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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 |