- Introduction to Python C Extensions
Understanding why and when to write C extensions for Python.
Overview of Python's C API and its capabilities.
The relationship between Python and C in the context of extension modules.
- Setting Up the Development Environment
Configuring a development environment for C extension development.
Tools and compilers needed for building C extensions.
Creating a basic setup script using distutils or setuptools.
- Basic Structure of a Python C Extension
Anatomy of a Python C extension module.
Defining new Python types (objects) in C.
Writing methods/functions in C and exposing them to Python.
- Data Type Conversion
Converting Python data types to C types and vice versa.
Handling Python objects and reference counting in C.
Managing memory and resource allocation between Python and C.
- Integrating with Python's Runtime
Interfacing with Python's runtime from C: accessing and modifying Python objects.
Error handling and propagating exceptions from C to Python.
- Building and Compiling Extensions
Compiling and building extension modules.
Creating distributable packages containing C extensions.
Platform-specific considerations for compilation.
- Advanced Techniques
Using Cython for easier C extension development.
Optimizing C extensions for performance.
Interfacing with advanced Python features (e.g., async, context managers) in C.
- Debugging and Testing C Extensions
Debugging strategies for C extensions.
Writing unit tests for C extensions in Python.
Ensuring memory safety and leak prevention.
- Real-world Applications
Case studies of popular Python libraries that use C extensions.
Analyzing performance improvements achieved with C extensions.
Best practices in maintaining and distributing C extensions.
- Security and Best Practices
Understanding the security implications of using C extensions.
Best practices for writing safe and maintainable C extension code.
Guidelines for compatibility with different Python versions and environments.