Using Python from Analytica

New in Analytica 7.0

Requires the Analytica Developer edition.

Introduction

• Short overview
• Motivation (i.e., rich ecosystem, many libraries)
• Use cases
• Advantages of using python from within Analytica vs. plain python.
• Downsides: When it is better to stick with Analytica syntax (dependencies, array abstraction, MC, optimization).

Setting up a Python environment

• Very brief basics.
  • conda create -n MyEnv python=3.11
  • Configuring Python Environment or Model Environment sysvars in Analytica.
• Link to Setting up a Python environment for detailed info.

Importing Python modules and objects

• The Python Startup Code sysvar
• Use of "From module Import object"

The Python namespace

• The py:: namespace prefix

Calling a Python function

• py::F(...) calling syntax
• What print(...) does

Using Python classes

• Using an existing python class
• The -> operator to access fields, methods

Using Python code in Definitions

• The Python Expression view for definitions
• Writing an Analytica UDF with python code in body

Defining your own Python classes and Python functions

• Using "def" or "class" in python code.
• The Callable
• Developing your code outside of Analytica and importing as a module.

Dependencies

• The convenience of Analytica's dependencies.
• Drawing arrows to indicate dependence where Python doesn't track it.
• When dependencies are not tracked

Functions for evaluating Python code

• PyEval, PyExec, PyCall

Non-scalar data structures

• Distinction between Python data structures and Analytica data structures. How Python objects display in «...»
• Why to sometimes keep as python data structure w/o exploding

Converting from Python data to Analytica

• Automatic conversions (including list of types)
• PyExplode
  • Basic usage. Nested usage.
  • Include/exclude types
  • Collections: np.array, dict, set/map, pandas data frame (documented on a separate library page), etc.

Converting from Analytica to Python data structures

• Automatic conversions (including a list of the types)
• PyList, PySet, PyArray, ...

Using Analytica locals from Python code

• When Analytica locals are visible to python code.
• Assignment to an Analytica local from python code.

Accessing Analytica objects from Python code

• Analytica module
• Get an Analytica object
• Evaluate a variable
• Analytica.eval(...) -- evaluate an analytica expression
• Call an Analytica function (?) -- Don't have something very direct here yet