On 07/06/12 05:29, Alexander Quest wrote:
Hey all; my question is regarding editing Python code in Notepad++. When I run this piece of code in Notepad++:def fix_start(s): var1 = s[0] var2 = "*" var3 = s.replace(var1, var2) return var3 I get an indentation error, which reads: File "C:\google-python-exercises\google-python-exercises\basic>string1.py line 56 var2 = "*" ^ IndentationError: unexpected indent The thing is that in Notepad++, that code does not appear with an indentation where var2 is. It appears like this:
This is almost certainly down to mixing tabs and spaces. You can mix them in a file but not within a block. (And even then I would recommend sticking to just one style) Some editors make it worse by autoindenting with a mixture of tabs and spaces which is fine for C or Java but no good for Python... I don't know Notepad++ so can't comment on it.
is here? Also, I am wondering why use Notepad++ or other such programs when IDLE seems to be fine for writing code. Thanks.
IDLE is fine for beginners. It is less powerful than other text editors such as vim or emacs or Eclipse or even Scite. But that power is mainly useful when dealing with multi-file projects or large files. But IDLE is fine for most Python tasks. If you are happy with IDLE use IDLE. Some of the missing features that I like are: - incremental search - navigate to a character (t or f) - rectangular cut n paste - split screens vertically - integration with the OS - goto-function definition - macros But editor choice is very personal, some like a simple editor some like all the bells and whistles possible. It's up to you. Find one 9or several!) that you like and use it. But don't let choosing an editor get in the way of learning Python, they are two separate things. -- Alan G Author of the Learn to Program web site http://www.alan-g.me.uk/ _______________________________________________ Tutor maillist - Tutor@python.org To unsubscribe or change subscription options: http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/tutor
