An Analysis of Python/C++ Hybrid Programming for the CASA Software System and a Study of an Approach to Expand CASA Functions

The new generation spectral radioheliograph of China (CSRH) working in the wavelength range from centimeters to decimeters has entered its testing stage.It becomes urgent to study efficient and reliable approaches of instrument calibration and observational data processing for the CSRH to facilitate its development.In this paper, in order to meet the need of establishing a data processing system that can be used for current tests and future observations with the CSRH, we discuss development modes for the CASA (Common Astronomy Software Applications) software system and explore approaches of secondary developments of the system.We propose a hybrid programming method combining the Python and C++ for developments of software applications.We discuss the details of this method, which for a software application uses the Python for developing the front stage and makes C++ routines called in the back stage.We further describe a practical approach to expand the functions of the CASA based on the hybrid programming.In summary, our method can contribute to the research and development of the CSRH;furthermore, it can serve as a reference for the research of data processing software systems for other new astronomical telescopes in China.