Show HN: ISO 8583 simulator in Python with LLM-powered message explanation (github.com)

A new Python-based ISO 8583 message simulator has been launched, offering high-performance message handling, AI-powered explanations, and generation capabilities. This simulator can parse over 180,000 transactions per second (TPS) using Cython and supports multiple ISO versions (1987, 1993, 2003) as well as various payment networks, including VISA and Mastercard. Notably, the tool enables users to validate message structures, handle chip card data, and utilize a command line interface (CLI) and Python SDK for enhanced programmatic access. Significantly, the simulator incorporates large language models (LLMs) to explain ISO 8583 messages in plain English and generate these messages from natural language descriptions. It supports various AI providers, including OpenAI and Anthropic, as well as local offline options, making it versatile for different use cases. With a focus on performance, features like object pooling and Cython extensions offer a substantial speed boost. This tool represents a crucial step for developers and financial institutions looking to streamline their payment processing systems while leveraging AI to improve understanding and efficiency in generating and validating financial messages.