st: new python package

[James Fiedler <jrfiedler@gmail.com>]

A new package -python- is available for download from SSC. Thanks to
Kit Baum for uploading it and testing it out.

The -python- package includes C plugin code which makes the Python
language available for use within Stata, either through an interactive
interpreter or through executing Python files. The plugin has been
successfully installed and tested using Python3.3 on Windows 7 and on
Mac OS X 10.7.

Despite being tested, this code is experimental. In particular, that
means that it should be used with caution.

The primary documentation for the package is in the package's
python_plugin.pdf. An overview of the functionality can be found in
the first two-thirds of my Stata Conference presentation at
http://repec.org/norl13/fiedler.pdf .

Type -ssc describe python- for the SSC description.

Type -ssc install python- to install.

Type -net get python- to download the ancillary files into your
current directory. Stata programs that use Python files, such as the
included examples -prem-, -approx-, and -fdi-, should be run from the
directory with the Python file. The plugin does not search for Python
files.


James Fiedler
*
*   For searches and help try:
*   http://www.stata.com/help.cgi?search
*   http://www.stata.com/support/faqs/resources/statalist-faq/
*   http://www.ats.ucla.edu/stat/stata/