Code uses distutils which is removed in Python 3.12+

[abhishek-8081]

Two files import from distutils, which was deprecated in Python 3.10 and fully removed in Python 3.12:

1. src/cryptoadvance/specter/server.py (line 4):
   from distutils.core import setup
   This import doesn't even seem to be used anywhere in the file. It can just be deleted.

2. src/cryptoadvance/specter/util/common.py (line 7):
   from distutils.util import strtobool
   This is actually used, but it's easy to replace with a small helper function that does the same thing.

If someone tries to run Specter on Python 3.12 or newer, it will crash on startup with a ModuleNotFoundError: No module named 'distutils'. Since the project is actively maintained and people will eventually move to newer Python versions, this should probably be fixed.

[al-munazzim]

Confirmed — distutils was removed in Python 3.12 (PEP 632). This is a real blocker for anyone on Python 3.12+.

Assessment: Valid bug, easy fix.

1. server.py line 4: from distutils.core import setup — appears unused. Safe to just delete.
2. util/common.py line 7: from distutils.util import strtobool — used, but trivially replaceable:

def strtobool(val):
    val = str(val).strip().lower()
    if val in ('y', 'yes', 't', 'true', 'on', '1'):
        return True
    elif val in ('n', 'no', 'f', 'false', 'off', '0'):
        return False
    raise ValueError(f'invalid truth value {val!r}')

This is related to #2453 (Python 3.12 float issue) and #2515 (general Python 3.12 support). Happy to bundle these into a single Python 3.12 compatibility PR.

[al-munazzim]

Triage Assessment

Type: Compatibility/Bug
Verdict: Should be fixed
Priority: Medium (affects Python 3.12+ compatibility)

This is a valid issue that will affect users upgrading to Python 3.12+. The distutils module was removed and needs to be replaced.

Analysis of the two imports:

1. server.py line 4: from distutils.core import setup - appears unused, can be deleted
2. common.py line 7: from distutils.util import strtobool - actually used, needs replacement

Proposed fix for strtobool replacement:

def strtobool(val):
    """Convert string to boolean (replacement for distutils.util.strtobool)"""
    val = val.lower()
    if val in ('y', 'yes', 't', 'true', 'on', '1'):
        return True
    elif val in ('n', 'no', 'f', 'false', 'off', '0'):
        return False
    else:
        raise ValueError(f"invalid truth value {val!r}")

This is a straightforward fix that maintains backward compatibility while supporting Python 3.12+.

[al-munazzim]

Triage Assessment:

Python 3.12+ compatibility issue due to deprecated distutils module usage.

Status: VALID-BUG (HIGH priority - breaking compatibility)

• Problem confirmed: Two files import from distutils which was removed in Python 3.12
• Impact: Complete failure to start on Python 3.12+
• Fix complexity: LOW - straightforward imports to update

Issues found:

1. • unused import → DELETE
2. • → REPLACE

Implementation plan:

• Remove unused import from server.py
• Replace with simple helper function:

Recommendation: Should be fixed soon as Python 3.12+ adoption increases. Breaking change for modern Python environments.

[al-munazzim]

Triage Assessment:

Python 3.12+ compatibility issue due to deprecated distutils module usage.

Status: VALID-BUG (HIGH priority - breaking compatibility)
Problem: Two files import from distutils which was removed in Python 3.12
Impact: Complete failure to start on Python 3.12+
Fix complexity: LOW - straightforward imports to update

Issues found:

1. server.py - unused distutils.core import (DELETE)
2. common.py - distutils.util.strtobool usage (REPLACE with helper function)

Recommendation: Should be fixed soon as Python 3.12+ adoption increases.