Python IDE: great headache....

[jussij at zeusedit.com]

> I use WinXP sp2 for current development.

You might want to take a look at the Zeus for Windows IDE:

  http://www.zeusedit.com

Here is how Zeus stacks up to your check list:

> I hope that an IDE should be featured with:
> 1. Grammar Colored highlights.

It does syntax coloring for Python.

> 2. Manage project in a tree view or something alike, ie, a
> project file navigator.

It has a project/workspace feature.

> 3. Code collapse and folding.

It does code folding for Python.

> 4. Code auto-completion: especially prompting function
> parameters when I am typing a function previously defined
> by myself. Like the one in Visual Studio series.

The code completion in Zeus is driven by the information
provided by the ctags utility and ctags works better for
some languages compared to others.

The net result is quality of the Zeus code completion does
vary from one language to next language.

> 5. Debugging: Breakpoints, conditional pause. watch for
> variables.step into, over and out of a function.

It does have a built-in debugger, but most likely there
are be better standalone debuggers :(

> More over, the free-of-charge IDE is highly preferred.

Zeus is not freeware. It is shareware and has a 45 day
fully functional trail period.

> 6.Indentation management like in IDLE: press ctrl+[/] to
> modify the identation of a line or a block.

It can handle Python indenting. It also has a block
indent/unindent feature (ie Tab/Shift tab marked areas).

Zeus is also fully scriptable an the macro scripts can be
written in Python.

Jussi Jumppanen
Author: Zeus for Windows