Slither

Combine the power of IDL and Python with . . .

Download the Slither user manual

Download the sample code for Embedding PyMOL in IDL Applications

Slither enables you to call Python functions and execute Python statements directly from IDL, so you can use the Python standard library, the large number of publicly available Python modules, and your own Python code, directly within your IDL application.

Calling the Python Random function from the IDL Console.

• Python modules and objects are exposed to IDL as IDL objects.
• The Python environment runs in the same process and memory space as IDL, so parameter passing is fast.
• IDL variables are automatically converted to and from Python types.
• IDL arrays are passed to Python by reference.
• Full support for Python threads: threads started in Python continue to run while IDL code is executing or IDL is sitting at the command prompt.
• Automatic garbage collection of Python-based objects, so you can use them within compound statements without leaking memory.

Using the Python Library to load an image, rotate it, and then place it in an IDL array.

Version 2.0 takes advantage of new features in IDL 8 to provide a more natural Python interface. Slither now transparently maps the following IDL features directly to their Python equivalents:

• HELP
• PRINT
• N_ELEMENTS, SIZE
• FOREACH
• Mathematical operators
• Relational operators
• Array (and list) subscripts
• !NULL (empty lists)

For more information, contact us at:

610-644-4485 or slither@jacquette.com