In Python C API why is wrapper function static

Question

So I have below sample code for extending python with C

#include <python.h>

static PyObject* sayhello(PyObject* self, PyObject *args) {
   const char* name;

   if (!PyArg_ParseTuple(arg, "s", &name))
       return NULL;

    printf("Hello %s !\n", name);

    Py_RETURN_NONE;
}

static PyMethodDef HelloMethods[] = 
{
    {"say_hello", say_hello, METH_VARARGS, "Greet Somebody."},
    {NULL, NULL, 0, NULL}
};

PyMODINIT_FUNC inithello(void) {
    (void) Py_InitModule("hello", HelloMethods);
}

And My question is why below wrapper function static

   static PyObject* sayhello(PyObject* self, PyObject *args) {

Why not? You only make functions non-static when you have to. — n. m. could be an AI
– n. m. could be an AI, Commented Feb 13, 2015 at 6:39
@Cthulhu :) I knew about static for variables But,Yes I have doubt on why its used for C functions as well. I am trying to learn C C++ now. — user966588
– user966588, Commented Feb 13, 2015 at 6:47

DrC · Accepted Answer · 2015-02-13 06:40:25Z

6

A function in C can be kept static if it does not need to be referred to/linked by name outside its source file. In this case, the Python linkage is accomplished using references within the source file so no external links are needed. The code would work just as well if the function was externally visible but why pollute your name space?

answered Feb 13, 2015 at 6:40

DrC

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