Is there a way to run Python from within Mathematica?

Question

I know there is some support for running Mathematica from Python, but is there any way to do the reverse. For example, to import some Python classes and use them in Mathematica?

Answer 1

There's a "Python link" called Pythonika. I have used it briefly and it works.

What it does:

• translates basic data types, including arbitrary size integers, to/from Python
• makes it possible to implement functions in Python and call them from Mathematica

It does not provide any means to work with classes directly. Also, the implementation is rather hackish using unsafe practices (e.g. symbols are not localized to a context, and this has bitten me). To implement a link properly it would take lot more work.

I made a few basic fixes (e.g. using contexts), but I haven't used the thing in a long time. Contact me if you want the fixes.