Following the Path
By: Christopher
tags: Development, Eclipse, Geany, IDE, PyDev, SPE IDE, Technology
Category: Development
So I have started this morning with some investigation into finding a suitable Python IDE as I do some learning. It is a need of mine to become fluent 
When you simply type Python IDE into Google you get quite a few results back. There are two pay-for IDEs that seem to stick out a lot, namely Komodo IDE and WingWare. For now though I do not want to pay for anything. I basically want to see how far I get and how good or bad that experience is, which is not to say that I will not support the projects at a later stage. So lets look at some of the free IDEs that seem to stick out.
1. Geany
This is small and fast and has most of the features I would need.
Basic features include:
- Syntax highlighting.
- Code folding.
- Code completion.
- Auto completion of often used constructs like if, for and while.
- Auto completion of XML and HTML tags (nice for Django template)
- Call tips.
- Many supported filetypes like C, Java, PHP, HTML, Python, Perl, Pascal (full list).
- Symbol lists.
The other advantage that Geany has is that it has both a Windows installer and as well as being available in the Ubuntu repository. Unfortunately my laptop has to be Windows for work purposes and at home I am fully Ubuntu
To install Geany in Ubuntu open a Terminal window and type the following in:
$ apt-get install geany
2. SPE IDE – Stani’s Python Editor
SPE is an open-source, multi-platform python IDE with wxPython interface.
Basic features include:
- Auto indentation and code completion.
- Call tips.
- Syntax coloring and highlighting.
- UML viewer.
- Class explorer.
- Source index.
- Auto todo list.
- Sticky notes.
- Pycrust shell.
- File browsers.
- Drag and drop support.
- Context help.
- Blender support
- Winpdb is a GPL python debugger.
- Smart breakpoints.
- Multiple threads.
It is pretty much kitted out as far as IDEs go and so far for me at least seems pretty quick. It also has a Windows installer which is a plus for me and hopefully no one else.
To install SPE IDE in Ubuntu open a Terminal window and type the following in:
$ apt-get install spe
3. Eclipse and PyDev
Personally I find that Eclipse needs a slightly higher-end machine and even then it can get a bit sluggish. I use it mainly for Java development at work so I am really looking for something new… for myself at least However, that said, PyDev is worth mentioning.
Basic features include:
- Auto indentation and code completion.
- Debugger.
- Refactoring.
- Templates.
- Syntax analysis and highlighting.
- Code folding with BRM.
- Parser errors.
- Smart indenting.
PyDev also has a commercial version called “PyDev Extensions” with some extra add-ons. Here is a complete list of the features for both versions.
4. My Choice
I think I’m going with SPE IDE. It looks to be feature rich as well as quick. If you have any opinions or things I should know about, drop a comment and let me know.
For now, I’m off to see what Python tutorials are out there for me to find. Know of any good ones? Let me know
So which one are you using?
Also, how is life without windows(at home)?
Hey Kevin, under point 4. My Choice I stated that I have decided to try out SPE IDE. Seems pretty cool and feature rich.
No Windows = a Happy Me
I really think Ubuntu is up to scratch and have really needed nothing, missed nothing and want nothing from Windows when I have the choice. Maybe my next job choice will be whether I have to use Windows or not
hehehehe.
I was never a really Big Gamer so I can see how maybe people that love their games may still battle trying to get them to work as easily but I rate times are changing and the world will catch up.
I know you mentioned Komodo IDE as a paid IDE, was just wondering if you’ve checked out Komodo Edit?
I’m not a Python Developer personally but its worth a look – it has a lot of built in stuff which makes development life simpler
.
Nice coverage. I agree that SPE is probably the best choice for complete Python development. I personally have decided on PyDev in a mixed environment because I can jump quickly to Java and C++ all in 1 IDE.
Sutto,
Thanks for the info. Never actually saw or tried it. Will check it out and let you guys know what I think and/or find.
Great write up
I’d like to give SPE a try too, been down the Eclipse/PyDev route – always find myself returning to old faithful IDLE ;P looks terrible but gets the job done for quick scripting.
Great post, very helpful.
[...] Following the Path So I have started this morning with some investigation into finding a suitable Python IDE as I do some learning. It is […] [...]
@chris – woops, I missed your choice of SPE IDE … I was reading on my blackberry :/
I’m not a gamer, and I now have a dead server I need to bring to life and this time it’s going to be running ubuntu
good post, thanks.
I’ve gotta say that I still love vim for writing Python, especially with a few plugins installed.
Try Scribes.
http://scribes.sf.net/demo.htm
Eric (also available via ubuntu repositories) is another good IDE, with integrated supported for PyQT and QTDesigner.
*support, not supported
Hi guys, I’m going to write a follow up with some of the other IDEs mentioned in the comments (Eric, Scribes and Komodo Edit). Thanks for the input.
Kevin, glad to hear your new server is going Ubuntu. YOu will not look back
[...] [lost chronicles] June 8th, 2007 — Christopher It was brought to my attention in my last post that I should have a look at Komodo Edit, which is the free version of Komodo IDE, Scribes and Eric [...]
Hi,
Don’t use “apt-get install spe” to install SPE. Instead follow these instructions:
http://pythonide.blogspot.com/2007/02/how-to-download-latest-spe-from_26.html
I’ve put a tremendous amount of work to make SPE perform better on Ubuntu, which is now the OS of development of SPE. The subversion is much more stable and improved.
Thanks for choosing SPE,
Stani
Important: don’t forget to uninstall your old SPE first:
sudo apt-get remove spe
Thanks for the info Stani. Will definitely do that
What, no emacs? Emacs with python-mode is pretty nice, you can run an interpreter in a buffer, and emacs code browser gives you a nice high level view of things…
hmmmmm…
Alexander, you’re the second person to mention Emacs. I now need to officially give it a go
For windows try PyScripter (code.google.com/p/pyscripter/) i personally prefer it for python development on windows but YMMV. For Ubuntu SPE definitely gets my vote.
[...] the IDE of choice (so far for me). A little while ago I wrote about some pretty good Python IDEs in Following the Path and Following the Path [lost chronicles] which still stands so far. This post is more about why I [...]
good post.. very usefull.. thank’s