# Gimp Python Documentation

James Henstridge

`<james@daa.com.au>`

Published v0.4, 5 July 1999

This document outlines the interfaces to Gimp-Python, which is a set of Python modules that act as a wrapper to `libgimp` allowing the writing of plug-ins for Gimp. In this way, Gimp-Python is similar to Script-Fu, except that you can use the full set of Python extension modules from the plug-in.

# Introduction

## What is it?

Gimp-Python is a scripting extension for Gimp, similar to Script-Fu. The main difference is in what is called first. In Script-Fu, the script-fu plugin executes the script, while in Gimp-Python the script is in control.

In fact, you will find that the Gimp-Python scripts start with the line `#!/usr/bin/python`. The gimp extension is loaded with the familiar `import` command.

Another point of difference between Gimp-Python and Script-Fu is that Gimp-Python stores images, layers, channels and other types as objects rather than just storing their ID. This allows better type checking that is missing from Script-Fu, and allows those types to act as objects, complete with attributes and methods.

Also, Gimp-Python is not limited to just calling procedures from the PDB. It also implements the rest of `libgimp`, including tiles and pixel regions, and access to other lower level functions.

## Installation

Gimp-python consists of a Python module written in C and some native python support modules. You can build pygimp with the commands:

    ./configure
    make
    make install

This will build and install gimpmodule and its supporting modules, and install the sample plugins in gimp's plugin directory.

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