Python and C have long been connected in many ways. The main Python interpreter itself is written in C, and numerous third-party libraries for Python wrap C code to boost performance. Now, a new project called PythoC offers a fresh way to generate C code directly from Python. Unlike traditional tools, PythoC focuses on creating standalone C programs, not just Python extensions, with advanced compile-time features.

How PythoC Works

PythoC uses type-hinted Python code to automatically generate C code. Developers mark functions for conversion using a special decorator, and provide type hints for parameters and return values. For example, instead of using Python’s native integers, which are arbitrary-sized, PythoC requires specific type hints like i32 for 32-bit integers. When the code runs, PythoC compiles the specified functions into C on the fly, then executes them, resulting in a delay but ensuring the C code is always up to date.

This approach differs from tools like Cython, which generate C extension modules that are imported into Python. PythoC’s design focuses on producing independent C programs that run outside of Python, making it ideal for creating fast, standalone executables. Currently, it doesn’t support reusing compiled code within Python, but that’s by design, emphasizing code generation for separate C programs rather than embedded modules.

Creating Standalone C Programs with PythoC

One of PythoC’s unique features is the ability to generate complete C executables directly from Python code. By calling a special function, compile_to_executable(), the current Python module is transformed into a C program, with all functions decorated for compilation included. The entry point of this program is a main() function that matches the typical C signature, allowing the generated program to run just like a hand-written C program.

For example, a simple Python script can define functions for addition and a main() routine that prints the result. When compile_to_executable() is called, it produces a standalone executable, which appears in a build directory. The user then runs this executable manually. The aim is to let developers write C-like programs using Python syntax, then compile and run them natively without needing to write C code directly.

This process simplifies creating high-performance C programs, making it accessible for Python developers who want to generate efficient, standalone software. Although PythoC is still in early development, its current features demonstrate a promising approach to seamless C code generation from Python scripts.

Inspired by

• https://www.infoworld.com/article/4101101/pythoc-a-new-way-to-generate-c-code-from-python.html

Sources

• github.com