Supplemental Material
Python Information
Note that the official version of Python for this course is Python 2.7. You will probably be able to get away with using 2.6, but you should not use Python 3.
- The Python web-site, including installation information: http://www.python.org/
- Official Python documentation: http://docs.python.org/
- The official python tutorial: http://docs.python.org/tutorial/
- A free Python textbook: Think Python by Allen B. Downey
- The CodeAcademy Python Track: http://www.codecademy.com/tracks/python .
Suggested Python Editors
Python programs are plain-text files, so you can use any text editor you like. However, Python-aware editors have features like font-coloring and auto-completion that will make your life easier. The following editors are all reasonable cross-platform choices. If you don't like any of these options, the Python wiki contains a large list of Python editors and IDE's.
| IDLE | This is the "official" Python editor. It is ugly and clunky but functional. Since it usually ships with Python, no extra installation is required. |
| Eclipse with PyDev | This seems to be the most polished and complete open-source development environment for Python. It includes integrated unit-testing, a graphical debugger, and code-completion. |
| Aptana Studio | This is basically a re-branded version of Eclipse designed for web development. It ships with PyDev pre-installed, so it might be easier to get running than Eclipse. |
| Wing IDE | I haven't used this, but it seems to be the most popular commercial IDE. There is a free version for educational use. |
| Geany | A light-weight, but capable, editor that supports many languages, including Python. Installing this on OS X requires MacPorts. |