[Tutor] Saving files in Python, IDE's & editors

[Keith Winston]

On Tue, Dec 17, 2013 at 7:26 PM, <tutor-request at python.org> wrote:

> What else do I need to do to make this version of Python an actually
> usable programming environment?
>
> Chris Acreman
>

Chris, I'm also a noob, but I would recommend you install/use an IDE, such
as IDLE which comes free with all (I think) Python installs. An Integrated
Development Environment will help with formatting & debugging, but the way
I like to use IDLE is open up a window on the right side of my screen with
the file I'm working on, and whenever I want to run it I save (ctrl-S, or
menu) and run (F5, or menu), and then watch it go in the other window. Very
efficient. There are quite a few other IDE's, free and not, but I don't
really see the value for a beginner (but then, I'm just a beginner!). You
didn't mention what operating system (or even what version of Python) you
are using, this will likely influence the choices others offer.

It is completely possible to do everything without an IDE, though AFAIK
most people end up using IDEs or editors that can be set up to recognize
(and color-code, etc) programming: VIM and EMACs are big favorites. I can't
imagine the learning curve of the latter is worth it at first, if I
correctly surmise your relatively noobiness based on the question... IDLE
is simple, you already have it installed probably (a little more work if
you are on linux), and it's got a GUI interface with drop-down menus and
all that good stuff. Hopefully I didn't just start a flame war...

-- 
Keith
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://mail.python.org/pipermail/tutor/attachments/20131217/71845bbf/attachment.html>