How Can I Seamlessly Use Python Implementations of C Interfaces within a C Program?

Invoking Python Implementations of C Interfaces from Within C

Problem: Bridging the Gap Between C and Python

In a larger C program, you wish to integrate implementations of an existing C interface written in Python, allowing seamless use within the main C context. The goal is to instantiate and invoke these Python-based implementations as if they were native C classes.

Solution: A Two-Part Approach

Part 1: Exposing the Interface to Python:

Utilize SWIG (Simplified Wrapper and Interface Generator) to expose your C interface in a way that facilitates Python overrides. Enable cross-language polymorphism by setting the "director" feature in the SWIG configuration.

Part 2: Embedding Python in the Application:

Approach A: Command-Line Execution:

• Embed Python in your C program using Python.h.
• Import the Python module containing your implementation.
• Instantiate the Python class and call its methods.

Approach B: Direct Invocation from C (Advanced):

• Generate a SWIG runtime header file to access SWIG's C representation of the Python object.
• Create a helper function to convert the Python object to a C interface pointer using SWIG_ConvertPtr.
• Use the converted pointer to invoke the interface methods directly from within C .

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