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Ask HN: Best text editor for python?

6 points by minecraftman · 14 comments · 1 min read


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?

8 threads
peterfschaadt

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

dkersten

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

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

  • quadlock

    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

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

  • Wizzard8

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

    • ceph_

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

      • Wizzard8

        Moreso just a personal preference. I migrated to Mac from a PC so I was so accustomed to gVim that MacVim was an easier transition for me.

dm73

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

dman

Emacs

reuser

vim or pydev

smeg

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

Before that, Eric4.

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