[boost] Boost.Python, embedding and extending, exposing instances

From: thor.arne.johansen_at_[hidden]
Date: 2002-11-25 14:49:32

Hello,

I'm trying to embedd and extend a C++ application.

I was not able to find any good examples of how to do this. From the small
tidbits of information I found, plus browsing the Boost.Python sources, I
tried the following approach (starting from the "getting_started2" example,
with an added main() + other functions):

use bjam -omylog.txt -n -sTOOLS=msvc

To get a log of what exactly goes on when bjam builds the examples. Looking
at the log it seems we have to make som modifications:

Compile step:
     remove    -DBOOST_DYNAMIC_LIB

Link step:
     remove         /DLL
     change         /out: (file extension should be .exe instead of .pyd)
     remove         /implib:* (no need for an import lib for an .exe)

Using these modifications to the command lines we can compile and link an
application.

It seems to work fine. I manually call the init function (whatever
init##name()  expands to in the BOOST_PYTHON_MODULE macro) sometime after
Py_Initialize() init##name(). I can then instatiate objects of classes
defined in C++ in my embedded python script. (There must be a better way to
initialize the module??). I also suspect the application is now exporting
functions and interfaces, but I'm not too worried about that right now.

I would also like to have access to _instances_ of C++ objects. Ie. the
object has already been instantiated in C++, and contains state. I would
like to use this object in an embedded script.

Are there anyone with  ideas, pointers, or examples showing how this can be
done?

Thanx,

--
Thor Arne Johansen
Dept. Manager R&D
Ibas AS