How to check for python GObject Introspection modules in Autotools

When we are using compiled languages – we are usually depending on pkg-config files. For example, “PKG_CHECK_MODULES(GLIB, glib2)”, but what if we are using Python?

Autoconf Archive has AX_PYTHON_MODULE macros. We can use it very easy.

How about Python + GObject Introspection? Let’s take GTK+ as an example. I wrote special m4 file (see below), you can place it in “m4” directory. Then you just need add “AX_PYTHON_GI(Gtk, 3.0)” into “configure.ac” and autoconf will check if GI works and Gtk-3.0.typelib is usable.

P.S. note that I’m not m4 expert, but it works for me.

# SYNOPSIS
#
#   AX_PYTHON_GI(gi_module, version[, python])
#
# DESCRIPTION
#
#   Checks for Python GObject Introspection and GI module with the given
#   version.
#
# LICENSE
#
#    Copyright (C) 2015 Igor Gnatenko <ignatenko@src.gnome.org>
#
#    Copying and distribution of this file, with or without modification, are
#    permitted in any medium without royalty provided the copyright notice
#    and this notice are preserved. This file is offered as-is, without any
#    warranty.

AC_DEFUN([AX_PYTHON_GI], [
    AC_MSG_CHECKING([for bindings for GObject Introspection])
    AX_PYTHON_MODULE([gi], [required], [$3])
    AC_MSG_CHECKING([for version $2 of $1 GObject Introspection module])
    $PYTHON -c "import gi; gi.require_version('$1', '$2')" 2> /dev/null
    AS_IF([test $? -eq 0], [], [
        AC_MSG_RESULT([no])
        AC_MSG_ERROR([You need version $2 of the $1 GObject Introspection module.])
    ])
    AC_MSG_RESULT([yes])
])