I am currently learning how to write Python (v3.5) extension modules using the Python C API. Some operations, like fast numerical work, are best done in C, while other operations, like string manipulation, are far easier to implement in Python. Is there an agreed-upon way to use both Python and C code to define a new type?
For example, I've written a Matrix type in C that supports basic storage and arithmetic operations. I want to define the Matrix.__str__ using Python, where string manipulations are much easier and I don't need to worry about cstrings.
I attempted to define the __str__ method when the module loads in __init__.py as follows:
from mymodule._mymodule import Matrix;
def as_str(self):
print("This is a matrix!");
Matrix.__str__ = as_str;
When I run this code, I get a TypeError: can't set attributes of built-in/extension type 'matey.Matrix'. Is there an acceptable way to do this? If the solution is to subclass Matrix instead, what is the best way to keep my C base classes / Python subclasses organized within a module?
Personally, I wouldn't try and do object-oriented stuff in C. I'd stick to writing a module which exposes some (stateless) functions.
If I wanted the Python interface to be object oriented, I'd write a class in Python which imports that (C extension) module and consumes functions from it. Maintaining of any state would all be done in Python.