Professional IronPython

Python language requirements: IronPython may not support every feature that the static 
language supports. For example, you may find that IronPython doesn’t support a particular 
static language operator, such as the 
++
operator.
➤
➤
IronPython developer mentality: An extension that performs tasks in a way that runs completely 
counter to the way that an IronPython developer normally does them isn’t very useful, because 
the IronPython developer will have to think too hard about using the extension. The best kind of 
extension is one that feels natural to the IronPython developer.
➤
➤
Flexibility: An extension should provide some significant advantage in flexibility. When you 
write an extension, write it with the benefit to the IronPython developer in mind, not simply 
because the functionality the extension provides is interesting.
The one factor that you don’t need to consider is whether something is doable. Normally, if you can 
perform a task with the static language you want to use to build the extension, then you can do it with 
IronPython as well. Sometimes, you have to massage the data or present the technique in a way that 
doesn’t match your normal methodology, but you can normally perform the task with a bit of effort.
548592c16.indd 326
2/24/10 12:49:20 PM
www.finebook.ir

---

Considering IronPython and Static Language Differences
 
❘
 
327
CoNSIdERINg IRoNPyTHoN ANd STATIC
LANgUAgE dIffERENCES
IronPython is a dynamic language (a language that does things like decide variable type at run time, 
which is contrasted with a static language that decides everything during compile time). As such, it 
has some significant advantages for the human developer that a static language can’t provide. It’s true 
that the concept of language is foreign to the computer, but the human developer relies on certain 
characteristics of language to accomplish tasks quickly and with few errors. Consequently, as part of 
defining the reason to use an extension, you must consider the differences between IronPython and 
the static language of your choice.