[Tutor] Recommendations for best tool to write/run Python

[Alan Gauld]

On 02/03/16 18:26, Lisa Hasler Waters wrote:

> I am new to Python, as are my middle school students. We are using Python
> 3.5.1 IDLE to write and run our (simple) code. However, this tool does not
> seem to be the best way to write longer code or to be able to re-edit code
> that has been saved/closed/reopened.

While IDLE is far from perfect it's not really that bad, especially
for beginners. Can you be more specific about what you don't like
about it? That way we can point you to something more appropriate.
There is also IdleX which addresses most of the common complaints
 - like adding tabbed editors, code context windows, folding
of code etc.

Its very easy to suggest "professional tools" like vim/emacs/Eclipse
or Netbeans (all of which i use) but they all have a steep
learning curve and are only needed if you are working on very
large projects with many files(like 10+ say). Most Python projects
have less than that.

So what exactly do you find to be the issues with IDLE?
Then we can find the simplest tool that overcomes those issues.

> Could you please recommend the best Python tools for writing and running
> our code for the long term? Also, we are hoping to find free tools!

Free tools are no problem there are dozens. But they all have
their own philosophy of what makes a good tool, and you need
to find the one that matches you. Do you want:

1) Fastest possible text editing - probably vim?
2) Most customisable environment - emacs or Eclipse?
3) Most automation of coding - Netbeans or Eclipse?
4) Best project management - Ecliose, Nertbeans, Visual studio?
5) Best debugger/version control/GUI designer/ etc...?
6) Simplest to learn - IDLE/Pythonwin/Kate?
7) Multi platform - not Visual studio or Pythonwin...

It all depends on your priorities.

-- 
Alan G
Author of the Learn to Program web site
http://www.alan-g.me.uk/
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