feature request - python interface

[sandeep026]

Is it possible to have PSOPT called and used in python via any interface ? It could bring the reach of the solver to non-C++ users too.

[pdo5699]

I second this request. All my research code is in Python because it is such an easy to understand language and is quick to amend. This is probably the primary hurdle which has kept me from using PSOPT for my research, so far. I know in issue #35, Dr. Becerra notes that the main hang-up is due to PSOPT requiring ADOL-C for the symbolic automatic differentiation. If a supported python wrapper isn't planned for the PSOPT project, there do seem to be other wrappers between Python and ADOL-C out there:

• SWIG
• pyadolc
• ADOL-py -looks to be no longer supported-

[vmbecerra]

Dear both,

Yes, I agree a Python interface would be very nice to have. Thank you for pointing out the wrappers for ADOL-C. I will take a look and investigate the possibilities. It may be possible after all.

Best wishes, Victor Becerra

[sandeep026]

@vmbecerra , there is also casadi an open-source C++ based library for auto diff. too. It has interfaces to various languages (python , matlab, octave) and os (windows,mac and Linux). It uses different types of symbolics to construct expression and exploits sparsity in the process while computing derivatives. My knowledge in c++ is limited at the moment but I am more than happy to help.

[schulz0r]

I'd recommend SWIG. It has CMake support, but it takes some time to understand.