Ask HN: Best text editor for python?

6 pointsminecraftman14y ago14 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?

14 comments

peterfschaadt14y 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_chan14y 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.

dibarra14y 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/

dkersten14y 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.

dm7314y ago

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

quadlock14y 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.

jimhoff1114y ago

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

Wizzard814y ago

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

ceph_14y ago

Now that 7.3 comes standard on Lion, what are the advantages of using MacVim over the cli vim that is already installed?

1 more reply

dm7314y ago

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

dman14y ago

Emacs

reuser14y ago

vim or pydev

smeg14y ago

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

Before that, Eric4.

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse

14 comments

peterfschaadt14y ago

http://www.sublimetext.com

eddy_chan14y ago

This - is totally the text editor I used to learn Python, now I'm using it for jQuery tutorials.

dibarra14y 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/

dkersten14y ago

dm7314y ago

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

quadlock14y 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.

jimhoff1114y ago

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

Wizzard814y ago

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

ceph_14y ago

Now that 7.3 comes standard on Lion, what are the advantages of using MacVim over the cli vim that is already installed?

1 more reply

dm7314y ago

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

dman14y ago

Emacs

reuser14y ago

vim or pydev

smeg14y ago

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

Before that, Eric4.

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse