Python as an embedded extension language

[Raphaël Berbain]

Hi,

I am quite new to the python language (a couple of days, really).  So
please be nice, I can commit huge mistakes quite easily.  I came
across it because I am looking for an extension language for a
C++-based application I am writing.  Here are the points that caught
my eyes :

- Python is simple and readable (If I understand correctly, these are
  design goals).

- Functions are first class objects.

- Interfaces well with C++ (thinking of using the Boost python lib) -
  I found a lot a languages that interface with C, but much less with
  C++.

- Well documented.

- Large and active community.

Now before I invest any further into Python I have a couple of
questions :

- Licensing issues:  Python license (2.2.1) seems to be quite
  permissive.  From what I read, it seems I can do pretty much
  anything with Python, as long as I leave copyright notices and
  explain my modifications.  For the moment, I am thinking of some
  kind of BSD-type license for my own code.  Would this be working
  together ? (see below for how I plan to use Python in more details).

- I'd like to embed Python in my app statically, maybe with some
  modifications.  Primary goals are that it only includes needed
  features and that it doesn't interfere or depend on a user random
  Python installation.  Is that doable ?  I mean, pruning the python
  base install to the strict minimum and completely isolate my app
  from any existing python installation on the system ?

- Would this kind of manipulation enlarge by any significant amount
  the embedding app size and/or memory footprint ?  Incidentally,
  what is the garbage collecting scheme used by Python ?  More
  generally, is there any studies about Python memory usage ?

- I read here and there that Python is really slow.  That's ok with
  me, I am not a speed freak (especially given that if I need speed,
  there's always the C++ side of the app).  Does anyone have relevant
  figures about Python speed ?

- I also read that Python can vary a lot between versions.  What is
  people experience with this ?  This might not be an actual problem
  in this case, since I intend to include Python statically in the
  app, so I can always stay with a version that works instead of
  being forced to support the last version.  Still, it would be nice
  to know.

- Is there a way to enter the debugger when some run-time error is
  encountered (a bit like the Emacs elisp debugger, when
  debug-on-error is t).  This may not be needed, since for the moment
  I foresee a much more closed system than the Emacs' one, but this
  would still be convenient.

More generally, I would be interested in hearing people's experience
with embedding Python, especially with C++ (Boost python lib
impressions wlecome).

Thanks for your attention.

-- 
Raphaël