..

_ref-c-api:
C API for Handwritten Code
==========================
In this section we describe the API that can be used by handwritten code in
specification files.
.. c:macro:: SIP_API_MAJOR_NR
This is a C preprocessor symbol that defines the major number of the SIP
API. Its value is a number. There is no direct relationship between this
and the SIP version number.
.. c:macro:: SIP_API_MINOR_NR
This is a C preprocessor symbol that defines the minor number of the SIP
API. Its value is a number. There is no direct relationship between this
and the SIP version number.
.. c:macro:: SIP_BLOCK_THREADS
This is a C preprocessor macro that will make sure the Python Global
Interpreter Lock (GIL) is acquired. Python API calls must only be made
when the GIL has been acquired. There must be a corresponding
:c:macro:`SIP_UNBLOCK_THREADS` at the same lexical scope.
.. c:macro:: SIP_NO_CONVERTORS
This is a flag used by various type convertors that suppresses the use of a
type's :directive:`%ConvertToTypeCode`.
.. c:macro:: SIP_NOT_NONE
This is a flag used by various type convertors that causes the conversion
to fail if the Python object being converted is ``Py_None``.
.. c:macro:: SIP_OWNS_MEMORY
.. versionadded:: 4.15.2
This is a flag used by various array constructors that species that the
array owns the memory that holds the array's contents.
.. c:macro:: SIP_PROTECTED_IS_PUBLIC
.. versionadded:: 4.10
This is a C preprocessor symbol that is defined automatically by the build
system to specify that the generated code is being compiled with
``protected`` redefined as ``public``. This allows handwritten code to
determine if the generated helper functions for accessing protected C++
functions are available (see :directive:`%MethodCode`).

.. c:macro:: SIP_READ_ONLY
.. versionadded:: 4.15.2
This is a flag used by various array constructors that species that the
array is read-only.
.. c:function:: SIP_RELEASE_GIL(sip_gilstate_t sipGILState)
.. versionadded:: 4.14.4
This is called from the handwritten code specified with the
:directive:`VirtualErrorHandler` in order to release the Python Global
Interpreter Lock (GIL) prior to changing the execution path (e.g. by
throwing a C++ exception). It should not be called under any other
circumstances.
:param sipGILState:
an opaque value provided to the handwritten code by SIP.
.. c:macro:: SIP_SSIZE_T
This is a C preprocessor macro that is defined as ``Py_ssize_t`` for Python
v2.5 and later, and as ``int`` for earlier versions of Python. It makes it
easier to write PEP 353 compliant handwritten code.
.. c:macro:: SIP_SSIZE_T_FORMAT
.. versionadded:: 4.15.4
This is a C preprocessor macro that is defined as ``%zd`` for Python
v2.5 and later, and as ``%d`` for earlier versions of Python. It makes it
easier to write PEP 353 compliant handwritten code.
.. c:macro:: SIP_UNBLOCK_THREADS
This is a C preprocessor macro that will restore the Python Global
Interpreter Lock (GIL) to the state it was prior to the corresponding
:c:macro:`SIP_BLOCK_THREADS`.
.. c:macro:: SIP_USE_PYCAPSULE
.. versionadded:: 4.11
This is a C preprocessor symbol that is defined when ``PyCapsule`` objects
are being used rather than the (now deprecated) ``PyCObject`` objects.
.. c:macro:: SIP_VERSION
This is a C preprocessor symbol that defines the SIP version number
represented as a 3 part hexadecimal number (e.g. v5.0.0 is represented as
``0x050000``).

.. c:macro:: SIP_VERSION_STR
This is a C preprocessor symbol that defines the SIP version number
represented as a string. For development versions it will contain either
``.dev`` or ``-snapshot-``.
.. c:function:: sipErrorState sipBadCallableArg(int arg_nr, PyObject *arg)
.. versionadded:: 4.10
This is called from :directive:`%MethodCode` to raise a Python exception
when an argument to a function, a C++ constructor or method is found to
have an unexpected type. This should be used when the
:directive:`%MethodCode` does additional type checking of the supplied
arguments.
:param arg_nr:
the number of the argument. Arguments are numbered from 0 but are
numbered from 1 in the detail of the exception.
:param arg:
the argument.
:return:
the value that should be assigned to ``sipError``.
.. c:function:: void sipBadCatcherResult(PyObject *method)
This raises a Python exception when the result of a Python reimplementation
of a C++ method doesn't have the expected type. It is normally called by
handwritten code specified with the :directive:`%VirtualCatcherCode`
directive.
:param method:
the Python method and would normally be the supplied ``sipMethod``.
.. c:function:: void sipBadLengthForSlice(SIP_SSIZE_T seqlen, SIP_SSIZE_T slicel
en)
This raises a Python exception when the length of a slice object is
inappropriate for a sequence-like object. It is normally called by
handwritten code specified for :meth:`__setitem__` methods.
:param seqlen:
the length of the sequence.
:param slicelen:
the length of the slice.
.. c:function:: PyObject *sipBuildResult(int *iserr, const char *format, ...)
This creates a Python object based on a format string and associated
values in a similar way to the Python :c:func:`Py_BuildValue()` function.
:param iserr:
if this is not ``NULL`` then the location it points to is set to a
non-zero value.

:param format:
the string of format characters.
:return:
If there was an error then ``NULL`` is returned and a Python exception
is raised.
If the format string begins and ends with parentheses then a tuple of
objects is created. If it contains more than one format character then
parentheses must be specified.
In the following description the first letter is the format character, the
entry in parentheses is the Python object type that the format character
will create, and the entry in brackets are the types of the C/C++ values
to be passed.
``a`` (string) [char]
Convert a C/C++ ``char`` to a Python v2 or v3 string object.
``b`` (boolean) [int]
Convert a C/C++ ``int`` to a Python boolean.
``c`` (string/bytes) [char]
Convert a C/C++ ``char`` to a Python v2 string object or a Python v3
bytes object.
``d`` (float) [double]
Convert a C/C++ ``double`` to a Python floating point number.
``e`` (integer) [enum]
Convert an anonymous C/C++ ``enum`` to a Python integer.
``f`` (float) [float]
Convert a C/C++ ``float`` to a Python floating point number.
``g`` (string/bytes) [char \*, :c:macro:`SIP_SSIZE_T`]
Convert a C/C++ character array and its length to a Python v2 string
object or a Python v3 bytes object. If the array is ``NULL`` then the
length is ignored and the result is ``Py_None``.
``h`` (integer) [short]
Convert a C/C++ ``short`` to a Python integer.
``i`` (integer) [int]
Convert a C/C++ ``int`` to a Python integer.
``l`` (long) [long]
Convert a C/C++ ``long`` to a Python integer.
``m`` (long) [unsigned long]
Convert a C/C++ ``unsigned long`` to a Python long.
``n`` (long) [long long]
Convert a C/C++ ``long long`` to a Python long.
``o`` (long) [unsigned long long]
Convert a C/C++ ``unsigned long long`` to a Python long.
``r`` (wrapped instance) [*type* \*, :c:macro:`SIP_SSIZE_T`, const :c:type:`
sipTypeDef` \*]
Convert an array of C structures, C++ classes or mapped type instances

