Cython vs Numba: Which is better for Python performance?

What are the main differences between Cython and Numba?

Cython is a programming language that makes writing C extensions for Python easier, while Numba is a just-in-time compiler that translates a subset of Python and NumPy code into fast machine code.

When should I use Cython over Numba?

Use Cython when you need to optimize existing Python code or when you want to write C-like performance code. Numba is better for quick optimizations of numerical functions without changing much of your code.

Are there any performance benchmarks comparing the two?

Yes, benchmarks often show that Cython can outperform Numba for certain tasks, especially when the code is heavily reliant on C libraries. However, Numba can be faster for pure Python and NumPy operations.

Can I use both Cython and Numba in the same project?

Absolutely! You can use Cython for parts of your code that require C-level performance and Numba for numerical computations, leveraging the strengths of both.