Extending and Embedding the Python Interpreter

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1. Extending Python with C or C++

It is quite easy to add new built-in modules to Python, if you know how to program in C. Such extension modules can do two things that can't be done directly in Python: they can implement new built-in object types, and they can call C library functions and system calls.

To support extensions, the Python API (Application Programmers Interface) defines a set of functions, macros and variables that provide access to most aspects of the Python run-time system. The Python API is incorporated in a C source file by including the header "Python.h".

The compilation of an extension module depends on its intended use as well as on your system setup; details are given in later chapters.

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Extending and Embedding the Python Interpreter

Previous: Contents Up: Extending and Embedding the Next: 1.1 A Simple Example

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Release 2.4.1, documentation updated on 30 March 2005.