Using Python with a Text Editor

(Summary)

Use the Python shell to experiment with simple expressions, or to test functions you’ve defined.
But for defining functions or any complicated expressions that you want to save, write them in a text editor.
Most of you should use Gedit (gedit) or IDLE (idle3) for the reasons stated in the Unix Commands module – it’s simple, easy to learn.

Gedit

For Gedit, configure your text editor as directed in the How to configure Gedit page of A Guide to Linux at IU East
Save your program definitions, then run the program in Python:

To run the program and then quit:
```
$ python3 MyProgram.py
```
To run the program, loading the definitions, but stay in the Python shell so you can continue testing your functions:
```
$ python3 -i MyProgram.py
```
The -i is for “interactive.”

An alternative is to use IDLE (idle3 for Python 3), which combines a text editor and Python shell in a simple IDE (Integrated Development Environment). IDLE is more tightly connected with Python than Gedit.
There is one problem to watch out for: IDLE’s interaction with Python sometimes interferes with graphical programs (turtle graphics, image processing, coming up in Unit 3 on imperative programming).
Still, give them both a try and decide which you like.