Ask HN: Best text editor for python?

#1

Post by minecraftman » Tue, Mar 06, 2012, 11:21 PM UTC

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?

Re: Ask HN: Best text editor for python?

#2

Post by jimhoff11 » Tue, Mar 06, 2012, 11:32 PM UTC

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

Re: Ask HN: Best text editor for python?

#3

Post by smeg » Tue, Mar 06, 2012, 11:37 PM UTC

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

Before that, Eric4.

Re: Ask HN: Best text editor for python?

#4

Post by peterfschaadt » Tue, Mar 06, 2012, 11:43 PM UTC

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

Re: Ask HN: Best text editor for python?

#5

Post by Wizzard8 » Tue, Mar 06, 2012, 11:46 PM UTC

jimhoff11 wrote: post #2

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

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

Re: Ask HN: Best text editor for python?

#6

Post by dibarra » Wed, Mar 07, 2012, 12:01 AM UTC

peterfschaadt wrote: post #4

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

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/

Re: Ask HN: Best text editor for python?

#7

Post by dm73 » Wed, Mar 07, 2012, 12:21 AM UTC

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

Re: Ask HN: Best text editor for python?

#8

Post by dkersten » Wed, Mar 07, 2012, 12:37 AM UTC

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.

Re: Ask HN: Best text editor for python?

#9

Post by dman » Wed, Mar 07, 2012, 12:39 AM UTC

Emacs

Re: Ask HN: Best text editor for python?

#10

Post by dm73 » Wed, Mar 07, 2012, 12:43 AM UTC

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