IronPython

IronPython is an implementation of the Python programming language that runs on the .NET Framework and the Mono runtime. It compiles Python code to the .NET Common Language Runtime (CLR) and integrates with .NET libraries, enabling Python developers to use existing .NET components from Python and to expose Python code to other .NET languages.

It is designed to be embedded as a scripting engine in .NET applications and to support cross-language development. IronPython leverages the Dynamic Language Runtime (DLR) to support the dynamic features of Python while interfacing with .NET types and assemblies. It can host the Python interpreter within a host application or run Python scripts as standalone programs.

Platform and compatibility: IronPython runs on Windows and on other platforms via the Mono project. Historically, it provided a Python 2.7-compatible implementation; Python 3 support has been pursued in separate development efforts, with varying degrees of completeness. Most CPython C extensions are not directly compatible with IronPython, though some functionality can be accessed via interop or via alternative libraries.

History and status: IronPython originated in 2006 as an open-source project led by Jim Hugunin to bring Python to the .NET ecosystem. Over time it has been developed by a community of volunteers with corporate contributions. The project remains a niche option for .NET-centric Python development, with ongoing discussions around Python 3 compatibility through new branches and forks.