---
name: "python3-openflow"
section: "1"
platform: "linux"
package: "python3-openflow"
version: "1.1.0~alpha2-1"
release: "Debian 9 (Stretch)"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/python3-openflow"
---

# python3-openflow(1)

low level library to parse OpenFlow messages

## NAME

**python-openflow** - low level library to parse OpenFlow messages

## DESCRIPTION

**python-openflow is a low level library to parse OpenFlow messages. If you want** **to read an OpenFlow packet from an open socket or send a message to an OpenFlow** **switch, this is your best friend. The main features are: high performance, latest** **specification compliance, short learning curve and free software license.**

**This library is part of Kytos project, a collaborative project between SPRACE** **(from São Paulo State University, Unesp) and Caltech (California Institute of** **Technology). python-openflow was developed to be used with Kytos controller,** **but feel free to use this simple and intuitive library in another project with** **another controller.**

## OVERVIEW

**This is just an overview for you to check whether this project fits your needs.** **For a more detailed documentation, please check the python-openflow API Reference** **Manual at http://docs.kytos.io/python-openflow.**

## USAGE

**For example, see how it is easy to create a feature request message with this** **library. You can use ipython3 to get the advantages of autocompletion:**

```
    >>> from pyof.v0x01.controller2switch.features_request import FeaturesRequest
    >>> request = FeaturesRequest(xid = 100)
    >>> print(request.header.message_type)
    Type.OFPT_FEATURES_REQUEST
    >>> print(request.header.xid)
    100
```

**If you need to send this message via socket, call the pack() method to get its** **binary representation:**

```
    >>> binary_msg = request.pack()
```

## SUPPORT

**We are available in IRC and there is also a development mailing list. Details are** **available in the full documentation.**

## CONTRIBUTING

**Contributions are welcome either by creating issues in GitHub or in the form of** **pull requests. Before, please, read the contribution and hacking guides in the** **main documentation.**

## AUTHOR

**The python-openflow was written by Kytos Development Team \<of-ng-dev@ncc.unesp.br\>.**

**This manual page was written by Paulo Henrique de Lima Santana (phls) \<phls@softwarelivre.org\> for the** **Debian project (but may be used by others).**