It comes pre-installed on most computers that run Windows or Mac OS X, so it’s super easy to use without any fancy setup required.
IDLE basically lets you write and execute Python code in a simple text editor window. You can type your code into the window, save it as a file with a .py extension (like my_first_program.py), and then run it by clicking on the green “Run” button or pressing F5. If everything goes well, you’ll see some output in another window that tells you whether your program worked or not.
But if something goes wrong (which is likely for beginners like us), IDLE will highlight any errors with a red squiggly line and give you suggestions on how to fix them. This can be really helpful when you’re just starting out, because it saves you from having to search through endless lines of code trying to figure out what went wrong.
Another great option for beginners is Thonny, which is a free Python IDE that runs on Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux. It has a simple interface with lots of helpful features like syntax highlighting, code completion, and debugging tools. Plus, it’s really easy to install (just download the executable file from their website) and use without any fancy setup required.
One cool thing about Thonny is that it lets you run your Python scripts directly in the IDE window, which can be really helpful for testing out small snippets of code or trying out new ideas before committing them to a larger project. And if something goes wrong (which again, is likely), Thonny will highlight any errors with a red squiggly line and give you suggestions on how to fix them.
Finally, there’s Wing, which is another popular Python IDE that runs on Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux. It has lots of advanced features like code completion, debugging tools, and support for multiple programming languages (not just Python). But it also comes with a hefty price tag ($99 per license), so it might not be the best option if you’re on a tight budget or just starting out as a beginner.
Overall, IDLE is probably the easiest and most straightforward option for beginners who want to learn Python without any fancy setup required. But Thonny is also worth checking out if you prefer a more modern interface with lots of helpful features like syntax highlighting and code completion. And if you’re willing to spend some money (or have access to it through your school or workplace), Wing can be a great option for advanced users who need all the bells and whistles that come with an expensive IDE.