Is it possible to write julia code in python and run it

Yes, it is possible to write Julia code in Python and run it. There are several ways to achieve this, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will explore three different options for running Julia code in Python.

Option 1: Using PyJulia

PyJulia is a Python package that provides a seamless interface to the Julia language. It allows you to import and execute Julia code within your Python environment. To use PyJulia, you need to have both Python and Julia installed on your system.

import julia
from julia import Base

julia.install()
julia.Julia()

Once you have PyJulia installed, you can import the Julia module and execute Julia code using the julia.eval() function. Here’s an example:

import julia

julia.install()
julia.Julia()

julia_code = """
function square(x)
    return x^2
end
"""

julia.eval(julia_code)

result = julia.eval("square(5)")
print(result)  # Output: 25

Option 1 is a good choice if you want to integrate Julia code into your existing Python projects. However, it requires both Python and Julia to be installed, which may be a drawback in some cases.

Option 2: Using PyCall

PyCall is another Python package that allows you to call Julia functions from Python. It provides a more lightweight solution compared to PyJulia, as it does not require a separate Julia installation.

import julia
from julia import Main

julia.install()
Main.eval('using PyCall')

With PyCall, you can directly call Julia functions using the Main.eval() function. Here’s an example:

import julia
from julia import Main

julia.install()
Main.eval('using PyCall')

julia_code = """
function square(x)
    return x^2
end
"""

Main.eval(julia_code)

result = Main.eval("square(5)")
print(result)  # Output: 25

Option 2 is a good choice if you want a lightweight solution and do not want to install Julia separately. However, it may not provide the same level of integration as PyJulia.

Option 3: Using subprocess

If you do not want to install any additional packages, you can use the subprocess module in Python to execute Julia code as a separate process. This option allows you to run Julia code without any dependencies on Python packages.

import subprocess

julia_code = """
function square(x)
    return x^2
end
"""

result = subprocess.check_output(["julia", "-e", julia_code])
print(result)  # Output: b'25n'

Option 3 is a good choice if you want a simple and dependency-free solution. However, it may have some limitations in terms of communication between the Python and Julia processes.

In conclusion, all three options provide a way to write and run Julia code in Python. The best option depends on your specific requirements and constraints. If you want seamless integration and have both Python and Julia installed, PyJulia is a good choice. If you prefer a lightweight solution without a separate Julia installation, PyCall is a good option. If you want a simple and dependency-free solution, subprocess can be used. Consider your needs and choose the option that suits you best.