Python processing of an input byte stream

[apighin at my-deja.com]

First off, I have to admit that I am entirely new
to Python.  I had been looking at possible ways
of approaching a task (to be outlined soon) and
had more or less settled on Perl, when it was
suggested: 'NO! Python, Python, Python! It's MUCH
better.'  So here I am, eliciting help.

Here is what I am trying to accomplish:  I am
trying to do processing on an incoming byte
stream, according to a template.  The template
would, in my mind (but not necessarily) be
something similar to the 'printf' formatting
codes for C.  The input byte stream would be
continuous, so the Python module should expect an
EOF, similar to running 'tail -f'.

For example, an input byte of '0x1' might
translate to 'Function (main) initialized'.  An
input byte might translate to 'A key was pressed,
that key was ?' where ? would come from the next
byte in the stream.  This means that the routine
would need to have an understanding that some
mappings have parameters associated, and other do
not.  This is sort of turning into an FSM.

I took a quick look at Compiling Little Languages
in Python (John Aycock) from the www.python.org
Website, and that outlines one possible direction.

I'd really like to know if this is Python's
forte, if I should look somewhere else (where!?),
and best of all, if this is already done!

Thanks very much in advance,
Anthony


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