Using pybind11 embedded modules when interpreter is initialized via Py_Initialize (C-API)

[rvijayc]

I am trying to use pybind11 embedded modules in a software repository where Py_Initialize() is already called by another python embedding framework (which I unfortunately cannot touch or modify). Hence, I cannot use initialize_interpreter() or scoped_interpreter as it will crash as the interpreter is already initialized.

My code still works if I simply skip calling initialize_interpreter(), since the interpreter has already been initialized and everything works. But, I am wondering if it is safe to do so. Here's what the doc says - "Do not use the raw CPython API functions Py_Initialize and Py_Finalize as these do not properly handle the lifetime of pybind11’s internal data."

Is the side-effect of using Py_Initialize() instead of pybind11::initialize_interpreter() is memory leaks or something even more sinister? Is there an alternate initialization function I can call that skips reinitializing the interpreter (if already initialized)?

Thanks and appreciate your help.