[C++-sig] wrapping xbase library

[jim]

Sirs:

I maintain a production data system written in Clipper.  Clipper having been 
abandoned by Computer associates, I would like to be able to do things in 
python -- which will require using the existing xbase data structure for the 
time being.  Suggestions that I move the data system to postgresql or 
mysql... are not useful at this time.  I must work with the xbase files for 
the time being because so much of the system must use them.  And I require a 
real time two way dialog between the new and the old.

I need to be able to manipulate xbase dbf, dbt and ntx files -- data files, 
memo files and index files -- in much the same fashion that clipper does it.
Shared files, record locking, update index files if key fields change ...

If I can get the above, most else is negotiable.

The xbase c++ library appears to be such an interface and I have been trying 
to create a python module from that library.  I only need a small subset of 
the actual library functions although having access to them all would be a 
good thing.  

I am soliciting assistance in this project -- paid or otherwise.  I will be 
more than willing to do the grunt work, but it seems as if I need some 
coaching to get some of the hooks from the xbase library into python.
I would expect that the results would be offered to the community under the 
gpl or python license -- altho again, if I get the modules built I need to do 
the job, most else is negotiable.

If I am suggesting things that are outside the accepted procedurs in this 
group and community, coaching on means and methods would be quite welcome.  
Again, methods and language are not important to me.  A useable pyxbase 
module is the goal.

Thanks in advance,
Jim Hurlburt 
Yakima, WA