Can python control complicated classes/objects written in C++

[djw]

Bo Peng wrote:
> Dear Python group:
> 
> I am planning on an application that involves several complicated C++ 
> classes. Basically, there will be one or two big data objects and some 
> "action" objects that can act on the data. I would like to use a script 
> language to control the interaction between these c++ objects.
> 
> I become interested in Python since it can load C++ objects and can even 
> extend C++ classes. However, I am not quite sure to what extent can 
> python do this. Ideally, I would like to have something like
> 
> (pseudo code, not in python)
>  > data = new TData( option1=..., option2=...)
>  > action1 = new TAction(option1=range(1,10)...)
>  > action2 = new TSubAction(option1=sin(5),..., option2=...)
>  > data.run( action1, action2)
>  > data.print
> 
> The benefits here is that I do not have to worry about user-input 
> (python handles functions like range(), and numeric/string operations 
> for me and send them to my objects), running logic (user create the 
> scripts) and need only focus on the objects themselves. It would be 
> better if users can easily extend TAction by themselves, through either 
> Python or C++.
> 
> I am totally new to Python. I have read boost.python, python extension 
> document but still do not know exactly what to do. My questions are:
> 
> 1. can Python fully read/write member data and run member functions of 
> my objects?
> 
> 2. can python pass complicated objects (TAction) to another object (TData)?
> 
> 3. If python can not do this, I will have to create my own scripting 
> language. Given the above pseudo code, any suggestion on how to 
> implement it? I have googgled Qt Script for Application and many other 
> weird implementations but I either do not like the grammar of the script 
> language or the huge overheads.
> 
> Many thanks in advance.
> 
> Bo

I would take a look at PyQT as an example of a "complicated" C++ library 
(Qt) wrapped for Python. Iys uses SIP as the interface generator, but 
other projects would also work for you (SWIG, Boost, etc)

-Don