2

Interactive Python Interpreters

Now that we have a working Python installation, we need to run some code. The most obvious way is to create a Python file and execute it. Often, it can be faster to interactively develop code from an interactive Python interpreter, however. While the standard Python interpreter is already quite powerful, many enhancements and alternatives are available.

The alternative interpreters/shells offer features such as:

  • Smart autocompletion
  • Syntax highlighting
  • Saving and loading sessions
  • Automatic indenting
  • Graphing/charting output

In this chapter, you will learn about:

  • Alternative interpreters:
    • bpython
    • ptpython
    • ipython
    • jupyter
  • How to enhance interpreters

The Python interpreter

The standard Python interpreter ...

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