[python-win32] SMIEngine(COM)

[Tim Roberts]

takeshi ikeya wrote:
>
> I'm not familiar with COM, but Animatics'manual about SMIengine
> explains every objects and their interfaces.
> So I think, if I can get an instance of them, I can try and go ahead..
> I also contacted with Animatics engineer through their agent.
> ...
> And they asked
>
> "Why not use  C++ ?"

That's a very poor excuse for an answer on their part, since their web
site SPECIFICALLY says this:

    SMIEngine is based on the Windows Component Object Model (COM) and
    works with:

      * Microsoft C++
      * Borland C++
      * Microsoft Visual Basic (VB)
      * VBA (Visual Basic for Applications)
      * MS.Net environment
      * Borland Delphi
      * Pascal
      * Python
      * LabView (when installed as an Active-X component)


>
> They adviced using 'ctypes', but I think 'ctypes' is for ordinary DLL.
> The 'ctypes' can't handle COM, and can't create an instance.
>
> Or, their advice is right ?
> I should use 'ctypes' ?

You are correct, they are wrong.  ctypes is for normal DLLs.  There is a
"comtypes" module that provides a ctypes-like interface for COM objects,
but that should not be necessary.  Their web site advertises Python
support.  They ought to be able to tell you how to do it.

-- 
Tim Roberts, timr at probo.com
Providenza & Boekelheide, Inc.