A quick introduction to psyco: The Python Compiler

1
A quick introduction topsyco The Python
Compiler

• Geoff Davis
• Triangle ZPUG
• December 6

2
What is psyco?

• Open source python compiler
• http//psyco.sourceforge.net
• Very easy to use
• Only works on 32-bit x86 processors
• (or 64 bit in 32-bit compatibility mode)

3
How to use psyco

• Quick overview
• import psyco
• psyco.full()
• Thats it!
• psyco then takes over
• DEMO

4
Play nice with Macs

• If distributing code for mixed platforms, put
  code in a try block
• try
• import psyco
• psyco.full()
• except
• pass

5
Use psyco selectively

• psyco tries to compile everything
• Not always useful
• Compilation overhead
• Uses lots of memory
• Disables pdb
• Can use psyco more selectively

6
Precision psyco

• Can tell psyco to compile individual functions
• E.g. SpeedPack
• Profiled everything in CMF, then compiled slowest
  methods with psyco
• Can have both compiled and uncompiled versions
• fastfunction psyco.proxy(slowfunction)
• DEMO

7
Plug for 10 minute talks

• Easy to put together! Took me 1 hour
• Lots of stuff would be useful in this format
• Editors / IDEs
• Debugging tools
• Plone/Zope products
• Pure python products
• No need for a huge, involved presentation
• Please volunteer!