to a Python tuple. Note that copies of the array elements are made.
``s`` (string/bytes) [char \*]
Convert a C/C++ ``'\0'`` terminated string to a Python v2 string object
or a Python v3 bytes object. If the string pointer is ``NULL`` then
the result is ``Py_None``.
``t`` (long) [unsigned short]
Convert a C/C++ ``unsigned short`` to a Python long.
``u`` (long) [unsigned int]
Convert a C/C++ ``unsigned int`` to a Python long.
``w`` (unicode/string) [wchar_t]
Convert a C/C++ wide character to a Python v2 unicode object or a
Python v3 string object.
``x`` (unicode/string) [wchar_t \*]
Convert a C/C++ ``L'\0'`` terminated wide character string to a Python
v2 unicode object or a Python v3 string object. If the string pointer
is ``NULL`` then the result is ``Py_None``.
``A`` (string) [char \*]
Convert a C/C++ ``'\0'`` terminated string to a Python v2 or v3 string
object. If the string pointer is ``NULL`` then the result is
``Py_None``.
``B`` (wrapped instance) [*type* \*, :c:type:`sipWrapperType` \*, PyObject \
*]
.. deprecated:: 4.8
Use ``N`` instead.
Convert a new C structure or a new C++ class instance to a Python class
instance object. Ownership of the structure or instance is determined
by the ``PyObject *`` argument. If it is ``NULL`` and the instance has
already been wrapped then the ownership is unchanged. If it is
``NULL`` or ``Py_None`` then ownership will be with Python. Otherwise
ownership will be with C/C++ and the instance associated with the
``PyObject *`` argument. The Python class is influenced by any
applicable :directive:`%ConvertToSubClassCode` code.
``C`` (wrapped instance) [*type* \*, :c:type:`sipWrapperType` \*, PyObject \
*]
.. deprecated:: 4.8
Use ``D`` instead.
Convert a C structure or a C++ class instance to a Python class
instance object. If the structure or class instance has already been
wrapped then the result is a new reference to the existing class
instance object. Ownership of the structure or instance is determined
by the ``PyObject *`` argument. If it is ``NULL`` and the instance has
already been wrapped then the ownership is unchanged. If it is
``NULL`` and the instance is newly wrapped then ownership will be with
C/C++. If it is ``Py_None`` then ownership is transferred to Python
via a call to :c:func:`sipTransferBack()`. Otherwise ownership is
transferred to C/C++ and the instance associated with the
``PyObject *`` argument via a call to :c:func:`sipTransferTo()`. The
Python class is influenced by any applicable
:directive:`%ConvertToSubClassCode` code.

``D`` (wrapped instance) [*type* \*, const :c:type:`sipTypeDef` \*, PyObject

\*]
Convert a C structure, C++ class or mapped type instance to a Python
object. If the instance has already been wrapped then the result is a
new reference to the existing object. Ownership of the instance is
determined by the ``PyObject *`` argument. If it is ``NULL`` and the
instance has already been wrapped then the ownership is unchanged. If
it is ``NULL`` and the instance is newly wrapped then ownership will be
with C/C++. If it is ``Py_None`` then ownership is transferred to
Python via a call to :c:func:`sipTransferBack()`. Otherwise ownership
is transferred to C/C++ and the instance associated with the
``PyObject *`` argument via a call to :c:func:`sipTransferTo()`. The
Python class is influenced by any applicable
:directive:`%ConvertToSubClassCode` code.
``E`` (wrapped enum) [enum, PyTypeObject \*]
.. deprecated:: 4.8
Use ``F`` instead.
Convert a named C/C++ ``enum`` to an instance of the corresponding
Python named enum type.
``F`` (wrapped enum) [enum, :c:type:`sipTypeDef` \*]
Convert a named C/C++ ``enum`` to an instance of the corresponding
Python named enum type.
``G`` (unicode) [wchar_t \*, :c:macro:`SIP_SSIZE_T`]
Convert a C/C++ wide character array and its length to a Python unicode
object. If the array is ``NULL`` then the length is ignored and the
result is ``Py_None``.
``L`` (integer) [char]
.. versionadded:: 4.12
Convert a C/C++ ``char`` to a Python integer.
``M`` (long) [unsigned char]
.. versionadded:: 4.12
Convert a C/C++ ``unsigned char`` to a Python long.
``N`` (wrapped instance) [*type* \*, :c:type:`sipTypeDef` \*, PyObject \*]
Convert a new C structure, C++ class or mapped type instance to a
Python object. Ownership of the instance is determined by the
``PyObject *`` argument. If it is ``NULL`` and the instance has
already been wrapped then the ownership is unchanged. If it is
``NULL`` or ``Py_None`` then ownership will be with Python. Otherwise
ownership will be with C/C++ and the instance associated with the
``PyObject *`` argument. The Python class is influenced by any
applicable :directive:`%ConvertToSubClassCode` code.
``R`` (object) [PyObject \*]
The result is value passed without any conversions. The reference
count is unaffected, i.e. a reference is taken.
``S`` (object) [PyObject \*]
The result is value passed without any conversions. The reference
count is incremented.
``V`` (sip.voidptr) [void \*]

Convert a C/C++ ``void *`` to a Python :class:`sip.voidptr` object.

``z`` (object) [const char \*, void \*]
.. versionadded:: 4.14.1
Convert a C/C++ ``void *`` to a Python named capsule object.
.. c:function:: PyObject *sipCallMethod(int *iserr, PyObject *method, const char
*format, ...)
This calls a Python method passing a tuple of arguments based on a format
string and associated values in a similar way to the Python
:c:func:`PyObject_CallObject()` function.
:param iserr:
if this is not ``NULL`` then the location it points to is set to a
non-zero value if there was an error.
:param method:
the Python bound method to call.
:param format:
the string of format characters (see :c:func:`sipBuildResult()`).
:return:
If there was an error then ``NULL`` is returned and a Python exception
is raised.
It is normally called by handwritten code specified with the
:directive:`%VirtualCatcherCode` directive with method being the supplied
``sipMethod``.
.. c:function:: int sipCanConvertToEnum(PyObject *obj, const sipTypeDef *td)
This checks if a Python object can be converted to a named enum.
:param obj:
the Python object.
:param td:
the enum's :ref:`generated type structure <ref-type-structures>`.
:return:
a non-zero value if the object can be converted.
.. c:function:: int sipCanConvertToInstance(PyObject *obj, sipWrapperType *type,
int flags)
.. deprecated:: 4.8
Use :c:func:`sipCanConvertToType()` instead.
This checks if a Python object can be converted to an instance of a C
structure or C++ class.
:param obj:
the Python object.
:param type:
the C/C++ type's :ref:`generated type object <ref-type-objects>`.
:param flags:
any combination of the :c:macro:`SIP_NOT_NONE` and
:c:macro:`SIP_NO_CONVERTORS` flags.
:return:

a non-zero value if the object can be converted.

.. c:function:: int sipCanConvertToMappedType(PyObject *obj, const sipMappedType
*mt, int flags)
.. deprecated:: 4.8
Use :c:func:`sipCanConvertToType()` instead.
This checks if a Python object can be converted to an instance of a C
structure or C++ class which has been implemented as a mapped type.
:param obj:
the Python object.
:param mt:
the opaque structure returned by :c:func:`sipFindMappedType()`.
:param flags:
this may be the :c:macro:`SIP_NOT_NONE` flag.
:return:
a non-zero value if the object can be converted.
.. c:function:: int sipCanConvertToType(PyObject *obj, const sipTypeDef *td, int
flags)
This checks if a Python object can be converted to an instance of a C
structure, C++ class or mapped type.
:param obj:
the Python object.
:param td:
the C/C++ type's :ref:`generated type structure <ref-type-structures>`.
:param flags:
any combination of the :c:macro:`SIP_NOT_NONE` and
:c:macro:`SIP_NO_CONVERTORS` flags.
:return:
a non-zero value if the object can be converted.
.. c:function:: PyObject *sipClassName(PyObject *obj)
.. deprecated:: 4.8
Use the following instead:
PyString_FromString(obj->ob_type->tp_name)
This gets the class name of a wrapped instance as a Python string. It
comes with a reference.
:param obj:
the wrapped instance.
:return:
the name of the instance's class.
.. c:function:: PyObject *sipConvertFromConstVoidPtr(const void *cpp)
This creates a :class:`sip.voidptr` object for a memory address. The
object will not be writeable and has no associated size.

