Ask HN: Best text editor for python?

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=3673407

by minecraftman • 14 years ago

6 14 14 years ago

news.ycombinator.com

I recently started learning Python. I have never programmed before this, and I am using a mac. I am using the book Learn Python the Hard Way, which recommended starting with Gedit, so that is what I am using right now. I don't really like the layout of Gedit, and I have noticed multiple bugs. I would like to switch to a different text editor soon. What do you recommend?

jimhoff11• 14 years ago

Vim. It is challenging at first, but learning it will make you a better programmer.

Wizzard82• 14 years ago

Couldn't Agree More! MacVim download available here: http://goo.gl/SKUO

ceph_• 14 years ago

Now that 7.3 comes standard on Lion, what are the advantages of using MacVim over the cli vim that is already installed?

smeg• 14 years ago

I recently discovered the Spyder ide/debugger development environment. It is quite powerful and well featured.

Before that, Eric4.

peterfschaadt• 14 years ago

I recommend the cross-platform Sublime Text editor. It's very similar to Textmate, providing basic features and syntax highlighting, while staying out of your way. With its plugins you can easily add additional features.

http://www.sublimetext.com

dibarra• 14 years ago

Sublime Text 2 is really great- it's even built on Python. If OP wants the frilly stuff, I recommend PyCharm http://www.jetbrains.com/pycharm/

eddy_chan• 14 years ago

This - is totally the text editor I used to learn Python, now I'm using it for jQuery tutorials.

For an IDE suggestion, I'd vote for PyCharm once you're developing more complex stuff http://www.jetbrains.com/pycharm/. Most worthwhile $100 I've ever spent when I compare the number of hours I'm on it with its purchase cost.

dm732• 14 years ago

I really like jEdit: very extendible with the available plugins, and suits me for any language

quadlock• 14 years ago

jEdit +1 for all around super programming powers. PyCharm +1 for python and javascript programming. vim or macvim for fast access to large text files.

dkersten• 14 years ago

If you want a full blown IDE, WingIDE is, IMHO, the best IDE there is for Python. If you are looking for a text editor, vim is hard to beat if you are willing to put in the time to learn it, otherwise, I personally use Geany regularly.

dman• 14 years ago

Emacs

dm732• 14 years ago

if looking for an IDE, you might want to give Ninja-IDE a try as well: http://ninja-ide.org/

reuser• 14 years ago

vim or pydev

Ask HN: Best text editor for python?

Related Stories