Python or Perl with C# or Java

[bezeee]

At my work we are in the process of building a tool to test an XML based
API. Basically, XML in and XML out over http. Currently, there are two
engines that do all of the schema validations, xml diffs, sending/receiving,
etc. One of these engines in implemented in C# and the other in Java.

Now the choice comes down to which scripting language we choose (Perl,
Python or Jython) to tie into one of these engines. The scripting language
is where we will actually write the tests which consists of manipulating
xml, checking values, etc. The C# and Java engines are simply tools to
report, schema validate, etc.

It's a snap to use the C# modules with the Win32 libraries in Python and
Perl, Jython could handle the Java and I've seen JPE
(http://www.arakne.com/jpe/faq.htm) if we want to use Python and Java.
Personally, I like Python and C#. Unfortunately, my company leans towards
Perl and Java.

Given, I'm posting on comp.lang.python but I'd love to hear anyone's
thoughts on Perl/Python/Jython interfacing with C# or Java.

[Alan Kennedy]

bezeee wrote:

At my work we are in the process of building a tool to test an XML based
API. Basically, XML in and XML out over http.
Presumably you mean WebServices/WSDL/etc when you say "an XML based
API .. over HTTP"?

If yes, you should check out TestMaker, an open source web-services
testing framework. This might have solved all your problems already.

http://www.pushtotest.com/

Look under "Free Tools".
Currently, there are two
engines that do all of the schema validations, xml diffs, > sending/receiving,
etc. One of these engines in implemented in C# and the other in Java.
I think you'll find oodles of support for all things XML in both Java
and C#. Probably more support than you need for any givan task.
Now the choice comes down to which scripting language we choose (Perl,
Python or Jython) to tie into one of these engines. The scripting language
is where we will actually write the tests which consists of manipulating
xml, checking values, etc. The C# and Java engines are simply tools to
report, schema validate, etc.

It's a snap to use the C# modules with the Win32 libraries in Python and
Perl, Jython could handle the Java I've seen JPE
(http://www.arakne.com/jpe/faq.htm) if we want to use Python and Java.
Hmm, my understanding is that JPE is a dead project: no release of
code for quite a while, no new features (Check out the date of
copyright, August 2000). And being honest, I always thought it is a
bad idea and a waste of effort anyway.

If you want to glue python and jython together, far better to use some
remote-object-call facility like Pyro, or CORBA.

http://pyro.sourceforge.net/
http://omniorb.sourceforge.net/
Personally, I like Python and C#. Unfortunately, my company leans towards
Perl and Java.
I think you'll find that all of Python/COM, Python/C# and Jython/Java
are excellent choices.

My personal opinion is that Java can't be beaten for choice for
third-party libraries, particularly for XML, which is fantastically
well supported in the Java world. I make that assertion based on the
fact that there are oodles of free Java + XML software available from
third parties. Although I'm fairly sure that C# will get there
eventually in terms of being well supported by the free software
community, I don't believe that support is there right now: at least
in comparison to Java.
Given, I'm posting on comp.lang.python but I'd love to hear anyone's
thoughts on Perl/Python/Jython interfacing with C# or Java.

Summarising my knowledge

1. I know nothing about perl+java+c#

2. CPython supports MS platforms (COM, C#) extremely well. Pretty much
guaranteed to support all facilities that you need.

3. Jython integration with Java is so good that it is completely
seamless. Coding in jython and then dropping down to Java when you
need more speed is a dream combination, IMHO.

Given that Java and C# are essentially different flavours of the same
language (Alan dons asbestos suit ;-), it seems to me that your real
choice is based on how quickly you can write your apps in Perl vs.
Python, and how correct and maintainable will the final result be.
Assuming that Perl integrates with Java or C# as well as (C|J)Python
does.

HTH,

--
alan kennedy
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