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+.. Copyright David Abrahams 2006. Distributed under the Boost
+.. Software License, Version 1.0. (See accompanying
+.. file LICENSE_1_0.txt or copy at
+.. http://www.boost.org/LICENSE_1_0.txt)
+
+==============================================
+ |(logo)|__ Boost.Python Build and Test HOWTO
+==============================================
+
+.. |(logo)| image:: ../boost.png
+   :alt: Boost C++ Libraries:
+   :class: boost-logo
+
+__ ../index.htm
+
+
+.. section-numbering::
+   :depth: 2
+
+.. contents:: Contents
+   :depth: 2
+   :class: sidebar small
+
+.. |newer| replace:: *newer*
+
+Requirements
+============
+
+Boost.Python requires `Python 2.2`_ *or* |newer|__.
+
+.. _Python 2.2: http://www.python.org/2.2
+__ http://www.python.org
+
+Background
+==========
+
+There are two basic models for combining C++ and Python:
+
+- extending_, in which the end-user launches the Python
+  interpreter executable and imports Python “extension modules”
+  written in C++.  Think of providing libraries written in C++ for
+  Python programmers to use.  From Python, these modules look just
+  like regular Python modules.
+
+- embedding_, in which the end-user launches a program written
+  in C++ that in turn invokes the Python interpreter as a library
+  subroutine.  Think of adding scriptability to an existing
+  application.
+
+.. _extending: http://www.python.org/doc/current/ext/intro.html
+.. _embedding: http://www.python.org/doc/current/ext/embedding.html
+
+The key distinction between extending and embedding is the location
+of C++' ``main()`` function: in the Python interpreter executable,
+or in some other program, respectively.  Note that even when
+embedding Python in another program, `extension modules are often the best
+way to give Python code access to C/C++ functionality`__, so the use
+of extension modules is really at the heart of both models.
+
+__ http://www.python.org/doc/current/ext/extending-with-embedding.html
+
+Except in rare cases, extension modules are built as
+dynamically-loaded libraries with a single entry point, which means
+you can change them without recompiling either the other extension
+modules or the executable containing ``main()``.
+
+Choosing a Boost.Python Library Binary
+======================================
+
+Boost.Python extension modules draw on the services of the
+Boost.Python library binary.  Since Boost.Python is a
+separately-compiled (as opposed to `header-only`_) library, it
+comes in both static and dynamic flavors.  Take care to choose the
+right flavor for your application.  The dynamic library is the
+safest and most-versatile choice:
+
+- A single copy of the library code is used by all extension
+  modules built with a given toolset.
+
+- The library contains a type conversion registry.  Because one
+  registry is shared among all extension modules, a instances of a
+  class exposed to Python in one dynamically-loaded extension
+  module can be passed to functions exposed in another such module.
+
+It is appropriate to use the static Boost.Python library in any of
+the following cases:
+
+- You are extending_ python and the types exposed in your
+  dynamically-loaded extension module don't need to be used by any
+  other Boost.Python extension modules, and you don't care if the
+  core library code is duplicated among them.
+
+- You are embedding_ python in your application and either:
+
+  - You are targeting a Unix variant OS, where the
+    dynamically-loaded extension modules can “see” the Boost.Python
+    library symbols that are part of the executable.
+
+  - You have statically linked some Boost.Python extension modules
+    into your application and you don't care if any
+    dynamically-loaded Boost.Python extension modules can use the
+    types exposed by your statically-linked extension modules (and
+    vice-versa).
+
+.. _header-only: ../../../more/getting_started.html#header-only-libraries
+
+Although they are supported under Boost.Python, we're not going to
+cover the esoteric case of statically-linked extension modules here
+in detail.
+
+