def parse(self, paramfile):
        """ Read parameter file and set parameter values.
        File should have python-like syntax. Full file name needed.
        """

        with open(paramfile, 'r') as f:
            for line in f.readlines():
                line_clean = line.rstrip('\n').split('#')[0]   # trim out comments and trailing cr
                if line_clean and '=' in line:   # use valid lines only
                    attribute, value = line_clean.split('=')
                    try:
                        value_eval = eval(value.strip())
                    except NameError:
                        value_eval = value.strip()
                    finally:
                        setattr(self, attribute.strip(), value_eval)
Read parameter file and set parameter values.
        File should have python-like syntax. Full file name needed.