2024-10-25 –, Workshop Class #2
Language: English
In this workshop, we will cover the very basic of using PyO3 - rust library that package rust crates into Python modules. This is the most popular tool in terms of creating Python libraries with Rust.
In recent years, Rust has been getting more and more popular over other similar programming languages like C and C++ due to its robust compiler checking and ownership rules to make sure memory is safe. Hence there are more and more Python libraries that have been written in Rust natively with a Python API interface. One of the tools that have been driving this movement is PyO3, a toolset that proves Rust bindings for Python and tools for creating native Python extension modules.
In this interactive workshop, we will cover the very basics of using PyO3. There will be hands-on exercises to go from how to set up the project environment to writing a "toy" Python library written in Rust using PyO3. We will cover a lot of expectations of the API provided by PyO3 to create Python functions, modules, handling errors and converting types.
Goal
To give developers who are not familiar with PyO3 an introduction to PyO3 so they can consider building their Python libraries with Rust to make use of Rust's memory-safe property and parallelism ability.
Target audiences
Any developers who are interested in developing Python libraries using Rust. It will be an advantage if the attendees are comfortable writing in Rust. However, attendees are not required to be familiar with Rust as all the Rust codes will be provided. Basic knowledge of Python will be assumed from the attendees.
Outline
Part 1 - introduction and getting started (20 mins)
- What's the difference between Rust and Python (5 mins)
- Why using PyO3 (5 mins)
- Setting up the environment (exercises) (5 mins)
- Starting a new project (exercises) (5 mins)
Part 2 - Creating a simple Python library (40 mins)
- Creating Python modules (exercises) (20 mins)
- Generating documentation
- Creating Python functions (exercises) (20 mins)
- How to create function signatures
- How to deal with errors
Part 3 - Type Conversions (30 mins)
- Introduction to Rust types (10 mins)
- Conversion between Python types and Rust types (exercises) (10 mins)
- Common mistakes and how to avoid (exercises) (10 mins)
After having a career in Data Scientist and Developer Relations, Cheuk dedicated her work to the open-source community and founded CMD Limes, a Python consultants cooperation. She has also co-founded Humble Data, a beginner Python workshop that has been happening around the world. She has served the EuroPython Society board for two years and is now a fellow and director of the Python Software Foundation.