Python bindings

[dirvine]

Python Bindings for self_encryption

This PR adds comprehensive Python bindings to the self_encryption library using PyO3, making the library's functionality accessible to Python developers.

Features Added

1. Core Python Bindings

• Basic encryption/decryption operations
• File-based operations with chunk storage
• Streaming interface for large files
• Full type safety and error handling
• Proper memory management between Rust and Python

2. Python Package Infrastructure

• Added pyproject.toml for modern Python packaging
• Configured maturin for Rust/Python interop
• Set up cross-platform wheel building
• Added Python-specific documentation

3. CI/CD Pipeline

• Added GitHub Actions workflow for Python package publishing
• Configured PyPI trusted publisher setup
• Cross-platform wheel building (Linux, macOS, Windows)
• Multiple Python version support (3.8-3.12)

Example Usage

# Basic encryption/decryption
from self_encryption import encrypt_bytes, decrypt_chunks

data = b"Hello World" * 1024
data_map, chunks = encrypt_bytes(data)
decrypted = decrypt_chunks(data_map, chunks)

# File-based operations
from self_encryption import encrypt_file, decrypt_from_files

data_map, chunk_files = encrypt_file("input.txt", "chunks_dir")
decrypt_from_files("chunks_dir", data_map, "output.txt")

# Streaming interface
from self_encryption import StreamSelfEncryptor, StreamSelfDecryptor

encryptor = StreamSelfEncryptor("input_file.dat", chunk_dir="chunks_dir")
# ... process chunks ...

Testing

• Added Python examples in README
• Verified cross-platform compatibility
• Tested with various Python versions
• Memory safety checks
• Error handling verification

Documentation

• Updated README with Python usage examples
• Added inline documentation for Python functions
• Included type hints and docstrings

Future Work

• Add more Python-specific examples
• Consider adding async support
• Add Python-specific optimizations
• Consider adding more Pythonic interfaces

Breaking Changes

None - This is a new feature that doesn't affect existing Rust functionality.

Dependencies Added

• maturin (build system)
• PyO3 (Rust/Python bindings)

Testing Instructions

1. Install the package:

pip install self-encryption

2. Run the examples from the README to verify functionality

Notes

• Minimum supported Python version is 3.8
• Requires rustc 1.65 or higher
• Cross-platform support for Windows, macOS, and Linux