Dynamic Type Misuse Detection and Analysis for Python-Based Edge Device Applications

Developing edge device applications in resource-constrained environments shows challenges in ensuring software stability and development efficiency. This paper addresses the need of enhancing software reliability by exploring the utilization of Python type checking techniques in the context of edge computing. We define seven types of dynamic type misuse frequently appeared in edge device applications and then develop a static type checking tool, PySteck, specifically designed to detect these dynamic type misuses. Our experiments used representative applications from different subdomains of edge computing to evaluate PySteck's effectiveness and efficiency. We also analyzed the distribution of dynamic type misuse instances across different subdomains in the field of edge computing. The results show that PySteck is an effective and efficient tool for detecting dynamic type misuse in Python-based edge device applications. Our study can improve the development of reliable and efficient edge device applications, which further promote the growth and deployment of edge computing solutions across industries.