View source for Slicer3:Python

=== Python for scientific computing ===
Python has a fairly comprehensive package for scientific computing called [http://scipy.org SciPy].  Of main interest to Slicer users/developers is [http://numpy.scipy.org NumPy].  NumPy provides most of the features of the Matlab image processing toolbox and numeric computations, but in an Open Source package.  A compelling reason to use NumPy is the ease of interaction and integration with Slicer3.

=== Slicer3 and Python ===
At the recent [[Slicer3:MiniRetreat February 7-8, 2007|Slicer3 Mini-Retreat]], a [http://python.org Python] interpreter was added to the Slicer build.  This may be built by following these steps.

# Install [http://www.python.org/download/ Python 2.4 or later]
# Install [http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=1369&package_id=175103 NumPy], be sure to find the correct installer for your version of Python
# Run CMake setting the "USE_PYTHON" option, and setting the path to your Python installation
# Compile Slicer
## It is best to clean the '''SlicerBaseGUI''' project, as this may not be correctly rebuilt.
## A new build target '''SlicerGUIPython''' should appear

A new menu command '''Python Interpreter''' should appear on the Window menu.