSDate`, a common pattern applicable across PyObjC frameworks. Specific ScreenTime API usage will follow Apple's Objective-C documentation.

import Foundation
import ScreenTime # Import the specific framework

def demonstrate_pyobjc_basics():
    """Demonstrates basic PyObjC object creation and method calls."""
    # Example using a common Foundation class
    now = Foundation.NSDate.date() # Pythonic instantiation (available since PyObjC 10.3)
    print(f"Current NSDate object: {now}")
    print(f"Description of NSDate: {now.description()}")

    # To use ScreenTime, you would typically interact with its specific classes and functions.
    # For instance, if ScreenTime had a class like 'STConfiguration' (hypothetical example):
    # try:
    #     config_manager = ScreenTime.STConfiguration.alloc().init()
    #     print(f"ScreenTime configuration manager: {config_manager}")
    # except AttributeError:
    #     print("Hypothetical STConfiguration class not found or API not accessible.")

    print("Note: Actual ScreenTime API usage requires specific macOS versions, permissions, and understanding of Apple's documentation.")

if __name__ == "__main__":
    demonstrate_pyobjc_basics()