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Best Python IDE

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tranglos:
If you're learning something, about the only thing you really want is syntax highlighting. Go beyond that and you run the risk of "throwing out the baby with the bathwater."
-40hz (October 26, 2008, 12:42 PM)
--- End quote ---

That would be more like throwing into the tub: the baby, the bathwater, some soap, some rubber duckies, a teddy bear and a LEGO set :)

That said, I disagree - just a little. Syntax highlighting is very helpful for spotting syntax errors, which abound when you begin learning a language. But for me, the lack of IDE (or using a weak IDE) becomes a showstopper for another reason: no code insight. For me, the hardest thing is figuring out what I can do with the language, i.e. the capabilities of the library.

A few times I've tried learning Python by attempting to write what should normally be much simpler/faster to do in Python than in Delphi. Of course, while I knew exactly how to do it in Delphi, but in Pyton I had no idea where to begin. Every time, with only one exception, I went back to Delphi, having to write more glue code and create throw-away classes, but I worked fast because I already knew how to do it. In Python, without an IDE capable of code insight, searching in the documentation ended up taking enough time to become a tedium.

If I can type objectinstance - dot - Ctrl+Space and have a list of methods and their signatures, I'm happy, and I can try things out in no time and actually get results. Without it, a new language appears impenetrable.

That, and I don't think I'd ever attempt to create a GUI in a scripting language by typing... control such-and-such, top=10, left=5, width=100, etc, for dozens and dozens of controls. It just doesn't seem to make sense, as long as you have an option of using a visual designer.

Edvard:
Anybody tried ActiveState's Python IDE?
http://www.activestate.com/Products/activepython/index.mhtml
Haven't heard much about it, but the self-promotion is wicked.
Also, look here:
http://wiki.python.org/moin/PythonEditors
And here:
http://wiki.python.org/moin/IntegratedDevelopmentEnvironments

tinjaw:
That would be more like throwing into the tub: the baby, the bathwater, some soap, some rubber duckies, a teddy bear and a LEGO set :)
-tranglos (October 27, 2008, 03:54 PM)
--- End quote ---
ROTFLOL @ that one.

I went back to Delphi
-tranglos (October 27, 2008, 03:54 PM)
--- End quote ---

I'll forgive you, but only because it was Delphi.  ;)

If I can type objectinstance - dot - Ctrl+Space and have a list of methods and their signatures, I'm happy, and I can try things out in no time and actually get results.
-tranglos (October 27, 2008, 03:54 PM)
--- End quote ---

That is why IPython is a good "middle ground".

tinjaw:
Anybody tried ActiveState's Python IDE?
http://www.activestate.com/Products/activepython/index.mhtml
-Edvard (October 27, 2008, 05:05 PM)
--- End quote ---

The IDE is actually Komodo and is usable with many dynamic languages. I haven't used it myself. There is a free version and a pay version of Komodo.

dnm:
I use Wingware's Wing IDE myself, and highly recommend it. I also wanted to second 40hz's recommendation of learning the language first, then learning the IDE. But, having said that, if you know Python well, I find Wing IDE a huge boon, especially for larger projects.

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