From Python to C++

[bernard5BABD]

Hello,

I have an add-in written in Python, which has been downloaded numerous times. I am thinking about expanding it (or writing a new one based on it), but I would like the new version to be paid for. I believe that to protect the code, I have to write in C++ and compile it. 

Is there a way to "translate" Python to C++, or should I prepare myself to rewrite everything in C++?
The correlative question follows: is there a way to compile and protect Python code? I know you can compile it for standalone programs, but not sure with Fusion 360 API.

Thanks for your help, advice, pointers, and best regards,

Bernard

[JeromeBriot · Accepted solution]

Hello,

---

@bernard5BABD  a écrit :

Is there a way to "translate" Python to C++,

---

AFAIK, no.

---

@bernard5BABD  a écrit :

should I prepare myself to rewrite everything in C++?

Well, that depends on your skill in C++ programming. Distribute compiled C++ code is the safer way for sure. But does it worth the effort and the time spent in rewriting the all code ?

---

@bernard5BABD  a écrit :

 is there a way to compile and protect Python code?

---

You can compile Python code in .pyc files using compileall or py_compile modules. The .pyc files are binary files not readable by humans (read limitations here: Important Python Version Change Information).

I attached a script example to this message.

First I wrote the code in the source/message.py file. Then I opened a terminal, I went to the folder where the py file is, and I runnned the following command (replace <USERNAME> and <FUSION360INSTALLID>)

 :

C:\Users\<USERNAME>\AppData\Local\Autodesk\webdeploy\production\<FUSION360INSTALLID>\Python\python.exe -m py_compile message.py

The __pycache__ folder was then created with the .pyc file inside. I copied the file message.cpython-37.pyc in the root folder and I renamed it as message.pyc

Here is the script that calls the pyc file:

import adsk.core, adsk.fusion, adsk.cam, traceback

from . import message

def run(context):

    app = adsk.core.Application.get()
    ui  = app.userInterface

    try:

        message.hello()

    except:
        if ui:
            ui.messageBox('Failed:\n{}'.format(traceback.format_exc()))

Don't forget to remove the source file when you distribute the add-in.

All the process can be automated using more Python code. But I keep it short here…

Hope it helps.

[bernard5BABD]

Thank you Jérôme. I'll look at this solution as soon as I have some time..... 😉