[Cython] Rewriting/compiling parts of CPython's stdlib in Cython

[Sturla Molden]

Den 25.03.2011 19:03, skrev Robert Bradshaw:
>
>>> Looking at Guido's comment, Cython must be able to compile all valid
>>> Python if this will have any chance of success.
> Good thing that's our goal (pending an actual definition of "all valid Python.")
>

In lack of a Python language specification it can be hard to tell 
implementation details from syntax. It sounded though as if Guido was 
worried about Cython's compatibility with Python, and maybe the Cython 
dev team's attitude to Python compatibility.

Also don't think Cython's main strength in this context was properly 
clarified in the debate. It is easy to over-focus on "speed", when it's 
really a matter of "writing Python C extensions easily" -- i.e. without 
knowing (a lot) about Python's C API, not having to worry about 
reference counting, and the possibility of using Python code as 
prototype. Cython is, without comparison, the easiest way of writing C 
extensions for Python. FWIW, it's easier to use Cython than ctypes. 
Using Cython instead of the C API will also avoid many programming 
errors, because a compiler does fewer mistakes than a human. Those 
aspects are important to communicate, not just "Cython can be as fast as 
C++".

Sturla