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7129

answers:

9

I'm using Notepad++ for python development, and few days ago I found out about free Komodo Edit.

I need Pros and Cons for Python development between this two editors...

+4  A: 

As far as I know , Notepad++ doesn't show you the docstring each method has .

Geo
A: 

Downloaded both myself. Like Komodo better.

Komodo Pros: Like it better. Does more. Looks like an IDE. Edits Django templates

Notepad++ Cons: Don't like it as much. Does less. Looks less like and IDE.

S.Lott
+1 I laughed for a while
Kugel
+18  A: 

I have worked a bit with Python programming for Google App Engine, which I started out in Notepad++ and then recently shifted over to Komodo using two excellent startup tutorials - both of which are conveniently linked from this blog post (direct: here and here).

  • Komodo supports the basic organization of your work into Projects, which Notepad++ does not (apart from physical folder organization).
  • The custom commands toolbar is useful to keep track of numerous frequently-used commands and even link to URLs (like online documentation and the like).
  • It has a working (if sometimes clunky) code-completion mechanism.

In short, it's an IDE which provides all the benefits thereof.

Notepad++ is simpler, much MUCH faster to load, and does support some basic configurable run commands; it's a fine choice if you like doing all your execution and debugging right in the commandline or Python shell. My advice is to try both!

Skeolan
404 at the link
Kugel
thanks, fixed dead URL and added direct links!
Skeolan
A: 

I haven't used Komodo yet (the download never quite finished on the slow connection I was on at the time), but I use Eclipse with PyDev regularly and enjoy the "IDE" features described by the other respondents. However, I'm also regularly frustrated by how much of a resource hog it is.

I downloaded Notepad++ recently (much smaller download size ;-) ) and have been enjoying it quite a bit. The editor itself is nice and fast and it looks to be extensible. I'm hoping to copy some of my favorite features from IDE into Notepad++ and migrate, at some distant point in the future.

Parand
+6  A: 

I just downloaded and started using Komodo Edit. I've been using Notepad++ for awhile. Here is what I think about some of the features:

Komodo Edit Pros:

  • You can jump to a function definition, even if it's in another file (I love this)
  • There is a plugin that displays the list of classes, functions and such for the current file on the side. Notepad++ used to have a plugin like this, but it no longer works with the current version and hasn't been updated in a while.

Notepad++ Pros:

  • If you select a word, it will highlight all of that word (Makes it easier to find misspellings)
  • When working with HTML, when the cursor is on/in a tag, the starting and ending tags are both highlighted

Anyone know if either of those last 2 things is possible in Komodo Edit?

Echo
I'm not sure I understand your first point. In Komodo, hit Ctrl+F on the current word to search for it. That process will hightlight all matches in the file. Hit Esc to undo the highlighting.
glenn jackman
selecting a word is more handy then ctrl + F and type the word, right?
Edwin
+2  A: 

A downside I found of Notepad++ for Python is that it tends (for me) to silently mix tabs and spaces. I know this is configurable, but it caught me out, especially when trying to work with other people using different editors / IDE's, so take care.

xan
+6  A: 

I use Komodo edit. The main reasons are: Intellisense (not as good as VisualStudio, but Python's a hard language to do intellisense for) and cross-platform compatibility. It's nice being able to use the same editor on my Windows machine, my linux machine, and my macbook with little to no change in feel.

Jason Baker
Komodo is truly cross-platform. Keeping the same look and feel no matter where you are. I love that.
Jweede
A: 

If I had to choose between Notepad++ and Komodo i would choose PyScripter ;.) Seriously I consider PyScripter as a great alternative...

Titusz
too bad it's windows-only
bahodir
+4  A: 

I use both Komodo Edit and Notepad++.

Notepad++ is a lot quicker to launch and it's more lightweight, so I often use it for quick one-off editing.

I use Komodo Edit for major projects, like my django and wxPython applications. KE is a full-featured IDE, so it has a lot more features.

Main advantages of Komodo Edit for programming Python:

  • Manage groups of files as projects
  • Use custom commands to run files, run nosetests/pylint, etc.
  • Auto complete & syntax checking
  • Mozilla extension system, with several useful extensions available
  • Write macros in JavaScript or Python
  • Spell checking

Some of the little things that Notepad++ is missing for Python development:

  • Doesn't auto-indent after a colon
  • You can't set tabs/spaces on a file-type basis (I like to use tabs for HTML)
  • No code completion or tooltips
  • No on-the-fly syntax checking
Ryan Ginstrom