boost::python examples

These are a few examples on how to use the boost::python library to extend Python with C++ libraries. Some of the are based on the existing tutorial for boost::python from Joel de Guzman. Others are independent.

Prerequisites

general

CMake (>= 2.8.3)
Boost (tested with 1.4.2, but should work with >= 1.3.2)
Python (tested with 2.7, but should work with >= 2.2)
a C++ compiler for your platform, e.g. GCC or MinGW

The examples should work on Linux, Windows and Mac, but currently have not been tested under Windows.

Mac OS X with homebrew

There is a special package needed called boost-python. The standard boost package will not be recognized by cmake.

brew install cmake boost-python

Furthermore, for the homebrew python lib to be used, unfortunately the full path has to be given:

cmake -DPYTHON_LIBRARY=/usr/local/Cellar/python/2.7.9/Frameworks/Python.framework/Versions/2.7/lib/libpython2.7.dylib ..

Building

Set the BOOST_ROOT environment variable if Boost is installed in a non-standard directory
create a build directory, e.g. directly in the project directory and cd to it: mkdir build ; cd build
run cmake .. and afterwards make

Alternatively, run the provided build.sh script.

Tests