[C++-SIG] Python calling C++ issues

[skaller]

David Beazley wrote:
> 
> > There's no guarantee of most types in C++, only that a long is at least
> > 1 byte.
> 
> >From K & R, 2nd ed., 2:2, verse 8, p. 36:
> 
> "Each compiler is free to choose appropriate sizes for its own
> hardware, subject only to the restriction that shorts and ints are at
> least 16 bits, longs are at least 32 bits, and short is no longer than
> int, which is no longer than long."

Those limits do NOT apply to C++: there is NO requirement on the
number of bits, except that it be documented by the vendor.
[The comparative length requirements apply]

The conversion of pointers to ints is not supported in C++:
more precisely, the cast MAY be implemented by the vendor,
if so, the vendor must document it, and it MUST hold
the whole pointer so that:

	(void*)(long)(void*) p == p

For those using C Python sources with C++, there are two
gotchas.

	1)  Enumerations are NOT integers in C++
		[Luckily, Guido doesn't use them much]

	2) The very core of Python contains a serious
		breach of C++ rules: it casts functions
		pointers, which is NOT allowed AT ALL.

[I'm responsible for that rule!]

Luckily, this actually works on most C++ compilers.
To Guido's credit, it is the only breach of strict
ISO C++ Standards compliance I'm aware of.

[In fact, there is a way around it .. but Guido has
chosen not to use that technique]

If I can give a summary: the Python core language source
code is in EXCELLENT shape as a C++ program.

-- 
John Skaller, mailto:skaller at maxtal.com.au
10/1 Toxteth Rd Glebe NSW 2037 Australia
homepage: http://www.maxtal.com.au/~skaller
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