Testing ideas quickly.
WHAT IT IS
A prompt where you type Python and see the result immediately.
HOW TO START IT
Run Python from a terminal with no filename.
WHAT IT IS FOR
Testing a single expression Checking what a function returns Exploring a library Confirming your understanding
WHY IT IS VALUABLE FOR LEARNING
Feedback is immediate.
WHAT NOT TO USE IT FOR
Writing anything you want to keep.
Nothing is saved.
WHAT TO DO INSTEAD FOR REAL WORK
Write a file.
WHAT ELSE IS AVAILABLE
Enhanced interactive environments with better editing and history.
Worth installing once you use it regularly.
NOTEBOOKS
An interactive document mixing code, output and notes.
Popular for data work and exploration.
WHAT THEY SUIT
Analysis, experimentation and teaching.
WHAT THEY DO NOT SUIT
Production code, which belongs in files.
WHAT TO USE THE INTERPRETER FOR DAILY
Checking a small thing rather than guessing.
