Cinpy - or C in Python (opens in new tab)

You might also want to look at Scipy's weave:

http://www.scipy.org/Weave

It's not as small or self-contained, but it looks to be more actively maintained.

A comparison with some other optimization methods:

http://www.scipy.org/PerformancePython

So C is the new assembler. I remember the days when you optimized your C code by writing inline assembly.

Very nice. If any folks interested in Ruby are reading the article and feeling jealous, make sure to check out RubyInline ( http://www.zenspider.com/ZSS/Products/RubyInline/ ) - it's pretty solid.

Might do a direct comparison of the efficiency of the bridging between RubyInline and Cinpy if I get some time. I suspect Python would win just because Ruby's object bridging is quite intense..