| Functions

In this chapter, we'll look at Boost.Python powered functions in closer detail. We shall see some facilities to make exposing C++ functions to Python safe from potential pifalls such as dangling pointers and references. We shall also see facilities that will make it even easier for us to expose C++ functions that take advantage of C++ features such as overloading and default arguments.

> Read on...

But before you do, you might want to fire up Python 2.2 or later and type `>>> import this`.

`

        >>> import this
        The Zen of Python, by Tim Peters
        Beautiful is better than ugly.
        Explicit is better than implicit.
        Simple is better than complex.
        Complex is better than complicated.
        Flat is better than nested.
        Sparse is better than dense.
        Readability counts.
        Special cases aren't special enough to break the rules.
        Although practicality beats purity.
        Errors should never pass silently.
        Unless explicitly silenced.
        In the face of ambiguity, refuse the temptation to guess.
        There should be one-- and preferably only one --obvious way to do it
        Although that way may not be obvious at first unless you're Dutch.
        Now is better than never.
        Although never is often better than *right* now.
        If the implementation is hard to explain, it's a bad idea.
        If the implementation is easy to explain, it may be a good idea.
        Namespaces are one honking great idea -- let's do more of those!

`

Copyright © 2002 David Abrahams
Copyright © 2002 Joel de Guzman
Permission to copy, use, modify, sell and distribute this document is granted provided this copyright notice appears in all copies. This document is provided "as is" without express or implied warranty, and with no claim as to its suitability for any purpose.