Embedding Python on the Mac

Note: if you have a binary-only release of MacPython you will not have this demo installed. Install the developer option (in the standard installer) or go to Jack's MacPython Page to download either a source release if you want to embed Python in other applications.

Embedding Python on the mac is pretty similar to embedding it on other platforms, but a few points need mentioning:

You call PyMac_Initialize() in stead of Py_Initialize(). The prototype is in macglue.h. This call initializes the toolbox, GUSI (if needed), sets up the correct resource files and calls Py_Initialize.
You have to be consequent in your use of GUSI. If the library uses it so should your program and vice versa.
The console-behaviour (close-on-exit, etc) is controlled by Python, but you are of course free to change that after calling PyMac_Initialize().

The Python environment is started with a dummy argc and argv, and initial startup options are obtained through the usual means, except that the user pression the option-key will not result in an interactive dialog. You can, however, set startup options on your program in the same way as you do for applets, by dragging your application to EditPythonPrefs.

The most logical way to embed Python is to link it against the shared library PythonCore. An example project and source can be found in the embed folder.

Note: you may think that you do not have the project file PythonCore but actually you do: the standard installation process deposits it in the Extensions folder in the system folder under the name PythonCore version. Add that file to the project replacing PythonCore.