Andrew Channels Dexter Pinion

Wherein I write some stuff that you may like to read. Or not, its up to you really.

January 23, 2005

Using IDEs with Python

"This is the primary reason why there is little serious demand for Python IDEs. Many people coming to Python can't believe no one uses IDEs. The automatic assumption is that Python is for old grey beards who are comfortable with vi and Emacs and refuse to accept breakthroughs in programming productivity like IDEs. Then they write a little Python code and realize that an IDE would just get in their way."

Ryan Tomayko, from an excellent piece on one of the differences between Python and Java. I've long maintained that IDEs are a crutch, albeit a necessary one in certain circumstances. I'm glad to see someone else explain why in a readable and reasonably argued fashion.

Posted by Andy Todd at January 23, 2005 08:07 AM

Comments

Now all we need is someone to explain that it is possible to program Python without a GUI-based, multi-threaded debugger and then Python is set to take over the world!

Posted by: Alan Green on January 24, 2005 06:47 AM

I disagree, I have been an Emacs user for years, but the context and instant feedback PyDev provides under Eclipse is way ahead of the one you get in programmer's editors in my opinion.

Posted by: fxn on January 26, 2005 12:52 AM

I'm a Eclipse PyDev python guy, I admit. And even worse, I can't use Emacs or Vi.

Before you start gathering your stones and warming up your throwing arms, hear me out.

Python is a great language; it has changed my perspective on a lot of things, and made me grow as a developer. Who cares what I type it up in?

Seriously? Why waste our time making religious arguments, when we could be teaching coworkers about python, writing tutorials, learning a new library, or checking out the latest and greatest on 2.4?

Posted by: Randito on January 26, 2005 05:44 AM