[Tutor] Python trouble

[Steve Willoughby]

On 22-Apr-11 11:52, Alex Butler wrote:
> Ok let me try to be more clear. I am trying to write code in the IDLE
> Python GUI of python 2.7. When I open the new python shell, there is a
> written header as well as the three >s on the left side. I now those are
> used as indents and I do not type them in. However, whenever I write any
> type of code and either attempt to run or click alt + x to check module,
> it says “there is an error in your program: invalid syntax.” Then when
> it goes back to the page to highlight the syntax error the second > is
> highlighted in color as it is the problem. Before I deleted the header
> from this program, it would highlight the 7 after the 2. In the header.

Okay, that's pretty much what you said last time.  What is the actual 
code you're trying to run?


If it's really complaining about >>> being a syntax error, it sounds 
like you're confused about where you are in the tool or extra text is 
getting pasted.

If you open a new source window (file->new) (not a "shell" window), and 
type some python code, that window won't have a header line or >>> 
prompts at all, just your code.

So...

start IDLE

select File->New; new untitled window pops up

type a python program, maybe this:

      print "hello"

hit alt-X (although personally, I'd hit F5 instead).
It should prompt you for a file to save your new program into, then run 
it back in the other window (the shell) that has the >>>s in it.

How, exactly, does what I just described differ from what happened to you?


-- 
Steve Willoughby / steve at alchemy.com
"A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for."
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