cwrap
cwrap - ctypes blanket
Decision gist · record as of 2026-08-14
Yes, if you need to call C code from Python and prefer a higher-level wrapper over raw ctypes, and your project is compatible with GPL-3.0 copyleft licensing. The package is actively maintained, has no dependencies, and supports modern Python versions. If your project cannot use GPL-3.0 code, do not install.AI-flagged interpretation of the facts on this page — verify before relying
Before you install
- Requires Python 3.11 or later
- Low friction installation with no runtime dependencies.
- Active maintenance: last commit 2026-07-06, release 43 days old.
License · maintenance · safety
GPL-3.0 (copyleft) — GPL-3.0 copyleft license. You must distribute derivative works under the same license; use in proprietary software requires careful review or separate licensing.
last release 2026-07-02 (43 days) · last repo commit 2026-07-06 · 6 stars
0 known vulnerabilities (OSV.dev, 2026-08-14) · 102,133 downloads/mo, #12,888 on PyPI
Alternatives
Verify before relying
pip install cwrap
import cwrap
# See examples/ directory in repository for usage patterns- Whether cwrap generates wrapper code or provides a runtime abstraction layer
- What C library features are supported (structs, callbacks, pointers, etc.)
- Performance overhead compared to direct ctypes use
What it is and what it does
cwrap simplifies the process of wrapping C code for use in Python by building on top of ctypes. Rather than writing raw ctypes bindings by hand, cwrap provides a higher-level interface to reduce boilerplate and make C interop more ergonomic. It is intended for developers who need to call C functions or work with C data types from Python but want to avoid writing C extension modules.
The package has been in active development since its first release and is marked as Production/Stable. It carries no runtime dependencies, making it lightweight to add to a project. The GPL-3.0 copyleft license means you must ensure compatibility with your project's licensing model before use.
Use it for
- Wrapping a C library to call its functions from Python without writing a C extension module
- Defining Python-friendly interfaces to C structs and data types for scientific or systems code
- Rapid prototyping of C bindings during development before committing to a full extension
- Integrating legacy C code into a Python application without rewriting it
Worth the install?
AI-flagged interpretation of the facts on this page. Verify before relying on it.
Yes, if you need to call C code from Python and prefer a higher-level wrapper over raw ctypes, and your project is compatible with GPL-3.0 copyleft licensing.
The package is actively maintained, has no dependencies, and supports modern Python versions. If your project cannot use GPL-3.0 code, do not install.
Install
cwrap on PyPI
Before you install
Low friction installation with no runtime dependencies. Active maintenance: last commit 2026-07-06, release 43 days old. Supports Python 3.11 through 3.14.
Requires Python 3.11 or later
License in practice
GPL-3.0 copyleft license. You must distribute derivative works under the same license; use in proprietary software requires careful review or separate licensing.
Quickstart
pip install cwrap
import cwrap
# See examples/ directory in repository for usage patternsVerify before relying
- Whether cwrap generates wrapper code or provides a runtime abstraction layer
- What C library features are supported (structs, callbacks, pointers, etc.)
- Performance overhead compared to direct ctypes use
Package facts
| License | GPL-3.0 copyleft |
| Python support | Supports the current Python release >=3.11 |
| Install friction | Low. Pure-Python wheel |
| Runtime dependencies | None |
| Maintenance | Actively maintained 43 days since the last release |
| Last repo commit | |
| First released | |
| Downloads | 102,133 / month, #12,888 on PyPI 30-day window, as of 2026-08-14 |
| Known vulnerabilities | None known OSV.dev, checked 2026-08-14 |
| Classifiers | Development Status :: 5 - Production/StableEnvironment :: Other EnvironmentIntended Audience :: DevelopersIntended Audience :: Science/ResearchLicense :: OSI Approved :: GNU General Public License v3 or later (GPLv3+)Natural Language :: EnglishProgramming Language :: PythonProgramming Language :: Python :: 3.11Programming Language :: Python :: 3.12Programming Language :: Python :: 3.13Programming Language :: Python :: 3.14Topic :: Software Development :: LibrariesTopic :: Utilities |
Evidence: cwrap-1.6.16-py3-none-any.whl
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