Examples of Correct and Incorrect Usage

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 28 views

Introduction

When working with the Bittensor library, it's essential to properly manage Subtensor instances to avoid leaving open WebSocket connections. In this article, we'll explore the importance of closing Subtensor instances and provide examples of how to do it correctly.

What Happens If You Don't Close Subtensor Instances?

If you don't close Subtensor instances, it can lead to open WebSocket connections. This might not seem like a significant issue, but it can cause problems in the long run. The WebSocket connection is not automatically closed when the Subtensor instance goes out of scope, which can lead to memory leaks and other issues.

How Does Bittensor Handle Subtensor Instances?

Bittensor provides a context manager for Subtensor instances, which automatically closes the WebSocket connection when the instance goes out of scope. This is achieved using the with statement, like this:

import bittensor as bt
with bt.subtensor("finney") as sub:
    # all calls to subtensor instance inside this block

However, if you don't use the context manager, you can still close the Subtensor instance explicitly using the close() method.

What Happens If You Use Async?

When working with async code, the situation is similar. You can use the async with statement to create a context manager for the Subtensor instance, or you can close it explicitly using the close() method.

Examples of Correct and Incorrect Usage

Here are some examples of correct and incorrect usage of Subtensor instances:

# Correct usage: using the context manager
import bittensor as bt
with bt.subtensor("finney") as sub:
    # all calls to subtensor instance inside this block

# Correct usage: closing the Subtensor instance explicitly
import bittensor as bt
sub = bt.subtensor("finney")
# subtensor calls
sub.close()

# Incorrect usage: not closing the Subtensor instance
import bittensor as bt
sub = bt.subtensor("finney")
# calls to subtensor
# no close

Similarly, here are some examples of correct and incorrect usage of async Subtensor instances:

# Correct usage: using the async context manager
import bittensor as bt
async with bt.AsyncSubtensor() as sub:
    # calls to subtensor

# Correct usage: closing the async Subtensor instance explicitly
import bittensor as bt
sub = bt.AsyncSubtensor()
await sub.initialize()
# calls to subtensor
await sub.close()

# Incorrect usage: not closing the async Subtensor instance
import bittensor as bt
sub = bt.AsyncSubtensor()
await sub.initialize()
# calls to subtensor
# no close

Conclusion

In conclusion, it's essential to properly manage Subtensor instances to avoid leaving open WebSocket connections. You can use the context manager provided by Bittensor, or you can close the Subtensor instance explicitly using the close() method. Remember to always close the Subtensor instance when you're done using it, whether you're working with sync or async code.

Best Practices

Here are some best practices to keep in mind when working with Subtensor instances:

Always use the context manager provided by Bittensor, or close the Subtensor instance explicitly using the close() method.
Make sure to close the Subtensor instance when you're done using it, whether you're working with sync or async code.
Avoid leaving open WebSocket connections, as this can lead to memory leaks and other issues.

By following these best practices, you can ensure that your code is efficient, reliable, and easy to maintain.

Introduction

In our previous article, we discussed the importance of properly managing Subtensor instances to avoid leaving open WebSocket connections. In this article, we'll answer some frequently asked questions about Subtensor instances and provide additional guidance on how to use them effectively.

Q: What happens if I don't close a Subtensor instance?

A: If you don't close a Subtensor instance, it can lead to an open WebSocket connection. This might not seem like a significant issue, but it can cause problems in the long run, such as memory leaks and other issues.

Q: Why does Bittensor provide a context manager for Subtensor instances?

A: Bittensor provides a context manager for Subtensor instances to make it easy to manage the lifecycle of these instances. The context manager automatically closes the WebSocket connection when the instance goes out of scope, which helps prevent memory leaks and other issues.

Q: Can I use the context manager with async code?

A: Yes, you can use the context manager with async code. The async with statement is used to create a context manager for the Subtensor instance, which automatically closes the WebSocket connection when the instance goes out of scope.

Q: What happens if I use the context manager with sync code?

A: If you use the context manager with sync code, it will automatically close the WebSocket connection when the instance goes out of scope. This helps prevent memory leaks and other issues.

Q: Can I close a Subtensor instance explicitly using the `close()` method?

A: Yes, you can close a Subtensor instance explicitly using the close() method. This is useful if you need to close the instance before it goes out of scope.

Q: What happens if I use the `close()` method with async code?

A: If you use the close() method with async code, you need to use the await keyword to wait for the method to complete. This is because the close() method is an async method that returns a coroutine.

Q: Can I use the `close()` method with sync code?

A: Yes, you can use the close() method with sync code. However, you need to call the method explicitly to close the instance.

Q: What are some best practices for using Subtensor instances?

A: Here are some best practices for using Subtensor instances:

Always use the context manager provided by Bittensor, or close the Subtensor instance explicitly using the close() method.
Make sure to close the Subtensor instance when you're done using it, whether you're working with sync or async code.
Avoid leaving open WebSocket connections, as this can lead to memory leaks and other issues.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when using Subtensor instances?

A: Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using Subtensor instances:

Not closing the Subtensor instance when you're done using it.
Leaving open WebSocket connections.
Not using the context manager provided by Bittensor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, properly managing Subtensor instances is crucial to avoid leaving open WebSocket connections. By using the context manager provided by Bittensor, or closing the instance explicitly using the close() method, you can ensure that your code is efficient, reliable, and easy to maintain. Remember to always follow best practices and avoid common mistakes when using Subtensor instances.