2. Generator Overview

In a few words, the Generator is a utility that parses a collection of header and typesystem files, generating other files (code, documentation, etc.) as result.

2.1. Creating new bindings

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Creating new bindings

Each module of the generator system has an specific role.

  1. Provide enough data about the classes and functions.
  2. Generate valid code, with modifications from typesystems and injected codes.
  3. Modify the API to expose the objects in a way that fits you target language best.
  4. Insert customizations where handwritten code is needed.
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Runtime architecture

The newly created binding will run on top of Boost.Python library which takes care of interfacing Python and the underlying C++ library.

2.2. Handwritten inputs

Creating new bindings involves creating two pieces of “code”: the typesystem and the inject code.

typesystem:XML files that provides the developer with a tool to customize the way that the generators will see the classes and functions. For example, functions can be renamed, have its signature changed and many other actions.
inject code:allows the developer to insert handwritten code where the generated code is not suitable or needs some customization.