mirror of https://github.com/python/cpython
README.txt
IDLE is Python's Tkinter-based Integrated DeveLopment Environment. IDLE emphasizes a lightweight, clean design with a simple user interface. Although it is suitable for beginners, even advanced users will find that IDLE has everything they really need to develop pure Python code. IDLE features a multi-window text editor with multiple undo, Python colorizing, and many other capabilities, e.g. smart indent, call tips, and autocompletion. The editor has comprehensive search functions, including searching through multiple files. Class browsers and path browsers provide fast access to code objects from a top level viewpoint without dealing with code folding. There is a Python Shell window which features colorizing and command recall. IDLE executes Python code in a separate process, which is restarted for each Run (F5) initiated from an editor window. The environment can also be restarted from the Shell window without restarting IDLE. This enhancement has often been requested, and is now finally available. The magic "reload/import *" incantations are no longer required when editing and testing a module two or three steps down the import chain. (Personal firewall software may warn about the connection IDLE makes to its subprocess using this computer's internal loopback interface. This connection is not visible on any external interface and no data is sent to or received from the Internet.) It is possible to interrupt tightly looping user code, even on Windows. Applications which cannot support subprocesses and/or sockets can still run IDLE in a single process. IDLE has an integrated debugger with stepping, persistent breakpoints, and call stack visibility. There is a GUI configuration manager which makes it easy to select fonts, colors, keybindings, and startup options. This facility includes a feature which allows the user to specify additional help sources, either locally or on the web. IDLE is coded in 100% pure Python, using the Tkinter GUI toolkit (Tk/Tcl) and is cross-platform, working on Unix, Mac, and Windows. IDLE accepts command line arguments. Try idle -h to see the options. If you find bugs or have suggestions or patches, let us know about them by using the Python issue tracker: http://bugs.python.org For further details and links, read the Help files and check the IDLE home page at http://www.python.org/idle/ There is a mail list for IDLE: idle-dev@python.org. You can join at http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/idle-dev