:param cpp:
the memory address.
:return:
the :class:`sip.voidptr` object.
.. c:function:: PyObject *sipConvertFromConstVoidPtrAndSize(const void *cpp, SIP
_SSIZE_T size)
This creates a :class:`sip.voidptr` object for a memory address. The
object will not be writeable and can be used as an immutable buffer object.
:param cpp:
the memory address.
:param size:
the size associated with the address.
:return:
the :class:`sip.voidptr` object.
.. c:function:: PyObject *sipConvertFromEnum(int eval, const sipTypeDef *td)
This converts a named C/C++ ``enum`` to an instance of the corresponding
generated Python type.
:param eval:
the enumerated value to convert.
:param td:
the enum's :ref:`generated type structure <ref-type-structures>`.
:return:
the Python object.
.. c:function:: PyObject *sipConvertFromInstance(void *cpp, sipWrapperType *type
, PyObject *transferObj)
.. deprecated:: 4.8
Use :c:func:`sipConvertFromType()` instead.
This converts a C structure or a C++ class instance to an instance of the
corresponding generated Python type.
:param cpp:
the C/C++ instance.
:param type:
the type's :ref:`generated type object <ref-type-objects>`.
:param transferObj:
this controls the ownership of the returned value.
:return:
the Python object.
If the C/C++ instance has already been wrapped then the result is a
new reference to the existing class instance object.
If *transferObj* is ``NULL`` and the instance has already been wrapped then
the ownership is unchanged.
If *transferObj* is ``NULL`` and the instance is newly wrapped then
ownership will be with C/C++.

If *transferObj* is ``Py_None`` then ownership is transferred to Python via

a call to :c:func:`sipTransferBack()`.
Otherwise ownership is transferred to C/C++ and the instance associated
with *transferObj* via a call to :c:func:`sipTransferTo()`.
The Python type is influenced by any applicable
:directive:`%ConvertToSubClassCode` code.
.. c:function:: PyObject *sipConvertFromMappedType(void *cpp, const sipMappedTyp
e *mt, PyObject *transferObj)
.. deprecated:: 4.8
Use :c:func:`sipConvertFromType()` instead.
This converts a C structure or a C++ class instance wrapped as a mapped
type to an instance of the corresponding generated Python type.
:param cpp:
the C/C++ instance.
:param mt:
the opaque structure returned by :c:func:`sipFindMappedType()`.
:param transferObj:
this controls the ownership of the returned value.
:return:
the Python object.
If *transferObj* is ``NULL`` then the ownership is unchanged.
If *transferObj* is ``Py_None`` then ownership is transferred to Python
via a call to :c:func:`sipTransferBack()`.
Otherwise ownership is transferred to C/C++ and the instance associated
with *transferObj* argument via a call to :c:func:`sipTransferTo()`.
.. c:function:: PyObject *sipConvertFromNamedEnum(int eval, PyTypeObject *type)
.. deprecated:: 4.8
Use :c:func:`sipConvertFromEnum()` instead.
This converts a named C/C++ ``enum`` to an instance of the corresponding
generated Python type.
:param eval:
the enumerated value to convert.
:param type:
the enum's :ref:`generated type object <ref-type-objects>`.
:return:
the Python object.
.. c:function:: PyObject *sipConvertFromNewInstance(void *cpp, sipWrapperType *t
ype, PyObject *transferObj)
.. deprecated:: 4.8
Use :c:func:`sipConvertFromNewType()` instead.
This converts a new C structure or a C++ class instance to an instance of

the corresponding generated Python type.

:param cpp:
the C/C++ instance.
:param type:
the type's :ref:`generated type object <ref-type-objects>`.
:param transferObj:
this controls the ownership of the returned value.
:return:
the Python object.
If *transferObj* is ``NULL`` or ``Py_None`` then ownership will be with
Python.
Otherwise ownership will be with C/C++ and the instance associated with
*transferObj*.
The Python type is influenced by any applicable
:directive:`%ConvertToSubClassCode` code.
.. c:function:: PyObject *sipConvertFromNewPyType(void *cpp, PyTypeObject *py_ty
pe, sipWrapper *owner, sipSimpleWrapper **selfp, const char *format, ...)
.. versionadded:: 4.15
This converts a new C structure or a C++ class instance to an instance of a
corresponding Python type (as opposed to the corresponding generated Python
type). This is useful when the C/C++ library provides some sort of
mechanism whereby handwritten code has some control over the exact type of
structure or class being created. Typically it would be used to create an
instance of the generated derived class which would then allow Python
re-implementations of C++ virtual methods to function properly.
:param cpp:
the C/C++ instance.
:param py_type:
the Python type object. This is called to create the Python object and
is passed the arguments defined by the string of format characters.
:param owner:
is the optional owner of the Python object.
:param selfp:
is an optional pointer to the ``sipPySelf`` instance variable of the
C/C++ instance if that instance's type is a generated derived class.
Otherwise it should be ``NULL``.
:param format:
the string of format characters (see :c:func:`sipBuildResult()`).
:return:
the Python object. If there was an error then ``NULL`` is returned and
a Python exception is raised.
.. c:function:: PyObject *sipConvertFromNewType(void *cpp, const sipTypeDef *td,
PyObject *transferObj)
This converts a new C structure or a C++ class instance to an instance of
the corresponding generated Python type.
:param cpp:
the C/C++ instance.

:param td:
the type's :ref:`generated type structure <ref-type-structures>`.
:param transferObj:
this controls the ownership of the returned value.
:return:
the Python object.
If *transferObj* is ``NULL`` or ``Py_None`` then ownership will be with
Python.
Otherwise ownership will be with C/C++ and the instance associated with
*transferObj*.
The Python type is influenced by any applicable
:directive:`%ConvertToSubClassCode` code.
.. c:function:: SIP_SSIZE_T sipConvertFromSequenceIndex(SIP_SSIZE_T idx, SIP_SSI
ZE_T len)
This converts a Python sequence index (i.e. where a negative value refers
to the offset from the end of the sequence) to a C/C++ array index. If the
index was out of range then a negative value is returned and a Python
exception raised.
:param idx:
the sequence index.
:param len:
the length of the sequence.
:return:
the unsigned array index.
.. c:function:: int sipConvertFromSliceObject(PyObject *slice, SIP_SSIZE_T lengt
h, SIP_SSIZE_T *start, SIP_SSIZE_T *stop, SIP_SSIZE_T *step, SIP_SSIZE_T *slicel
ength)
This is a thin wrapper around the Python :c:func:`PySlice_GetIndicesEx()`
function provided to make it easier to write handwritten code that is
compatible with SIP v3.x and versions of Python earlier that v2.3.
.. c:function:: PyObject *sipConvertFromType(void *cpp, const sipTypeDef *td, Py
Object *transferObj)
This converts a C structure or a C++ class instance to an instance of the
corresponding generated Python type.
:param cpp:
the C/C++ instance.
:param td:
the type's :ref:`generated type structure <ref-type-structures>`.
:param transferObj:
this controls the ownership of the returned value.
:return:
the Python object.
If the C/C++ instance has already been wrapped then the result is a new
reference to the existing object.

If *transferObj* is ``NULL`` and the instance has already been wrapped then
the ownership is unchanged.
If *transferObj* is ``NULL`` and the instance is newly wrapped then
ownership will be with C/C++.
If *transferObj* is ``Py_None`` then ownership is transferred to Python via
a call to :c:func:`sipTransferBack()`.
Otherwise ownership is transferred to C/C++ and the instance associated
with *transferObj* via a call to :c:func:`sipTransferTo()`.
The Python class is influenced by any applicable
:directive:`%ConvertToSubClassCode` code.
.. c:function:: PyObject *sipConvertFromVoidPtr(void *cpp)
This creates a :class:`sip.voidptr` object for a memory address. The
object will be writeable but has no associated size.
:param cpp:
the memory address.
:return:
the :class:`sip.voidptr` object.
.. c:function:: PyObject *sipConvertFromVoidPtrAndSize(void *cpp, SIP_SSIZE_T si
ze)
This creates a :class:`sip.voidptr` object for a memory address. The
object will be writeable and can be used as a mutable buffer object.
:param cpp:
the memory address.
:param size:
the size associated with the address.
:return:
the :class:`sip.voidptr` object.
.. c:function:: PyObject *sipConvertToArray(void *data, const char *format, SIP_
SSIZE_T len, int flags)
.. versionadded:: 4.15
This converts a one dimensional array of fundamental types to a
:class:`sip.array` object.
An array is very like a Python :class:`memoryview` object. The underlying
memory is not copied and may be modified in situ. Arrays support the
buffer protocol and so can be passed to other modules, again without the
underlying memory being copied.
:class:`sip.array` objects are not supported by the :program:`sip` code
generator. They can only be created by handwritten code or by
:func:`sip.voidptr.asarray`.
:param data:
the address of the start of the C/C++ array.

