Ask HN: Getting back into Python

#1

Post by codr » Fri, Mar 21, 2014, 4:36 PM UTC

About to start a job doing python; it's been over 10 years since I've written any. All I remember is lots of indentation.

I've been doing C# for the last 10 years, so I'm quite out of touch with the latest in python development.

What's the best IDE for writing python? (on Mac OS X)

I see a lot of options out there, but would like to hear what people are actually using. Mostly I want an IDE that supports debugging.

I see that Xcode supports python, does anyone use that?

Thanks!

Re: Ask HN: Getting back into Python

#2

Post by Jugurtha » Fri, Mar 21, 2014, 4:47 PM UTC

Not any more indentation than code in any other language (you indent anyway, whether that's enforced or not).

Python has IDLE (which is cross-platform), but I prefer writing with Sublime Text(on Ubuntu).

Here's a list for you:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_integrated_development_...

Good luck, codr.

Re: Ask HN: Getting back into Python

#3

Post by bliti » Fri, Mar 21, 2014, 4:48 PM UTC

What type of Python work will you be doing? Web, ML, desktop, etc?

Re: Ask HN: Getting back into Python

#4

Post by mrfusion » Fri, Mar 21, 2014, 4:51 PM UTC

IDE's aren't as big of a deal in Python as they would be in C#.

A lot of people just pick a nice text editor to do their work in. I like to use xcode on the mac, but I use Python's built in debugger from the command line for debugging. I find it easier than fooling with an IDE.

[1] http://stackoverflow.com/questions/4228637/getting-started-w...

Re: Ask HN: Getting back into Python

#5

Post by codr » Fri, Mar 21, 2014, 4:51 PM UTC

Jugurtha wrote: post #2

Not any more indentation than code in any other language (you indent anyway, whether that's enforced or not). Python has IDLE (which is cross-platform), but I prefer writing with Sublime Text(on Ubuntu). Here's a list for you: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_integrated_development_... Good luck, codr.

Thanks!

By "indentation" I meant using that for conditional blocks, instead of the C-style bracketing that I'm used to.

I found that list of IDEs, but basically what I'm asking is what are people's favorites from that list?

Re: Ask HN: Getting back into Python

#6

Post by codr » Fri, Mar 21, 2014, 4:52 PM UTC

bliti wrote: post #3

What type of Python work will you be doing? Web, ML, desktop, etc?

Ah good question - desktop, basically.

edit: To be somewhat more specific I will be automating/testing a client application that uses a server backend.

Re: Ask HN: Getting back into Python

#7

Post by deft » Fri, Mar 21, 2014, 4:52 PM UTC

I've never used an IDE for Python development, I find a text editor is good enough. As Jugurtha said, Sublime Text on Linux is great, I use it daily. Good luck with the new job!

Re: Ask HN: Getting back into Python

#8

Post by abimaelmartell » Fri, Mar 21, 2014, 4:53 PM UTC

VIM is a great editor for Python

Re: Ask HN: Getting back into Python

#9

Post by codr » Fri, Mar 21, 2014, 4:59 PM UTC

mrfusion wrote: post #4

IDE's aren't as big of a deal in Python as they would be in C#. A lot of people just pick a nice text editor to do their work in. I like to use xcode on the mac, but I use Python's built in debugger from the command line for debugging. I find it easier than fooling with an IDE. [1] http://stackoverflow.com/questions/4228637/getting-started-w...

Thanks - yeah I will certainly need to shift my thinking away from c#-style (read: Visual Studio) development.

As for pdb, I guess I've been spoiled by Visual Studio's debugging - hover to see values, step through source code, etc.

Is there no Python debugging/IDE equivalent to Visual Studio's hover/etc?

Re: Ask HN: Getting back into Python

#10

Post by colinwd » Fri, Mar 21, 2014, 5:06 PM UTC

If you don't want to stray too far from your comfort zone, Visual Studio has a pretty good Python Tools extension. I'm also a C# dev and I find it really nice to be able to play around with Python in the environment I'm most comfortable in.

https://pytools.codeplex.com/

Edit: Ah, just saw you mentioned OS X. I like Sublime Text on that end.