RustPython

RustPython is an open-source interpreter for the Python programming language implemented in Rust. It aims to provide a Python 3-compatible runtime that can be embedded into Rust applications and used in environments where safety, portability, and control over resources are important. The project targets a pure Rust stack and seeks to offer a usable Python experience without depending on a CPython binary.

The implementation includes a Python parser, an abstract syntax tree, and a bytecode-based virtual machine written in Rust. It provides an embedding API that allows Rust programs to run Python code, expose Rust functions to Python, and exchange data between the two runtimes. Standard library support is evolving, with a substantial subset available and ongoing work to expand compatibility and performance. The design emphasizes safety and reliability by leveraging Rust’s memory safety guarantees.

Compatibility and scope are important considerations. RustPython is not intended as a drop-in replacement for CPython, and it does not yet provide full compatibility with the entire CPython ecosystem, including many third-party C extensions. It is best viewed as a research-oriented, educational, or embedding-focused project rather than a complete replacement for production Python environments.

Development and community activity are ongoing. RustPython is maintained by a community of contributors, with releases, documentation, and examples intended to help users evaluate embedding Python in Rust or experimenting with Python implementation concepts.