:param format:
the format, as defined by the :mod:`struct` module, of an array
element. At the moment only ``b`` (char), ``B`` (unsigned char),
``h`` (short), ``H`` (unsigned short), ``i`` (int),
``I`` (unsigned int), ``f`` (float) and ``d`` (double) are supported.
:param len:
the number of elements in the array.
:param readonly:
is non-zero if the array is read-only.
:param flags:
any combination of the :c:macro:`SIP_READ_ONLY` and
:c:macro:`SIP_OWNS_MEMORY` flags.
:return:
the :class:`sip.array` object.
.. c:function:: void *sipConvertToInstance(PyObject *obj, sipWrapperType *type,
PyObject *transferObj, int flags, int *state, int *iserr)
.. deprecated:: 4.8
Use :c:func:`sipConvertToType()` instead.
This converts a Python object to an instance of a C structure or C++ class
assuming that a previous call to :c:func:`sipCanConvertToInstance()` has
been successful.
:param obj:
the Python object.
:param type:
the type's :ref:`generated type object <ref-type-objects>`.
:param transferObj:
this controls any ownership changes to *obj*.
:param flags:
any combination of the :c:macro:`SIP_NOT_NONE` and
:c:macro:`SIP_NO_CONVERTORS` flags.
:param state:
the state of the returned C/C++ instance is returned via this pointer.
:param iserr:
the error flag is passed and updated via this pointer.
:return:
the C/C++ instance.
If *transferObj* is ``NULL`` then the ownership is unchanged.
If *transferObj* is ``Py_None`` then ownership is transferred to Python via
a call to :c:func:`sipTransferBack()`.
Otherwise ownership is transferred to C/C++ and *obj* associated with
*transferObj* via a call to :c:func:`sipTransferTo()`.
If *state* is not ``NULL`` then the location it points to is set to
describe the state of the returned C/C++ instance and is the value returned
by any :directive:`%ConvertToTypeCode`. The calling code must then release
the value at some point to prevent a memory leak by calling
:c:func:`sipReleaseInstance()`.
If there is an error then the location *iserr* points to is set to a
non-zero value. If it was initially a non-zero value then the conversion
isn't attempted in the first place. (This allows several calls to be made
that share the same error flag so that it only needs to be tested once

rather than after each call.)

.. c:function:: void *sipConvertToMappedType(PyObject *obj, const sipMappedType
*mt, PyObject *transferObj, int flags, int *state, int *iserr)
.. deprecated:: 4.8
Use :c:func:`sipConvertToType()` instead.
This converts a Python object to an instance of a C structure or C++
class that is implemented as a mapped type assuming that a previous call to
:c:func:`sipCanConvertToMappedType()` has been successful.
:param obj:
the Python object.
:param mt:
the opaque structure returned by :c:func:`sipFindMappedType()`.
:param transferObj:
this controls any ownership changes to *obj*.
:param flags:
this may be the :c:macro:`SIP_NOT_NONE` flag.
:param state:
the state of the returned C/C++ instance is returned via this pointer.
:param iserr:
the error flag is passed and updated via this pointer.
:return:
the C/C++ instance.
If *transferObj* is ``NULL`` then the ownership is unchanged.
If *transferObj* is ``Py_None`` then ownership is transferred to Python via
a call to :c:func:`sipTransferBack()`.
Otherwise ownership is transferred to C/C++ and *obj* associated with
*transferObj* via a call to :c:func:`sipTransferTo()`.
If *state* is not ``NULL`` then the location it points to is set to
describe the state of the returned C/C++ instance and is the value returned
by any :directive:`%ConvertToTypeCode`. The calling code must then release
the value at some point to prevent a memory leak by calling
:c:func:`sipReleaseMappedType()`.
If there is an error then the location *iserr* points to is set to a
non-zero value. If it was initially a non-zero value then the conversion
isn't attempted in the first place. (This allows several calls to be made
that share the same error flag so that it only needs to be tested once
rather than after each call.)
.. c:function:: void *sipConvertToType(PyObject *obj, const sipTypeDef *td, PyOb
ject *transferObj, int flags, int *state, int *iserr)
This converts a Python object to an instance of a C structure, C++ class or
mapped type assuming that a previous call to :c:func:`sipCanConvertToType()`
has been successful.
:param obj:
the Python object.
:param td:
the type's :ref:`generated type structure <ref-type-structures>`.

:param transferObj:
this controls any ownership changes to *obj*.
:param flags:
any combination of the :c:macro:`SIP_NOT_NONE` and
:c:macro:`SIP_NO_CONVERTORS` flags.
:param state:
the state of the returned C/C++ instance is returned via this pointer.
:param iserr:
the error flag is passed and updated via this pointer.
:return:
the C/C++ instance.
If *transferObj* is ``NULL`` then the ownership is unchanged. If it is
``Py_None`` then ownership is transferred to Python via a call to
:c:func:`sipTransferBack()`.
Otherwise ownership is transferred to C/C++ and *obj* associated with
*transferObj* via a call to :c:func:`sipTransferTo()`.
Note that *obj* can also be managed by the C/C++ instance itself, but this
can only be achieved by using :c:func:`sipTransferTo()`.
If *state* is not ``NULL`` then the location it points to is set to
describe the state of the returned C/C++ instance and is the value returned
by any :directive:`%ConvertToTypeCode`. The calling code must then release
the value at some point to prevent a memory leak by calling
:c:func:`sipReleaseType()`.
If there is an error then the location *iserr* points to is set to a
non-zero value. If it was initially a non-zero value then the conversion
isn't attempted in the first place. (This allows several calls to be made
that share the same error flag so that it only needs to be tested once
rather than after each call.)
.. c:function:: PyObject *sipConvertToTypedArray(void *data, const sipTypeDef *t
d, const char *format, size_t stride, SIP_SSIZE_T len, int flags)
.. versionadded:: 4.15
This converts a one dimensional array of instances of a C structure, C++
class or mapped type to a :class:`sip.array` object.
An array is very like a Python :class:`memoryview` object but it's elements
correspond to C structures or C++ classes. The underlying memory is not
copied and may be modified in situ. Arrays support the buffer protocol and
so can be passed to other modules, again without the underlying memory
being copied.
:class:`sip.array` objects are not supported by the :program:`sip` code
generator. They can only be created by handwritten code.
:param data:
the address of the start of the C/C++ array.
:param td:
an element's type's
:ref:`generated type structure <ref-type-structures>`.
:param format:
the format, as defined by the :mod:`struct` module, of an array
element.

:param stride:
the size of an array element, including any padding.
:param len:
the number of elements in the array.
:param flags:
the optional :c:macro:`SIP_READ_ONLY` flag.
:return:
the :class:`sip.array` object.
.. c:function:: void *sipConvertToVoidPtr(PyObject *obj)
This converts a Python object to a memory address.
:c:func:`PyErr_Occurred()` must be used to determine if the conversion was
successful.
:param obj:
the Python object which may be ``Py_None``, a :class:`sip.voidptr` or a
:c:type:`PyCObject`.
:return:
the memory address.
.. c:function:: int sipEnableAutoconversion(const sipTypeDef *td, int enable)
.. versionadded:: 4.14.7
Instances of some classes may be automatically converted to other Python
objects even though the class has been wrapped. This allows that behaviour
to be suppressed so that an instances of the wrapped class is returned
instead.
:param td:
the type's :ref:`generated type structure <ref-type-structures>`. This
must refer to a class.
:param enable:
is non-zero if auto-conversion should be enabled for the type. This is
the default behaviour.
:return:
``1`` or ``0`` depending on whether or not auto-conversion was
previously enabled for the type. This allows the previous state to be
restored later on. ``-1`` is returned, and a Python exception raised,
if there was an error.
.. c:function:: int sipExportSymbol(const char *name, void *sym)
Python does not allow extension modules to directly access symbols in
another extension module. This exports a symbol, referenced by a name,
that can subsequently be imported, using :c:func:`sipImportSymbol()`, by
another module.
:param name:
the name of the symbol.
:param sym:
the value of the symbol.
:return:
0 if there was no error. A negative value is returned if *name* is
already associated with a symbol or there was some other error.

