Cython is an open source optimising static compiler. This means that it can compile normal Python code without changes (with a few exceptions). This is particularly useful with code that’s heavy in maths or runs in tight loops.
Cython is a superset of the Python programming language, designed to give C-like performance with code that is mostly written in Python. Cython is a compiled language that generates CPython extension modules. These extension modules can then be loaded and used by regular Python code using the import statement. Cython makes writing C extensions for the Python language as simple as coding Python code.
Cython is based on the well-known Pyrex, but supports more cutting edge functionality and optimizations.
Features include:
- Write Python code that calls back and forth from and to C or C++ code natively at any point. Cython also has a complete set of declarations for CPython’s C-API.
- Easily tune readable Python code into plain C performance by adding static type declarations. This allows Cython to step out of the dynamic nature of the Python code and generate simpler and faster C code.
- Use combined source code level debugging to find bugs in your Python, Cython and C code. Cython offers an extension for the GNU Debugger that helps users debug Cython code. The Cython debugger comes with a set of commands that support breakpoints, stack inspection, source code listing, stepping, stepping over, etc.
- Interact efficiently with large data sets, e.g. using multi-dimensional NumPy arrays.
- Quickly build your applications within the large, mature and widely used CPython ecosystem.
- Integrate natively with existing code and data from legacy, low-level or high-performance libraries and applications.
- Support for integration with IPython/Jupyter notebooks.
Website: cython.org
Support: Documentation, GitHub, Wiki, FAQ, Mailing List (for users), Mailing List (for developers)
Developer: Stefan Behnel, Robert Bradshaw, Lisandro Dalcín, Mark Florisson, Vitja Makarov, Dag Sverre Seljebotn and many contributors
License: Apache License
Cython is written in Python and C. Learn Python with our recommended free books and free tutorials. Learn C with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
Return to Essential Python Tools
| Popular series | |
|---|---|
 | The largest compilation of the best free and open source software in the universe. Each article is supplied with a legendary ratings chart helping you to make informed decisions. |
 | Hundreds of in-depth reviews offering our unbiased and expert opinion on software. We offer helpful and impartial information. |
 | Replace proprietary software with open source alternatives: Google, Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, IBM, Autodesk, Oracle, Atlassian, Corel, Cisco, Intuit, and SAS. |
 | Awesome Free Linux Games Tools showcases a series of tools that making gaming on Linux a more pleasurable experience. This is a new series. |
 | Machine Learning explores practical applications of machine learning and deep learning from a Linux perspective. We've written reviews of more than 40 self-hosted apps. All are free and open source. |
 | New to Linux? Read our Linux for Starters series. We start right at the basics and teach you everything you need to know to get started with Linux. |
 | Alternatives to popular CLI tools showcases essential tools that are modern replacements for core Linux utilities. |
 | Essential Linux system tools focuses on small, indispensable utilities, useful for system administrators as well as regular users. |
 | Linux utilities to maximise your productivity. Small, indispensable tools, useful for anyone running a Linux machine. |
 | Surveys popular streaming services from a Linux perspective: Amazon Music Unlimited, Myuzi, Spotify, Deezer, Tidal. |
 | Saving Money with Linux looks at how you can reduce your energy bills running Linux. |
 | Home computers became commonplace in the 1980s. Emulate home computers including the Commodore 64, Amiga, Atari ST, ZX81, Amstrad CPC, and ZX Spectrum. |
 | Now and Then examines how promising open source software fared over the years. It can be a bumpy ride. |
 | Linux at Home looks at a range of home activities where Linux can play its part, making the most of our time at home, keeping active and engaged. |
 | Linux Candy reveals the lighter side of Linux. Have some fun and escape from the daily drudgery. |
 | Getting Started with Docker helps you master Docker, a set of platform as a service products that delivers software in packages called containers. |
 | Best Free Android Apps. We showcase free Android apps that are definitely worth downloading. There's a strict eligibility criteria for inclusion in this series. |
 | These best free books accelerate your learning of every programming language. Learn a new language today! |
 | These free tutorials offer the perfect tonic to our free programming books series. |
 | Linux Around The World showcases usergroups that are relevant to Linux enthusiasts. Great ways to meet up with fellow enthusiasts. |
 | Stars and Stripes is an occasional series looking at the impact of Linux in the USA. |