Commit | Line | Data |
---|---|---|
920dae64 AT |
1 | IDLE is Python's Tkinter-based Integrated DeveLopment Environment. |
2 | ||
3 | IDLE emphasizes a lightweight, clean design with a simple user interface. | |
4 | Although it is suitable for beginners, even advanced users will find that | |
5 | IDLE has everything they really need to develop pure Python code. | |
6 | ||
7 | IDLE features a multi-window text editor with multiple undo, Python colorizing, | |
8 | and many other capabilities, e.g. smart indent, call tips, and autocompletion. | |
9 | ||
10 | The editor has comprehensive search functions, including searching through | |
11 | multiple files. Class browsers and path browsers provide fast access to | |
12 | code objects from a top level viewpoint without dealing with code folding. | |
13 | ||
14 | There is a Python Shell window which features colorizing and command recall. | |
15 | ||
16 | IDLE executes Python code in a separate process, which is restarted for each | |
17 | Run (F5) initiated from an editor window. The environment can also be | |
18 | restarted from the Shell window without restarting IDLE. | |
19 | ||
20 | This enhancement has often been requested, and is now finally available. The | |
21 | magic "reload/import *" incantations are no longer required when editing and | |
22 | testing a module two or three steps down the import chain. | |
23 | ||
24 | (Personal firewall software may warn about the connection IDLE makes to its | |
25 | subprocess using this computer's internal loopback interface. This connection | |
26 | is not visible on any external interface and no data is sent to or received | |
27 | from the Internet.) | |
28 | ||
29 | It is possible to interrupt tightly looping user code, even on Windows. | |
30 | ||
31 | Applications which cannot support subprocesses and/or sockets can still run | |
32 | IDLE in a single process. | |
33 | ||
34 | IDLE has an integrated debugger with stepping, persistent breakpoints, and call | |
35 | stack visibility. | |
36 | ||
37 | There is a GUI configuration manager which makes it easy to select fonts, | |
38 | colors, keybindings, and startup options. This facility includes a feature | |
39 | which allows the user to specify additional help sources, either locally or on | |
40 | the web. | |
41 | ||
42 | IDLE is coded in 100% pure Python, using the Tkinter GUI toolkit (Tk/Tcl) | |
43 | and is cross-platform, working on Unix, Mac, and Windows. | |
44 | ||
45 | IDLE accepts command line arguments. Try idle -h to see the options. | |
46 | ||
47 | ||
48 | If you find bugs or have suggestions, let us know about them by using the | |
49 | Python Bug Tracker: | |
50 | ||
51 | http://sourceforge.net/projects/python | |
52 | ||
53 | Patches are always appreciated at the Python Patch Tracker, and change | |
54 | requests should be posted to the RFE Tracker. | |
55 | ||
56 | For further details and links, read the Help files and check the IDLE home | |
57 | page at | |
58 | ||
59 | http://www.python.org/idle/ | |
60 | ||
61 | There is a mail list for IDLE: idle-dev@python.org. You can join at | |
62 | ||
63 | http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/idle-dev |