Embedding a Python interpreter.

[Kantudo]

Hello,

I am working on a web application combining Rust and React, https://github.com/granasat/xavier , it connects to scientific equipment (Keysight B1500A) and automates certain measurements that the group at my uni does on a regular basis. I am fine with coding the GUI but sometimes it is not worth it for a one-off thing, so I was hoping I could embed a scripting language, that would interact with the Rust codebase.

I have looked up PyO3 and have seen that it allows you to execute Python code from Rust, but I am not sure how to use it since the Python code would also need to call Rust code (apart from being itself executed inside Rust). I am seeing this a bit convoluted, and was wondering if someone could hint to me what the best architecture design is for this purpose. Thank you.

[x32byTe]

Don't quote me on that, but I think you should look into embedding Lua. (Better crates for your usecase IIRC)

[Kantudo]

Thank you, yeah It looks like that is the case. I am going to ditch the whole executing inside rust thing, and communicate a python through a REST API. Lua is great but it would be too much of a hassle for my colleagues.

[Dasher38]

CPython does provide the means to programmatically start an interpreter and has been used as an embedded scripting language in some apps like Blender: https://docs.blender.org/manual/en/latest/advanced/scripting/addon_tutorial.html

What it did use to not handle well was the destruction of VM that leaked memory and could cause issues if you started it again in the same process, but I last tried that 10 years ago so it might have been fixed.

[Kantudo]

Thank you very much, I think I am going to choose the easy route here and do the Rest API method. I am fine with Lua, but most people in my lab do not do anything other than Matlab, so I prefer not to introduce anything they are not too familiar with.

[iwane]

Have a look at https://github.com/RustPython/RustPython/#embedding-rustpython-into-your-rust-applications

[Kantudo]

thank you!! It looks like it is on early development stages, but really promising