Microsoft has released IronPython 2.0 on CodePlex, the .NET implementation of the Python language. The most important improvement is running on top of the Dynamic Language Runtime (DLR).
According to CodePlex, notable improvements are:
- An MSI installer for Windows platforms which includes parts of the CPython 2.5 standard library
- IronPython assemblies targeting Silverlight and tools such as Chiron to improve the Silverlight dynamic development experience
- The addition of more C-based standard modules such as cmath and _winreg
- Significant improvements in importing compatibility and features
- Distribution of IronPython under the Microsoft Public License which has been approved by OSI
- Performance improvements. On that note, a new Wiki page has been created for IronPython performance reports – see http://www.codeplex.com/IronPython/Wiki/View.aspx?title=IronPython%20Performance
- Over 500 bugs have been closed in 2.0. 453 of these were reported on CodePlex
- Support for precompilation of Python source files into a single dll
Other useful links: IronPython Home Page, Release Notes, Source and Binary Downloads, Compiled IronPython, an InfoQ news about IronPython’s relationship with the DLR/CLR.