Creating Usable Interfaces: The Basics of SWIG
Developers and programmers often need an integrator to connect code to other programming languages. Simplified Wrapper Interface Generator (SWIG) is a software development tool that takes C/C++ code and connects it with scripting languages such as Perl, Python, Ruby, and Java. SWIG works with existing code and automatically wraps the code to create useable interfaces.
SWIG has its origins in the scientific and engineering community. Because of its history, SWIG does not rely on users having to modify existing code. Therefore, it is an easier and less-time consuming tool for users of all levels.
In addition to its ability to wrap code and create graphical interfaces, SWIG is used to perform the following functions.
• Application Testing – SWIG employs a debugging and testing method to ensure proper placement of C/C++ programs into their scripting environment.
• Systems integration – With its use of extension modules, SWIG easily integrates C/C++ programs with a scripting language. This allows users to create and update existing applications.
• Writing program libraries – SWIG works with C/C++ libraries. Therefore, users have the ability to create scripting language components.
All the above functions speak to SWIG’s ability to increase productivity while giving users the flexibility desired to produce applications. Using SWIG also results in the following benefits for users:
• Because SWIG eliminates the need to for some hand-written interfaces, users decrease their reliance on manually creating script.
• Because users do not have to modify code to use SWIG, it has the ability to provide customizations to support different products. This allows users to develop different interface types to meet application and end-user needs.
SWIG provides a useful tool for those who need to develop applications in different programming languages. The compiler supports all development phases – from creating a product, to testing, debugging and launching. This not only benefits those creating dynamic applications, but users as well.
Performing all of those functions and benefits that you can have using SWIG makes creating useable interface job much more easier and faster.
Related posts: