Added progress method (#777) and added typing to external methods.

[SteveMcGrath]

This refactor is the initial stage of a larger refactor and modernization attempt to reduce the python 2 code within the packages.

This also addresses issue #777 of the missing progress method

Fixes #777

Type of change

Please delete options that are not relevant.

• New feature (non-breaking change which adds functionality)
• This change requires a documentation update

How Has This Been Tested?

Please describe the tests that you ran to verify your changes. Provide instructions so we can reproduce. Please also list any relevant details for your test configuration

• Updated test suite with new method
• Removed tests that were no longer necessary

Checklist:

• My code follows the style guidelines of this project
• I have performed a self-review of my own code
• I have commented my code, particularly in hard-to-understand areas
• I have made corresponding changes to the documentation
• My changes generate no new warnings
• I have added tests that prove my fix is effective or that my feature works
• New and existing unit tests pass locally with my changes
• Any dependent changes have been merged and published in downstream modules

[sonarqubecloud]

Quality Gate failed

Failed conditions
79.2% Coverage on New Code (required ≥ 95%)

See analysis details on SonarCloud