.. c:function:: sipWrapperType *sipFindClass(const char *type)

.. deprecated:: 4.8
Use :c:func:`sipFindType()` instead.
This returns a pointer to the :ref:`generated type object
<ref-type-objects>` corresponding to a C/C++ type.
:param type:
the C/C++ declaration of the type.
:return:
the generated type object. This will not change and may be saved in a
static cache. ``NULL`` is returned if the C/C++ type doesn't exist.
.. c:function:: const sipMappedType *sipFindMappedType(const char *type)
.. deprecated:: 4.8
Use :c:func:`sipFindType()` instead.
This returns a pointer to an opaque structure describing a mapped type.
:param type:
the C/C++ declaration of the type.
:return:
the opaque structure. This will not change and may be saved in a
static cache. ``NULL`` is returned if the C/C++ type doesn't exist.
.. c:function:: PyTypeObject *sipFindNamedEnum(const char *type)
.. deprecated:: 4.8
Use :c:func:`sipFindType()` instead.
This returns a pointer to the :ref:`generated Python type object
<ref-enum-type-objects>` corresponding to a named C/C++ enum.
:param type:
the C/C++ declaration of the enum.
:return:
the generated Python type object. This will not change and may be
saved in a static cache. ``NULL`` is returned if the C/C++ enum
doesn't exist.
.. c:function:: const sipTypeDef *sipFindType(const char *type)
This returns a pointer to the :ref:`generated type structure
<ref-type-structures>` corresponding to a C/C++ type.
:param type:
the C/C++ declaration of the type.
:return:
the generated type structure. This will not change and may be saved in
a static cache. ``NULL`` is returned if the C/C++ type doesn't exist.
.. c:function:: void *sipForceConvertToInstance(PyObject *obj, sipWrapperType *t
ype, PyObject *transferObj, int flags, int *state, int *iserr)

.. deprecated:: 4.8
Use :c:func:`sipForceConvertToType()` instead.
This converts a Python object to an instance of a C structure or C++ class
by calling :c:func:`sipCanConvertToInstance()` and, if it is successfull,
calling :c:func:`sipConvertToInstance()`.
See :c:func:`sipConvertToInstance()` for a full description of the
arguments.
.. c:function:: void *sipForceConvertToMappedType(PyObject *obj, const sipMapped
Type *mt, PyObject *transferObj, int flags, int *state, int *iserr)
.. deprecated:: 4.8
Use :c:func:`sipForceConvertToType()` instead.
This converts a Python object to an instance of a C structure or C++ class
which has been implemented as a mapped type by calling
:c:func:`sipCanConvertToMappedType()` and, if it is successfull, calling
:c:func:`sipConvertToMappedType()`.
See :c:func:`sipConvertToMappedType()` for a full description of the
arguments.
.. c:function:: void *sipForceConvertToType(PyObject *obj, const sipTypeDef *td,
PyObject *transferObj, int flags, int *state, int *iserr)
This converts a Python object to an instance of a C structure, C++ class or
mapped type by calling :c:func:`sipCanConvertToType()` and, if it is
successfull, calling :c:func:`sipConvertToType()`.
See :c:func:`sipConvertToType()` for a full description of the arguments.
.. c:function:: void sipFree(void *mem)
This returns an area of memory allocated by :c:func:`sipMalloc()` to the
heap.
:param mem:
the memory address.
.. c:function:: void *sipGetAddress(sipSimpleWrapper *obj)
.. versionadded:: 4.12
This returns the address of the C structure or C++ class instance wrapped
by a Python object.
:param obj:
the Python object.
:return:
the address of the C/C++ instance
.. c:function:: PyInterpreterState *sipGetInterpreter()

.. versionadded:: 4.17.1
This returns the address of the Python interpreter. If it is ``NULL`` then
calls to the Python interpreter library must not be made.
:return:
the address of the Python interpreter
.. c:function:: void *sipGetMixinAddress(sipSimpleWrapper *obj, const sipTypeDef
*td)
.. versionadded:: 4.15
This returns the address of the C++ class instance that implements the
mixin of a wrapped Python object.
:param obj:
the Python object.
:param td:
the :ref:`generated type structure <ref-type-structures>` corresponding
to the C++ type of the mixin.
:return:
the address of the C++ instance
.. c:function:: PyObject *sipGetPyObject(void *cppptr, const sipTypeDef *td)
This returns a borrowed reference to the Python object for a C structure or
C++ class instance.
:param cppptr:
the pointer to the C/C++ instance.
:param td:
the :ref:`generated type structure <ref-type-structures>` corresponding
to the C/C++ type.
:return:
the Python object or ``NULL`` (and no exception is raised) if the
C/C++ instance hasn't been wrapped.
.. c:function:: int sipGetState(PyObject *transferObj)
The :directive:`%ConvertToTypeCode` directive requires that the provided
code returns an ``int`` describing the state of the converted value. The
state usually depends on any transfers of ownership that have been
requested. This is a convenience function that returns the correct state
when the converted value is a temporary.
:param transferObj:
the object that describes the requested transfer of ownership.
:return:
the state of the converted value.
.. c:function:: PyObject *sipGetWrapper(void *cppptr, sipWrapperType *type)
.. deprecated:: 4.8
Use :c:func:`sipGetPyObject()` instead.

This returns a borrowed reference to the wrapped instance object for a C

structure or C++ class instance.
:param cppptr:
the pointer to the C/C++ instance.
:param type:
the :ref:`generated type object <ref-type-objects>` corresponding to
the C/C++ type.
:return:
the Python object or ``NULL`` (and no exception is raised) if the
C/C++ instance hasn't been wrapped.
.. c:function:: void *sipImportSymbol(const char *name)
Python does not allow extension modules to directly access symbols in
another extension module. This imports a symbol, referenced by a name,
that has previously been exported, using :c:func:`sipExportSymbol()`, by
another module.
:param name:
the name of the symbol.
:return:
the value of the symbol. ``NULL`` is returned if there is no such
symbol.
.. c:type:: sipIntTypeClassMap
.. deprecated:: 4.8
This C structure is used with :c:func:`sipMapIntToClass()` to define a
mapping between integer based RTTI and :ref:`generated type objects
<ref-type-objects>`. The structure elements are as follows.
.. c:member:: int typeInt
The integer RTTI.
.. c:member:: sipWrapperType **pyType.
A pointer to the corresponding generated type object.
.. c:function:: int sipIsAPIEnabled(const char *name, int from, int to)
.. versionadded:: 4.9
This checks to see if the current version number of an API falls within a
given range. See :ref:`ref-incompat-apis` for more detail.
:param name:
the name of the API.
:param from:
the lower bound of the range. For the API to be enabled its version
number must be greater than or equal to *from*. If *from* is 0 then
this check isn't made.
:param to:
the upper bound of the range. For the API to be enabled its version

number must be less than *to*. If *to* is 0 then this check isn't
made.
:return:
a non-zero value if the API is enabled.
.. c:function:: unsigned long sipLong_AsUnsignedLong(PyObject *obj)
This function is a thin wrapper around :c:func:`PyLong_AsUnsignedLong()`
that works around a bug in Python v2.3.x and earlier when converting
integer objects.
.. c:function:: void *sipMalloc(size_t nbytes)
This allocates an area of memory on the heap using the Python
:c:func:`PyMem_Malloc()` function. The memory is freed by calling
:c:func:`sipFree()`.
:param nbytes:
the number of bytes to allocate.
:return:
the memory address. If there was an error then ``NULL`` is returned
and a Python exception raised.
.. c:function:: sipWrapperType *sipMapIntToClass(int type, const sipIntTypeClass
Map *map, int maplen)
.. deprecated:: 4.8
This can be used in :directive:`%ConvertToSubClassCode` code as a
convenient way of converting integer based RTTI to the corresponding
:ref:`generated type object <ref-type-objects>`.
:param type:
the integer RTTI.
:param map:
the table of known RTTI and the corresponding type objects (see
:c:type:`sipIntTypeClassMap`). The entries in the table must be sorted
in ascending order of RTTI.
:param maplen:
the number of entries in the table.
:return:
the corresponding type object, or ``NULL`` if *type* wasn't in *map*.
.. c:function:: sipWrapperType *sipMapStringToClass(char *type, const sipStringT
ypeClassMap *map, int maplen)
.. deprecated:: 4.8
This can be used in :directive:`%ConvertToSubClassCode` code as a
convenient way of converting ``'\0'`` terminated string based RTTI to the
corresponding :ref:`generated type object <ref-type-objects>`.
:param type:
the string RTTI.
:param map:
the table of known RTTI and the corresponding type objects (see

