SWIG, or Simplified Wrapper and Interface Generator, is a software development tool that connects programs written in C and C++ with a variety of high-level programming languages. This program is primarily used with common scripting languages, including Python, Perl, PHP, and Ruby. However, it can also be used with non-scripting languages, such as Common Lisp, C#, and Java. SWIG is a free-to-use app, and the code it generates is compatible with both commercial and non-commercial projects. 

What is SWIG used for?

SWIG is most commonly used to create high-level interpreted or compiled programming languages and user interfaces. It is also a handy tool to have for testing and prototyping C/C++ software. Using the app, you can reduce the amount of manual coding required to invoke C/C++ functions from other programming languages.  Another benefit of using the app is that you are less likely to make an error that when you are coding manually. 

As noted, SWIG generates wrapper code for various scripting and non-scripting languages. The app will compile the interface file and generate code in regular C/C++ and target programing language. It will then generate conversion code for functions with simple arguments. The tool will also create a source code that provides the glue between C/C++ and the target language. Note, however, that the programmer must write the conversion code for complex types of arguments. Additionally, the software is not used for calling interpreted functions by native code. This, too, is for the programmer to do manually. 

However, while SWIG has been used successfully in a wide variety of applications, there are still a few limitations in its current system that its developer must focus on. One of these limitations is the fact that the app is not yet a full C/C++ compiler. As a result, it can sometimes be confused by complex C declaration or non-ANSI syntax. There is also minimal support for several C++ features, such as function overloading, templates, namespaces, and operator overloading. Finally, the program is primarily designed for use with pre-existing C code. With this, it is not always appropriate to use if you are writing TK widgets or other kinds of specialized scripting-language extensions. 

A helpful tool for programmer

SWIG  greatly simplifies calling C/C++ functions from many programming languages. It does not require modification to existing C code and is relatively easy to apply to an existing system. With this, the amount of manual coding will be lessened. There are a few limitations to the app, but overall, it is a helpful tool for a lot of programmers.