wrapping C functions in python

[Jaap Spies]

Paul Anton Letnes wrote:
> Hi, and thanks.
> 
> 
> However, being a newbie, I now have to ask: What is SWIG? I have heard 
> the name before, but haven't understood what it is, why I need it, or 
> similar. Could you please supply some hints?
> 
[...]
>>>
>>> I am a "scientific" user of Python, and hence have to write some 
>>> performance
>>> critical algorithms. Right now, I am learning Python, so this is a 
>>> "newbie"
>>> question.
>>>
>>> I would like to wrap some heavy C functions inside Python, 
>>> specifically a
>>> wavelet transform. I am beginning to become aquainted with the functions
>>> PyArg_ParseTuple() and Py_BuildValue(). However, I am unable to 
>>> figure out
>>> how to pass Python list -> C function or C array -> return value in 
>>> Python.
>>> I manage to build and run the C function, print to screen, pass 
>>> string as
>>> argument, return an int, etc. The thing which is missing is the magic
>>> array/list...
>>>
>>>
>>> Thanks in advance! I fart in your general direction.
>>> Paul.

Maybe you should have a look at Cython:

http://www.cython.org/

and Sage:

http://www.sagemath.org/

Jaap