:c:type:`sipStringTypeClassMap`). The entries in the table must be

sorted in ascending order of RTTI.
:param maplen:
the number of entries in the table.
:return:
the corresponding type object, or ``NULL`` if *type* wasn't in *map*.
.. c:function:: int sipParseResult(int *iserr, PyObject *method, PyObject *resul
t, const char *format, ...)
This converts a Python object (usually returned by a method) to C/C++ based
on a format string and associated values in a similar way to the Python
:c:func:`PyArg_ParseTuple()` function.
:param iserr:
if this is not ``NULL`` then the location it points to is set to a
non-zero value if there was an error.
:param method:
the Python method that returned *result*.
:param result:
the Python object returned by *method*.
:param format:
the format string.
:return:
0 if there was no error. Otherwise a negative value is returned, and
an exception raised.
This is normally called by handwritten code specified with the
:directive:`%VirtualCatcherCode` directive with *method* being the supplied
``sipMethod`` and *result* being the value returned by
:c:func:`sipCallMethod()`.
If *format* begins and ends with parentheses then *result* must be a Python
tuple and the rest of *format* is applied to the tuple contents.
In the following description the first letter is the format character, the
entry in parentheses is the Python object type that the format character
will convert, and the entry in brackets are the types of the C/C++ values
to be passed.
``ae`` (object) [char \*]
Convert a Python string-like object of length 1 to a C/C++ ``char``
according to the encoding ``e``. ``e`` can either be ``A`` for ASCII,
``L`` for Latin-1, or ``8`` for UTF-8. For Python v2 the object may be
either a string or a unicode object that can be encoded. For Python v3
the object may either be a bytes object or a string object that can be
encoded. An object that supports the buffer protocol may also be used.
``b`` (integer) [bool \*]
Convert a Python integer to a C/C++ ``bool``.
``c`` (string/bytes) [char \*]
Convert a Python v2 string object or a Python v3 bytes object of length
1 to a C/C++ ``char``.
``d`` (float) [double \*]
Convert a Python floating point number to a C/C++ ``double``.
``e`` (integer) [enum \*]

Convert a Python integer to an anonymous C/C++ ``enum``.

``f`` (float) [float \*]
Convert a Python floating point number to a C/C++ ``float``.
``g`` (string/bytes) [const char \*\*, :c:macro:`SIP_SSIZE_T` \*]
Convert a Python v2 string object or a Python v3 bytes object to a
C/C++ character array and its length. If the Python object is
``Py_None`` then the array and length are ``NULL`` and zero
respectively.
``h`` (integer) [short \*]
Convert a Python integer to a C/C++ ``short``.
``i`` (integer) [int \*]
Convert a Python integer to a C/C++ ``int``.
``l`` (long) [long \*]
Convert a Python long to a C/C++ ``long``.
``m`` (long) [unsigned long \*]
Convert a Python long to a C/C++ ``unsigned long``.
``n`` (long) [long long \*]
Convert a Python long to a C/C++ ``long long``.
``o`` (long) [unsigned long long \*]
Convert a Python long to a C/C++ ``unsigned long long``.
``s`` (string/bytes) [const char \*\*]
.. deprecated:: 4.8
Use ``B`` instead.
Convert a Python v2 string object or a Python v3 bytes object to a
C/C++ ``'\0'`` terminated string. If the Python object is ``Py_None``
then the string is ``NULL``.
``t`` (long) [unsigned short \*]
Convert a Python long to a C/C++ ``unsigned short``.
``u`` (long) [unsigned int \*]
Convert a Python long to a C/C++ ``unsigned int``.
``w`` (unicode/string) [wchar_t \*]
Convert a Python v2 string or unicode object or a Python v3 string
object of length 1 to a C/C++ wide character.
``x`` (unicode/string) [wchar_t \*\*]
Convert a Python v2 string or unicode object or a Python v3 string
object to a C/C++ ``L'\0'`` terminated wide character string. If the
Python object is ``Py_None`` then the string is ``NULL``.
``Ae`` (object) [int, const char \*\*]
Convert a Python string-like object to a C/C++ ``'\0'`` terminated
string according to the encoding ``e``. ``e`` can either be ``A`` for
ASCII, ``L`` for Latin-1, or ``8`` for UTF-8. If the Python object is
``Py_None`` then the string is ``NULL``. The integer uniquely
identifies the object in the context defined by the ``S`` format
character and allows an extra reference to the object to be kept to
ensure that the string remains valid. For Python v2 the object may be

either a string or a unicode object that can be encoded. For Python v3

the object may either be a bytes object or a string object that can be
encoded. An object that supports the buffer protocol may also be used.
``B`` (string/bytes) [int, const char \*\*]
Convert a Python v2 string object or a Python v3 bytes object to a
C/C++ ``'\0'`` terminated string. If the Python object is ``Py_None``
then the string is ``NULL``. The integer uniquely identifies the
object in the context defined by the ``S`` format character and allows
an extra reference to the object to be kept to ensure that the string
remains valid.
``Cf`` (wrapped class) [:c:type:`sipWrapperType` \*, int \*, void \*\*]
.. deprecated:: 4.8
Use ``Hf`` instead.
Convert a Python object to a C structure or a C++ class instance and
return its state as described in :c:func:`sipConvertToInstance()`.
``f`` is a combination of the following flags encoded as an ASCII
character by adding ``0`` to the combined value:
0x01 disallows the conversion of ``Py_None`` to ``NULL``
0x02 implements the :fanno:`Factory` and :fanno:`TransferBack`
annotations
0x04 suppresses the return of the state of the returned C/C++
instance. Note that the ``int *`` used to return the state is
not passed if this flag is specified.
``Df`` (wrapped instance) [const :c:type:`sipTypeDef` \*, int \*, void \*\*]
.. deprecated:: 4.10.1
Use ``Hf`` instead.
Convert a Python object to a C structure, C++ class or mapped type
instance and return its state as described in
:c:func:`sipConvertToType()`. ``f`` is a combination of the following
flags encoded as an ASCII character by adding ``0`` to the combined
value:
0x01 disallows the conversion of ``Py_None`` to ``NULL``
0x02 implements the :fanno:`Factory` and :fanno:`TransferBack`
annotations
0x04 suppresses the return of the state of the returned C/C++
instance. Note that the ``int *`` used to return the state is
not passed if this flag is specified.
``E`` (wrapped enum) [PyTypeObject \*, enum \*]
.. deprecated:: 4.8
Use ``F`` instead.
Convert a Python named enum type to the corresponding C/C++ ``enum``.
``F`` (wrapped enum) [:c:type:`sipTypeDef` \*, enum \*]
Convert a Python named enum type to the corresponding C/C++ ``enum``.
``G`` (unicode/string) [wchar_t \*\*, :c:macro:`SIP_SSIZE_T` \*]
Convert a Python v2 string or unicode object or a Python v3 string

