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(python2.1-ext.info)Extending Python with C or C++

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Extending Python with C or C++
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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.

A Simple Example

Intermezzo Errors and Exceptions

Back to the Example

Module's Method Table and Initialization Function

Compilation and Linkage

Calling Python Functions from C

Extracting Parameters in Extension Functions

Keyword Parameters for Extension Functions

Building Arbitrary Values

Reference Counts

Writing Extensions in C++

Providing a C API for an Extension Module