Issues in compiling Python to machine code

[Harald Massa]

Johnathan 

> Are there any reasons why Python would be *impossible* to compile?

there is quite a FAQ to this question :)))

Why is there no Python compiler ?
 - because when it was time to do so, it was not possible to get a 
diploma for creating a compiler, so sufficent motivation was not 
available.


Actually there are some projects towards a "python compiler":

look at:

http://codespeak.net/pypy/

-> Python in Python

http://psyco.sourceforge.net/

-> Python special compiler. Creates x86 machine code out of Python "on 
the fly"

http://web.mit.edu/msalib/www/urop/

Starkiller is some project to deal with types in Python

http://ironpython.com/

Jim Hugunin is doing a projekt for "Python 'compilation' to the .NET / 
MONO platform"


Maybe it could be valuable to you to visit EuroPython 
(http://www.europython.org/, the biggest Python Conference without US 
travelling restrictions. Especially

http://www.europython.org/conferences/epc2004/info/talks/refereed/msalib0
1

http://www.europython.org/conferences/epc2004/info/talks/python_language/
arigo02

http://www.europython.org/conferences/epc2004/info/talks/python_language/
arigo01

may be of great interest for you. Registration is still open, you can 
attend for 220€ normal fee. 


Harald