Faster Python apps
Nuitka
Nuitka is a Python compiler written in Python, so it should work in all the different versions of Python (i.e., 2.6 through 3.9). Because Nuitka compiles Python code to C code, it has two requirements: A C compiler and Python must be installed on the machine where the application is being compiled.
Nuitka works on Linux, macOS, and Windows. For Linux, the GCC compiler is the default (5.1 or later). The Clang compiler is used on macOS, and the MinGW64 or Visual Studio 2019 compilers can be used for Windows. The Nuitka User Manual [5] discusses situations in which you might need to use a higher version of Python.
To install Nuitka and compile a test project (e.g., mytest.py
), simply enter:
python -m pip install nuitka python -m nuitka mytest.py
The Nuitka compiled program will be mytest.bin
in Linux, mytest
on macOS, and mytest.exe
in Windows.
I found that Nuitka had no problem with GUI libraries like tkinter, PySimpleGUI, and tk_tools.
Reusing Older Hardware
Python performance improvements with PyPy and Nuitka mean you can reuse some of the older Raspberry Pi and OpenWRT hardware (Figure 2). Unlike Nuitka, PyPy doesn't support the RPi.GPIO library, but a simple workaround is to shell out to the gpio
utility. An example to setup/write to/read from GPIO pin 7 with PyPy is shown in Listing 2.
Listing 2
PyPy and GPIO
§§noumber $ pypy3 Python 3.5.3 (7.0.0+dfsg-3, Mar 03 2019, 06:11:22) >>>> import os >>>> ret = os.system("gpio mode 7 output") >>>> ret = os.system("gpio write 7 1") >>>> ret = os.system("gpio read 7") 1
I had good success on a sailboat project that used a Raspberry Pi Zero W. With PyPy, I noticed some improved performance with the Python Bottle web framework. The control of the rudder was shelled out to the gpio utility.
Conclusion
A number of other options can make Python code run faster (e.g., Pyston and Cython), but I found PyPy and Nuitka to be the best supported.
Infos
- PyPy: https://www.pypy.org
- Nuitka: http://nuitka.net/
- PyPy package compatibility: http://packages.pypy.org
- PyPy3 plus virtualenv: https://techoverflow.net/2019/11/21/how-to-install-pypy3-on-the-raspberry-pi/
- Nuitka User Manual: https://nuitka.net/doc/user-manual.html#requirements
« Previous 1 2
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
So Long Neofetch and Thanks for the Info
Today is a day that every Linux user who enjoys bragging about their system(s) will mourn, as Neofetch has come to an end.
-
Ubuntu 24.04 Comes with a “Flaw"
If you're thinking you might want to upgrade from your current Ubuntu release to the latest, there's something you might want to consider before doing so.
-
Canonical Releases Ubuntu 24.04
After a brief pause because of the XZ vulnerability, Ubuntu 24.04 is now available for install.
-
Linux Servers Targeted by Akira Ransomware
A group of bad actors who have already extorted $42 million have their sights set on the Linux platform.
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.
-
XZ Gets the All-Clear
The back door xz vulnerability has been officially reverted for Fedora 40 and versions 38 and 39 were never affected.
-
Canonical Collaborates with Qualcomm on New Venture
This new joint effort is geared toward bringing Ubuntu and Ubuntu Core to Qualcomm-powered devices.
-
Kodi 21.0 Open-Source Entertainment Hub Released
After a year of development, the award-winning Kodi cross-platform, media center software is now available with many new additions and improvements.
-
Linux Usage Increases in Two Key Areas
If market share is your thing, you'll be happy to know that Linux is on the rise in two areas that, if they keep climbing, could have serious meaning for Linux's future.
-
Vulnerability Discovered in xz Libraries
An urgent alert for Fedora 40 has been posted and users should pay attention.