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Transcrypt
What it is
Transcrypt is a free, open-source compiler that converts Python source into JavaScript for browser applications. It compiles a substantial subset of Python into JavaScript 6, with optional minification. Developers can call JavaScript functions and use JavaScript libraries and browser DOM functions from Python code. The distribution includes optional static type validation, consistency checks and multilevel source maps for debugging generated JavaScript against its Python source. Listed language features include async/await, comprehensions, modules and multiple inheritance. Transcrypt can also compile Python server code for Node.js and use Node libraries with require(). Installation is through pip as a Python package. The project focuses on browser development and JavaScript libraries rather than desktop Python libraries. Python exec and eval are unsupported because the code is precompiled. C and C++ libraries are not directly supported for browser use without special measures, such as compiling them to asm.js. The project is licensed under Apache 2.0, and its documentation says it is tested under Windows, Linux and OSX.
For and against
For
- Compiles Python into JavaScript 6.
- Offers optional static type validation.
- Source maps support debugging against Python source.
- Can target Node.js server code.
- Free under the Apache 2.0 license.
Against
- Python exec and eval are unsupported.
- C and C++ libraries are not directly supported.
- Focuses on browser development, not desktop Python libraries.
The verdict
Transcrypt provides a Python-to-JavaScript workflow for browser applications, with source maps and JavaScript interoperability. Its precompilation model and library limits matter for projects relying on exec, eval or C and C++ libraries.
Who it suits
It suits developers who want to write browser applications in Python and use JavaScript libraries. It is less suited to projects that depend on Python desktop libraries or directly on C and C++ libraries.
Plans and prices
Transcrypt
Free and open source · Apache 2.0 license · no obligation to donate
Read 3 Oct 2026 · transcrypt.org
On the record
- Browser development
- The project focuses on writing web client applications in Python that compile to JavaScript.transcrypt.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Compatibility limit
- The documentation says Python exec and eval are unsupported because Transcrypt precompiles code; JavaScript eval is supported.transcrypt.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Debugging
- Transcrypt provides multi-level source maps so developers can debug generated JavaScript from Python source code.transcrypt.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Installation
- The site recommends installing Transcrypt with pip as a Python package.transcrypt.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The examples page includes integrations or demos involving jQuery, React, Fabric.js, D3.js, Plotly.js, and Riot.transcrypt.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Intended use
- The documentation says Transcrypt focuses on browser development and JavaScript libraries rather than desktop Python libraries.transcrypt.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- JavaScript access
- Transcrypt says JavaScript libraries can be used without restrictions or complications, and Python code can call JavaScript functions directly.transcrypt.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- JavaScript interoperability
- Transcrypt applications can use JavaScript libraries and browser DOM functions.transcrypt.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- JavaScript output
- Transcrypt generates JavaScript 6 and can minify the output.transcrypt.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Language features
- Listed features include multiple inheritance, async/await, comprehensions, modules, optional static type checking, source maps, and built-in minification.transcrypt.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Language tools
- The distribution includes optional static type validation, consistency checks, and minification tools.transcrypt.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Library limit
- Transcrypt is designed for JavaScript libraries and does not directly support libraries written in C or C++.transcrypt.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- License and cost
- Transcrypt is free and open source under the Apache 2.0 license, and the FAQ says donations are optional.transcrypt.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Limit
- Transcrypt does not directly support libraries written in C or C++ for browser use without special measures such as compiling them to asm.js.transcrypt.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Node.js
- Transcrypt can compile Python to JavaScript for use on both the client and server with Node.js, subject to facilities available on each platform.transcrypt.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Open source
- Transcrypt is licensed under the Apache 2.0 open source license.transcrypt.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Operating systems
- The getting started documentation says Transcrypt is tested under Windows, Linux, and OSX.transcrypt.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Transcrypt compiles Python source code into JavaScript for browser applications.transcrypt.org · read 3 Oct 2026
