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py_cpp_pair

Write C++ directly inside Python strings, auto-generate pybind11 bindings, compile on-demand, dynamically load the extension, and inject exported symbols into your Python globals.

Version: 1.0.0

Badges

• PyPI: py_cpp_pair 1.0.0 (import name: py_cpp)
• Python: 3.10–3.13
• Platforms: Windows / Linux / macOS
• CI: GitHub Actions

Install

pip install py-cpp-pair

Import name stays:

import py_cpp as pcp

Quickstart

import py_cpp as pcp

pcp.cpp("""
int add(int a, int b) {
    return a + b;
}
""")

print(add(5, 7))  # 12

Class support

import py_cpp as pcp

pcp.cpp(r"""
class Robot {
public:
    int power = 100;
    Robot() {}
    int attack() { return power * 2; }
};
""")

r = Robot()
print(r.attack())  # 200

Public API

Only these are intended as public:

• pcp.cpp(code: str) -> module
• pcp.install(package: str) -> bool
• pcp.clear_cache() -> None
• pcp.version() -> str

Cross-platform support

OS	Compiler used	Notes
Windows	MinGW-w64 g++ (preferred)	Requires g++ on PATH.
Linux	g++	Requires build tools installed.
macOS	clang++	Requires Xcode Command Line Tools.

Override the compiler via:

# Windows (PowerShell)
$env:PY_CPP_CXX = "g++"

# Windows (cmd.exe)
set PY_CPP_CXX=g++

# Linux/macOS (bash/zsh)
export PY_CPP_CXX=clang++

Optional best-effort auto-install (opt-in):

# Enable by setting an environment variable in your shell.
# The installer logic is OS-aware (Linux/macOS/Windows) and picks the best available path.

# Windows (PowerShell)
$env:PY_CPP_AUTO_INSTALL_COMPILER = "1"

# Windows (cmd.exe)
set PY_CPP_AUTO_INSTALL_COMPILER=1

# Linux/macOS (bash/zsh)
export PY_CPP_AUTO_INSTALL_COMPILER=1

One-shot (only for a single command):

# Windows (PowerShell)
$env:PY_CPP_AUTO_INSTALL_COMPILER="1"; python -c "import py_cpp.toolchain as t; t.ensure_compiler_available(); print('compiler ok')"

# Linux/macOS (bash/zsh)
PY_CPP_AUTO_INSTALL_COMPILER=1 python -c "import py_cpp.toolchain as t; t.ensure_compiler_available(); print('compiler ok')"

Note: after an installer runs, you may need to open a new terminal so PATH updates are visible.

vcpkg package management

Install a C++ library with:

import py_cpp as pcp
pcp.install("fmt")

If the port does not exist:

Sorry, library not found.

py_cpp_pair detects vcpkg via VCPKG_ROOT or PATH. If missing, it can auto-bootstrap by cloning vcpkg (requires Git).

Caching and build layout

py_cpp_pair caches builds by SHA256 hash of the C++ source. Reusing identical code reuses the compiled extension.

Per-user state is stored under PY_CPP_HOME if set, otherwise the OS-default data directory:

• Windows: %LOCALAPPDATA%\\py_cpp
• macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/py_cpp
• Linux: $XDG_DATA_HOME/py_cpp or ~/.local/share/py_cpp

Subfolders:

• builds/: compiled extensions per hash
• cache/: toolchain artifacts (Windows Python import libs)
• logs/: optional logs (enable with PY_CPP_LOG_FILE=1)

Troubleshooting

• ImportError: DLL load failed (Windows): ensure MinGW runtime DLLs are visible. py_cpp_pair adds common DLL dirs automatically, but the compiler bin directory must be on PATH.
• No compiler found: install g++/clang++ and ensure it is on PATH.
• vcpkg bootstrap fails: install Git and retry, or set VCPKG_ROOT to an existing vcpkg checkout.

Performance notes

• Compilation is cached by source hash; repeated calls are fast after the first build.
• For larger projects, prefer fewer, bigger cpp() calls (each call creates a module).

Documentation

See docs/:

• docs/installation.md
• docs/architecture.md
• docs/api.md
• docs/package_manager.md
• docs/troubleshooting.md
• docs/examples.md

Roadmap

• Better symbol detection (still regex-based by design)
• Multiple translation units / headers
• Better vcpkg library auto-linking
• Optional clang-based parsing for richer bindings

Contributing

See CONTRIBUTING.md.