PyPy vs CPython

The cluster centers on debates about Python implementations like PyPy and CPython, particularly PyPy's compatibility issues with CPython's C API and extensions, performance trade-offs, and why CPython remains dominant.

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Keywords

e.g CPU JIT CFFI HipHop PyPy blogspot.com RustPython VM OP cpython python pypy api native code native implementation extensions code cpu

Sample Comments

stefantalpalaru Oct 13, 2012 View on HN

PyPy doesn't support Python's C API. It's more of an exercise in tracing JIT compilation (and crowdfunding various experiments) rather than a CPython replacement.

bdbdhxhdh Aug 4, 2024 View on HN

I curious why you would think so, since CPython is already written in C

ericfrederich Apr 19, 2018 View on HN

Why is this yet another implementation of Python? If C is supported why not use CPython itself?

Kodiologist May 3, 2022 View on HN

Even with PyPy, or Python libraries that are themselves written in C?

msellout Sep 10, 2015 View on HN

Citation needed? It is common for a large Python project to use some modules with C extensions. There are many examples of people able to write more sophisticated programs in Python than C. Comparing PyPy with CPython, the choice of Python enabled writing a JIT compiler.

mikece Mar 7, 2023 View on HN

Is there any chance that a project like RustPython could supplant CPython?

commandersaki Jan 14, 2020 View on HN

Write CPython with an emphasis on C. Then get the speed gains you need.

camdenreslink Dec 8, 2022 View on HN

No need to be afraid. The Python C extension API makes it very hard to make a JIT work well because of how it is implemented. C extensions are also part of why Python is so popular in the first place. If everybody wrote pure Python (like they write pure JavaScript), then the reference implementation would probably look like Pypy.

make3 May 12, 2023 View on HN

the userbase of pypy is a tiny fraction of cpython, likely not worth it

maxerickson Dec 6, 2014 View on HN

PyPy breaks CPython APIs. Python language stuff is very well supported.