Where Do We Write Python Code?

Python programs can be written in:

1.Text editors

2.Code editors (VS Code, Sublime etc.)

3.IDEs (Integrated Development Environments)

4.Python’s built-in IDLE

5.Online editors and notebooks (Optional)

1.Using Python IDLE (Comes with Python)

What is IDLE?              

• IDLE stands for Integrated Development and Learning Environment

• It is installed automatically when you install Python

• Great for beginners

Features

• Runs Python scripts

• Syntax highlighting

• Simple editor & console

• No setup required

How to Open IDLE

Windows:

• Search “IDLE” from Start Menu

• Open IDLE (Python 3.x)

macOS:

• Search in Applications

• Open IDLE

Writing Python Code Using IDLE (Beginner Friendly)

Step 1: Open IDLE

• Click on the Start Menu

• Search for and select IDLE (Python 3.x)

Step 2: Create a New Python File

• In the IDLE window, click File → New File

• A new editor window will open

Step 3: Write Your Python Code

• Type the following code in the editor:

Step 4: Save the File

• Click File → Save

• Enter the file name as test.py

• Choose a location on your computer and click Save

Step 5: Run the Program

• Press F5 on the keyboard

• The output will be displayed in the Python Shell

2.Writing Python Code in VS Code 

What is VS Code?

VS Code (Visual Studio Code) is a powerful and free source-code editor created by Microsoft.

Why VS Code?

• Easy to use

• Works for small & large projects

• Python extension available

• Auto-completion, debugging, linting, etc.

Steps to Install & Set Up Python in VS Code

Step 1: Install Visual Studio Code

• Download VS Code from the official website

• Install it by following the on-screen instructions

Step 2: Install the Python Extension

• Open VS Code

• Click on the Extensions icon from the left sidebar

• Search for Python

• Install the Python extension by Microsoft

Step 3: Create a Python File

• Create a new folder for your project

• Open that folder in VS Code

• Create a new file named hello.py

• Add the following code:

Step 4: Run the Program

• Open the Terminal in VS Code
  (View → Terminal)

• Run the command:

• Or click the Run ▶ button at the top to execute the program

Extra Features

• Code formatting

• Error highlighting

• Git integration

• Virtual environment support

Step 4: Run the Program

• Open the Terminal in VS Code
  (View → Terminal)

• Run the command:

3.Using PyCharm (Professional Python IDE)

What is PyCharm?

• A professional IDE developed by JetBrains.

• Used by software developers for large Python applications.

Why Use PyCharm?

• Best for large projects

• Intelligent code suggestions

• Built-in debugging

• Project structure management

Steps to Use PyCharm

• Download and install PyCharm from the official website

• Open PyCharm and create a new project

• Set up a virtual environment (auto-configured by PyCharm)

• Create a Python file with the .py extension

• Write your code and run it within the IDE

• Best suited for professional development, industry-level projects, and large-scale applications

4.Writing Python Code in a Simple Text Editor (Notepad / Notepad++)

How It Works

• Open Notepad (on Windows) or any basic text editor like Notepad++

• Write your Python code in the editor

• Save the file with a .py extension (for example: program.py)

• Open Command Prompt / Terminal

• Run the program using the command:

  python program.py

  
  

Why use simple text editors?

• Teaches how programs work without help from tools

• Good for beginners learning fundamentals

Limitations

• No debugging

• No syntax highlights

• No auto-complete

So recommended only for basic learning.

Examples

• Google Colab

• Jupyter Notebook

• Replit

• Programiz

• OnlineGDB

• GitHub Codespace

Why use them?

• No installation required

• Just open browser and start coding

• Great for learning, data science, ML

Example: Jupyter Notebook (Data Science)

Which Editor Should Students Use?

Writing Python Code – Editors and IDEs

To write and execute Python programs, you need a code editor or an IDE (Integrated Development Environment).
A code editor is used to write Python code, while an IDE offers extra features such as debugging, auto-completion, error checking, and project management.

Python supports coding in multiple environments, depending on your needs:

IDLE (Integrated Development and Learning Environment)

• Comes bundled with the Python installation

• Simple interface with a built-in Python shell

• Ideal for beginners learning Python step by step

VS Code (Visual Studio Code)

• Free and powerful source-code editor

• Supports Python using official extensions

• Offers syntax highlighting, auto-completion, debugging, and an integrated terminal

• Suitable for both beginners and professional developers

PyCharm

• A full-featured professional Python IDE

• Commonly used for large and complex projects

• Includes advanced tools like testing support, version control, and intelligent code suggestions

Simple Text Editors (Notepad, Notepad++, Gedit, etc.)

• Allow writing Python code without advanced features

• Helpful for understanding basics

• Less efficient for real-world development

Online Editors (Google Colab, Replit, Jupyter Notebooks)

• No installation required

• Run Python code directly in a web browser

• Widely used for data science, practice, and online learning