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