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Ask HN: Best text editor for python?

6 points by minecraftman ↗ HN
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

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

Before that, Eric4.

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

eddy_chan
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.

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.
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.