You're absolutely right — IronPython does run Python on .NET.
W++ takes a different approach: it's a custom scripting language that looks like Python but is designed for tight integration with .NET itself, including:
Native JIT compilation (via IL emission)
NuGet package import support (via .ingot wrapping)
Familiar syntax (like print, let, for, if) with static structure
IronPython is about bringing Python to .NET. W++ is about making .NET scripting feel more like Python.
Think of it as IronPython’s minimalist, compile-time-powered cousin.
I lowkey want someone to make the Clojure of .NET which is a Lisp / Scheme like language but that takes full advantage of .NET I do like that yours does this with Python however. My two main languages for a while have always been Python and C#.
I do think theres some interesting value in something like IronPython becoming more compatible with regular Python code in that in theory you could take advantage of both .NET and Python libraries. I'm thinking maybe Django with access to any .NET library.
I’m not familiar enough with the CLR or .Net to know whether this fits your needs, but there is ClojureCLR:
There's the original/current implementation: https://github.com/clojure/clojure-clr
And the newer reimplementation: https://github.com/dmiller/clojure-clr-next
That’s a really cool idea — a “Clojure of .NET” would definitely fill a unique niche. W++ kind of stumbled into this space by aiming to make .NET feel more like Python for scripting — but yeah, I’d love to explore where it could go if more folks want something expressive but tightly integrated with .NET.
Also, totally agree — bridging Python and .NET ecosystems more deeply (like Django with NuGet access ) sounds wild and fun. Appreciate the thoughts!