Linux/Unix > Python Essential Reference, Second Edition > B. Extending and Embedding Python > Extension Building Tools | See All Titles

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### Extension Building Tools

A number of tools are available to simplify the construction of Python extensions.

#### Extension Classes

Extension classes, written by Jim Fulton and available at http://www.digicool.com/releases/ExtensionClass/, provide a mechanism for defining extension types that are more class-like. In particular, they can be subclassed in C or Python, and provide better interaction with documentation strings and other aspects of the interpreter.

#### `CXX`

The `CXX` extension, developed by Paul Dubois, simplifies the process of creating extension modules in C++ (http://cxx.sourceforge.net).

#### `pyfort`

`pyfort`, also developed by Paul Dubois, can be used to build Python extension modules from Fortran code. Details are available at http://pyfortran.sourceforge.net.

#### `f2py`

`f2py` is a Fortran-to-Python interface generator developed by Pearu Peterson. Details are available at http://cens.ioc.ee/projects/f2py2e/.

#### Boost Python Library

The Boost Python Library provides a tool for wrapping C++ libraries into Python extensions. The library provides a number of advanced features, including support for overloaded functions and operators. Details are available at http://www.boost.org/libs/python/doc/index.html.

#### `SWIG`

`SWIG` (Simplified Wrapper and Interface Generator), developed by the author and available at http://www.swig.org, can be used to create Python extensions automatically from annotated C header files.

| Last updated on 3/28/2002 Python Essential Reference, Second Edition, © 2002 New Riders Publishing

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© 2002, O'Reilly & Associates, Inc.