Ask HN: Best text editor for python?

6 points by minecraftman 14 years ago | 14 comments

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?

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

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.

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/

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.

dm73 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.

jimhoff11 14 years ago |

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

Wizzard8 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?

dm73 14 years ago |

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

dman 14 years ago |

Emacs

reuser 14 years ago |

vim or pydev

smeg 14 years ago |

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

Before that, Eric4.