object to a C/C++ wide character array and its length. If the Python
object is ``Py_None`` then the array and length are ``NULL`` and zero
respectively.
``Hf`` (wrapped instance) [const :c:type:`sipTypeDef` \*, int \*, void \*\*]
Convert a Python object to a C structure, C++ class or mapped type
instance as described in :c:func:`sipConvertToType()`. ``f`` is a
combination of the following flags encoded as an ASCII character by
adding ``0`` to the combined value:
0x01 disallows the conversion of ``Py_None`` to ``NULL``
0x02 implements the :fanno:`Factory` and :fanno:`TransferBack`
annotations
0x04 returns a copy of the C/C++ instance.
``L`` (integer) [signed char \*]
.. versionadded:: 4.12
Convert a Python integer to a C/C++ ``signed char``.
``M`` (long) [unsigned char \*]
.. versionadded:: 4.12
Convert a Python long to a C/C++ ``unsigned char``.
``N`` (object) [PyTypeObject \*, PyObject \*\*]
A Python object is checked to see if it is a certain type and then
returned without any conversions. The reference count is incremented.
The Python object may be ``Py_None``.
``O`` (object) [PyObject \*\*]
A Python object is returned without any conversions. The reference
count is incremented.
``S`` [:c:type:`sipSimpleWrapper` \*]
This format character, if used, must be the first. It is used with
other format characters to define a context and doesn't itself convert
an argument.
``T`` (object) [PyTypeObject \*, PyObject \*\*]
A Python object is checked to see if it is a certain type and then
returned without any conversions. The reference count is incremented.
The Python object may not be ``Py_None``.
``V`` (:class:`sip.voidptr`) [void \*\*]
Convert a Python :class:`sip.voidptr` object to a C/C++ ``void *``.
``z`` (object) [const char \*, void \*\*]
.. versionadded:: 4.14.1
Convert a Python named capsule object to a C/C++ ``void *``.
``Z`` (object) []
Check that a Python object is ``Py_None``. No value is returned.
``!`` (object) [PyObject \*\*]
.. versionadded:: 4.14.1

A Python object is checked to see if it implements the buffer protocol

and then returned without any conversions. The reference count is
incremented. The Python object may not be ``Py_None``.
``$`` (object) [PyObject \*\*]
.. versionadded:: 4.14.1
A Python object is checked to see if it implements the buffer protocol
and then returned without any conversions. The reference count is
incremented. The Python object may be ``Py_None``.
.. c:function:: int sipRegisterAttributeGetter(const sipTypeDef *td, sipAttrGett
erFunc getter)
This registers a handler that will called just before SIP needs to get an
attribute from a wrapped type's dictionary for the first time. The handler
must then populate the type's dictionary with any lazy attributes.
:param td:
the optional :ref:`generated type structure <ref-type-structures>` that
determines which types the handler will be called for.
:param getter:
the handler function.
:return:
0 if there was no error, otherwise -1 is returned.
If *td* is not ``NULL`` then the handler will only be called for types with
that type or that are sub-classed from it. Otherwise the handler will be
called for all types.
A handler has the following signature.
int handler(const :c:type:`sipTypeDef` \*td, PyObject \*dict)
*td* is the generated type definition of the type whose dictionary is
to be populated.
*dict* is the dictionary to be populated.
0 is returned if there was no error, otherwise -1 is returned.
See the section :ref:`ref-lazy-type-attributes` for more details.
.. c:function:: int sipRegisterProxyResolver(const sipTypeDef *td, sipProxyResol
verFunc resolver)
.. versionadded:: 4.15
This registers a resolver that will called just before SIP wraps a C/C++
pointer in a Python object. The resolver may choose to replace the C/C++
pointer with the address of another object. Typically this is used to
replace a proxy by the object that is being proxied for.
:param td:
the optional :ref:`generated type structure <ref-type-structures>` that
determines which type the resolver will be called for.
:param resolver:
the resolver function.

:return:
0 if there was no error, otherwise -1 is returned.
A resolver has the following signature.
void \*resolver(void \*proxy)
*proxy* is C/C++ pointer that is being wrapped.
The C/C++ pointer that will actually be wrapped is returned.
.. c:function:: int sipRegisterPyType(PyTypeObject *type)
This registers a Python type object that can be used as the meta-type or
super-type of a wrapped C++ type.
:param type:
the type object.
:return:
0 if there was no error, otherwise -1 is returned.
See the section :ref:`ref-types-metatypes` for more details.
.. c:function:: void sipReleaseInstance(void *cpp, sipWrapperType *type, int sta
te)
.. deprecated:: 4.8
Use :c:func:`sipReleaseType()` instead.
This destroys a wrapped C/C++ instance if it was a temporary instance. It
is called after a call to either :c:func:`sipConvertToInstance()` or
:c:func:`sipForceConvertToInstance()`.
:param cpp:
the C/C++ instance.
:param type:
the type's :ref:`generated type object <ref-type-objects>`.
:param state:
describes the state of the C/C++ instance.
.. c:function:: void sipReleaseMappedType(void *cpp, const sipMappedType *mt, in
t state)
.. deprecated:: 4.8
Use :c:func:`sipReleaseType()` instead.
This destroys a wrapped C/C++ mapped type if it was a temporary instance.
It is called after a call to either :c:func:`sipConvertToMappedType()` or
:c:func:`sipForceConvertToMappedType()`.
:param cpp:
the C/C++ instance.
:param mt:
the opaque structure returned by :c:func:`sipFindMappedType()`.
:param state:
describes the state of the C/C++ instance.

.. c:function:: void sipReleaseType(void *cpp, const sipTypeDef *td, int state)

This destroys a wrapped C/C++ or mapped type instance if it was a temporary
instance. It is called after a call to either :c:func:`sipConvertToType()`
or :c:func:`sipForceConvertToType()`.
:param cpp:
the C/C++ instance.
:param td:
the type's :ref:`generated type structure <ref-type-structures>`.
:param state:
describes the state of the C/C++ instance.
.. c:function:: const char *sipResolveTypedef(const char *name)
This returns the value of a C/C++ typedef.
:param name:
the name of the typedef.
:return:
the value of the typedef or ``NULL`` if there was no such typedef.
.. c:function:: void sipSetDestroyOnExit(int destroy)
.. versionadded:: 4.14.7
When the Python interpreter exits it garbage collects those objects that it
can. This means that any corresponding C++ instances and C structures
owned by Python are destroyed. Unfortunately this happens in an
unpredictable order and so can cause memory faults within the wrapped
library. Calling this function with a value of zero disables the automatic
destruction of C++ instances and C structures.
:param destroy:
non-zero if all C++ instances and C structures owned by Python should
be destroyed when the interpreter exits. This is the default.
.. c:type:: sipSimpleWrapper
This is a C structure that represents a Python wrapped instance whose type
is :class:`sip.simplewrapper`. It is an extension of the ``PyObject``
structure and so may be safely cast to it.
.. c:member:: void *data
This is initialised to the address of the C/C++ instance. If an access
function is subsequently provided then it may be used for any purpose
by the access function.
.. c:member:: sipAccessFunc access_func
This is the address of an optional access function that is called, with
a pointer to this structure as its first argument. If its second
argument is ``UnguardedPointer`` then it returns the address of the
C/C++ instance, even if it is known that its value is no longer valid.
If the second argument is ``GuardedPointer`` then it returns the

address of the C++ instance or ``0`` if it is known to be invalid. If

the second argument is ``ReleaseGuard`` then the structure is being
deallocated and any dynamic resources used by the access function
should be released. If there is no access function then the
:c:member:`sipSimpleWrapper.data` is used as the address of the C/C++
instance. Typically a custom meta-type is used to set an access method
after the Python object has been created.
.. c:member:: PyObject *user
This can be used for any purpose by handwritten code and will
automatically be garbage collected at the appropriate time.
.. c:var:: PyTypeObject *sipSimpleWrapper_Type
This is the type of a :c:type:`sipSimpleWrapper` structure and is the C
implementation of :class:`sip.simplewrapper`. It may be safely cast to
:c:type:`sipWrapperType`.
.. c:type:: sipStringTypeClassMap
.. deprecated:: 4.8
This C structure is used with :c:func:`sipMapStringToClass()` to define a
mapping between ``'\0'`` terminated string based RTTI and
:ref:`ref-type-objects`. The structure elements are as follows.
.. c:member:: char *typeString
The ``'\0'`` terminated string RTTI.
.. c:member:: sipWrapperType **pyType.
A pointer to the corresponding generated type object.
.. c:function:: void sipTransferBack(PyObject *obj)
This transfers ownership of a Python wrapped instance to Python (see
:ref:`ref-object-ownership`).
:param obj:
the wrapped instance.
In addition, any association of the instance with regard to the cyclic
garbage collector with another instance is removed.
.. c:function:: void sipTransferBreak(PyObject *obj)
Any association of a Python wrapped instance with regard to the cyclic
garbage collector with another instance is removed. Ownership of the
instance should be with C++.
:param obj:
the wrapped instance.
.. deprecated:: 4.14

