Professional IronPython™

Chapter 6. Using the Python Standard Library

WHAT'S IN THIS CHAPTER?

• Understanding what the Standard Library can do for you

• Getting a copy of the Standard Library for your system

• Using the Standard Library from within IronPython

• Working with the Standard Library

The Python Standard Library is the centerpiece of any IronPython you want to create of any complexity. If you want to ensure that your IronPython application will run on other platforms using other Python interpreters, then you need to stick with the functionality that the Standard Library provides and avoid the temptation to use .NET features (see Chapter 7 for details) in your application. Of course, the first thing you'll want to do is discover what the Standard Library can do for you — perhaps it contains everything you need and falling back on .NET won't be a problem.

Interestingly enough, IronPython does ship with a version of the Standard Library that's been tuned for maximum compatibility with IronPython. Of course, the problem word in that previous sentence is "tuned." If you want to ensure maximum compatibility outside the IronPython environment, you must download a copy of the Python Standard Library, install it on your machine, and use it in place of the IronPython equivalent. It's also important to know that the IronPython version of the Standard Library isn't complete. You won't have all the functionality that other Python developers have unless you use the Python Standard Library.

Whichever version of the Standard ...