This is the third blog on Python for fintch professionals.
Software Required for Python Development
Software for Python can be categorized into two main types: those required to write code and those necessary to execute it.
To Write the Code
Text Editor
Python code can be written in any basic text editor, such as Notepad or TextEdit. While this approach may be useful for creating small snippets of code, it is generally not recommended for larger projects. Dedicated Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) and advanced text editors offer features like syntax highlighting, code validation, and debugging tools that significantly enhance the coding experience.
Python 3
Python 3 comes with IDLE (Integrated Development and Learning Environment), which is designed for beginners and is suitable for running simple scripts. IDLE can be launched via the command prompt or terminal, where the cursor changes to '>>>', allowing for immediate execution of code as it is written. While IDLE is great for learning and testing small pieces of code, it may lack the robust features needed for more serious development projects.
PyCharm
A far more powerful and widely used IDE is PyCharm, developed by JetBrains. PyCharm offers a range of features such as intelligent code completion, project navigation, and integrated debugging tools, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced developers. The Community Edition of PyCharm is free and sufficient for most Python coding needs, while the Professional Edition offers additional features for web development and scientific programming.
Visual Studio Code
Another popular program that can be used not only to code Python but other programming languages as well. Benefit of Visual Studio Code is its versatility.
To Execute the Code
Python is not only a programming language but also an interpreter, which is essential for executing Python code. As of this writing, Python 3 is the latest version available for installation. One of the advantages of Python 3 is its backward compatibility within the 3.x series, meaning code written in any version of Python 3 will run on later versions. However, it is important to note that code written in Python 2 is not compatible with Python 3. Consequently, if you need to run scripts that were developed in Python 2, you will need to have both Python 2 and Python 3 installed on your system.
Conclusion
Selecting the right software tools for writing and executing Python code is crucial for effective development. Whether you choose a simple text editor, IDLE, or a comprehensive IDE like PyCharm or Visual Studio Code, understanding these tools will greatly enhance your programming experience.