Use the following instead:

sipTransferTo(obj, NULL);
.. c:function:: void sipTransferTo(PyObject *obj, PyObject *owner)
This transfers ownership of a Python wrapped instance to C++ (see
:ref:`ref-object-ownership`).
:param obj:
the wrapped instance.
:param owner:
an optional wrapped instance that *obj* becomes associated with with
regard to the cyclic garbage collector. If *owner* is ``NULL`` then no
such association is made. If *owner* is ``Py_None`` then *obj* is
given an extra reference which is removed when the C++ instance's
destructor is called. If *owner* is the same value as *obj* then any
reference cycles involving *obj* can never be detected or broken by the
cyclic garbage collector. Responsibility for calling the C++
instance's destructor is always transfered to C++.
.. c:function:: PyTypeObject *sipTypeAsPyTypeObject(sipTypeDef *td)
This returns a pointer to the Python type object that SIP creates for a
:ref:`generated type structure <ref-type-structures>`.
:param td:
the type structure.
:return:
the Python type object. If the type structure refers to a mapped type
then ``NULL`` will be returned.
If the type structure refers to a C structure or C++ class then the
Python type object may be safely cast to a :c:type:`sipWrapperType`.
.. c:function:: const sipTypeDef *sipTypeFromPyTypeObject(PyTypeObject *py_type)
This returns the :ref:`generated type structure <ref-type-structures>` for
a Python type object.
:param py_type:
the Python type object.
:return:
the type structure or ``NULL`` if the Python type object doesn't
correspond to a type structure.
.. c:function:: int sipTypeIsClass(sipTypeDef *td)
This checks if a :ref:`generated type structure <ref-type-structures>`
refers to a C structure or C++ class.
:param td:
the type structure.
:return:
a non-zero value if the type structure refers to a structure or class.

.. c:function:: int sipTypeIsEnum(sipTypeDef *td)

This checks if a :ref:`generated type structure <ref-type-structures>`
refers to a named enum.
:param td:
the type structure.
:return:
a non-zero value if the type structure refers to an enum.
.. c:function:: int sipTypeIsMapped(sipTypeDef *td)
This checks if a :ref:`generated type structure <ref-type-structures>`
refers to a mapped type.
:param td:
the type structure.
:return:
a non-zero value if the type structure refers to a mapped type.
.. c:function:: int sipTypeIsNamespace(sipTypeDef *td)
This checks if a :ref:`generated type structure <ref-type-structures>`
refers to a C++ namespace.
:param td:
the type structure.
:return:
a non-zero value if the type structure refers to a namespace.
.. c:function:: const char *sipTypeName(const sipTypeDef *td)
This returns the C/C++ name of a wrapped type.
:param td:
the type's :ref:`generated type structure <ref-type-structures>`.
:return:
the name of the C/C++ type.
.. c:function:: const sipTypeDef *sipTypeScope(const sipTypeDef *td)
This returns the :ref:`generated type structure <ref-type-structures>` of
the enclosing scope of another generated type structure.
:param td:
the type structure.
:return:
the type structure of the scope or ``NULL`` if the type has no scope.
.. c:var:: PyTypeObject *sipVoidPtr_Type
This is the type of a ``PyObject`` structure that is used to wrap a
``void *``.

.. c:type:: sipWrapper
This is a C structure that represents a Python wrapped instance whose type
is :class:`sip.wrapper`. It is an extension of the
:c:type:`sipSimpleWrapper` and ``PyObject`` structures and so may be safely
cast to both.
.. c:function:: int sipWrapper_Check(PyObject *obj)
.. deprecated:: 4.8
Use the following instead:
PyObject_TypeCheck(obj, sipWrapper_Type)
This checks if a Python object is a wrapped instance.
:param obj:
the Python object.
:return:
a non-zero value if the Python object is a wrapped instance.
.. c:var:: PyTypeObject *sipWrapper_Type
This is the type of a :c:type:`sipWrapper` structure and is the C
implementation of :class:`sip.wrapper`. It may be safely cast to
:c:type:`sipWrapperType`.
.. c:type:: sipWrapperType
This is a C structure that represents a SIP generated type object. It is
an extension of the ``PyTypeObject`` structure (which is itself an
extension of the ``PyObject`` structure) and so may be safely cast to
``PyTypeObject`` (and ``PyObject``).
.. c:var:: PyTypeObject *sipWrapperType_Type
This is the type of a :c:type:`sipWrapperType` structure and is the C
implementation of :class:`sip.wrappertype`.
.. _ref-type-structures:
Generated Type Structures
------------------------SIP generates an opaque type structure for each C structure, C++ class, C++
namespace, named enum or mapped type being wrapped. These are
:c:type:`sipTypeDef` structures and are used extensively by the SIP API.
The names of these structure are prefixed by ``sipType_``.
For those structures that correspond to C structures, C++ classes, C++
namespaces or named enums the remaining part of the name is the fully
qualified name of the structure, class, namespace or enum name. Any ``::``
scope separators are replaced by an underscore. For example, the type object

for class ``Klass`` is ``sipType_Klass``.

For those structure that correspond to mapped types the remaining part of the
name is generated by SIP. The only way for handwritten code to obtain a
pointer to a structure for a mapped type is to use :c:func:`sipFindType()`.
The type structures of all imported types are available to handwritten code.
.. _ref-type-objects:
Generated Type Objects
---------------------.. deprecated:: 4.8
Use the corresponding generated type structure (see
:ref:`ref-type-structures`) and :c:func:`sipTypeAsPyTypeObject()` instead.
SIP generates a :c:type:`sipWrapperType` type object for each C structure or
C++ class being wrapped.
These objects are named with the structure or class name prefixed by
``sipClass_``. For example, the type object for class ``Klass`` is
``sipClass_Klass``.
.. _ref-enum-type-objects:
Generated Named Enum Type Objects
--------------------------------.. deprecated:: 4.8
Use the corresponding generated type structure (see
:ref:`ref-type-structures`) and :c:func:`sipTypeAsPyTypeObject()` instead.
SIP generates a type object for each named enum being wrapped. These are
PyTypeObject structures. (Anonymous enums are wrapped as Python integers.)
These objects are named with the fully qualified enum name (i.e. including any
enclosing scope) prefixed by ``sipEnum_``. For example, the type object for
enum ``Enum`` defined in class ``Klass`` is ``sipEnum_Klass_Enum``.
.. _ref-derived-classes:
Generated Derived Classes
------------------------For most C++ classes being wrapped SIP generates a derived class with the same
name prefixed by ``sip``. For example, the derived class for class ``Klass``
is ``sipKlass``.
If a C++ class doesn't have any virtual or protected methods in it or any of
it's super-class hierarchy, or does not emit any Qt signals, then a derived
class is not generated.
Most of the time handwritten code should ignore the derived classes. The only
exception is that handwritten constructor code specified using the
:directive:`%MethodCode` directive should call the derived class's constructor
(which has the same C++ signature) rather then the wrapped class's constructor.

.. _ref-exception-objects:
Generated Exception Objects
--------------------------SIP generates a Python object for each exception defined with the
:directive:`%Exception` directive.
These objects are named with the fully qualified exception name (i.e. including
any enclosing scope) prefixed by ``sipException_``. For example, the type
object for enum ``Except`` defined in class ``Klass`` is
``sipException_Klass_Except``.
The objects of all imported exceptions are available to handwritten code.