Best GUI Python Interpreter

Question

When I'm trying to hack out an idea I find the Python interpreter is an invaluable to tool to quickly get a working prototype and iterate on it. I've been using IDLE bundled with Python on Windows and that's been working pretty well.

I'm currently on a different system running Ubuntu and IDLE doesn't seem to work as well. The tooltips don't disappear properly and it just feels less responsive. Does anyone have a recommendation for Python interpreters that run on GNOME? Being cross platform isn't a must but it would be a nice feature.

The main things I want in an interpreter are quick, easy ways to scroll through previous expressions, and syntax highlighting. Autocomplete would be nice as would helpful tooltips. Emacs keybindings would also be nice.

The python interpreter in Emacs is better than the command line version of the interpreter but only slightly better. I get to easily scroll back through my history but that's about it. No syntax highlighting or any code completion or tooltips.

Answer 1

PyShell, which is part of wxPython, may do what you want. I haven't looked at it for a while and the documentation seems a little outdated, but: it's cross platform, has syntax highlighting, autocomplete and tooltips.

Eric, a free Python IDE based on Qt, also has an interactive shell with similar features.

Answer 2

As you mention emacs key bindings, why don't you use the python-mode for emacs, which includes a python shell?

Answer 3

There's pydev if you're into the whole eclipse thing.

I personally use Komodo edit. The open source version works for me, but there's also an enterprise version if you'd rather have that.

There's also wing which is pretty good (and pretty cheap if you're a student or free if you're an open source dev).

EDIT: Maybe I'm getting confused with what you're asking about. I do also know that Kate has a built in interpreter that you can use as well, but that requires that you install KDE.

Answer 4

For a cross-platform Python IDE, I really like SPE(Stani's Python Editor). It has a built-in interpreter, autocomplete, syntax highlighting, package and class trees, etc. It'sa lot more complete than a lot of IDE's I've tried.

If you also use Windows, I'd recommend checking out PythonWin, which is part of the Win32 Extensions for Python.

Answer 5

No "GUI," but I recommend checking out IPython. I use it all the time. It's a replacement for the standard Python interactive shell, and it adds tons of great features, including autocomplete and much better facilities for working with your command history. Good stuff, without all the weight of an IDE.

Answer 6

Though a command line tool, I use IPython for all of my interpreter tasks.

Answer 7

iPython is great, especially when used with Winpdb. You can use magic commands to %edit a file and run it right after exiting the editor, which is very convenient. You can also edit and %run the file from ipython without importing, since it reads the file before it runs.

Lately, though, many a folk swear by Dreampie.