1.2 Ways to Interact with Python

1.2 Ways to Interact with Python#

Throughout the course, we’ll discuss the various ways of interacting with Python: using the standard Python interpreter in the terminal, using IPython in the terminal, running Python scripts directly from the command line (.py files), using Google Collab, Jupyter Notebooks through the standard Jupyter server (Jupyter Lab and Jupyter Notebook), Jupyter Notebooks in VS Code, and using the Python Interactive window in VS Code.

The point here is that there are many ways to interact with Python and you should be aware of the different options available to you and have an idea of when to use each one.

Running Python in the Terminal#

The standard Python interpreter can be run from the terminal by typing python and pressing enter. This will open the Python interpreter and you can start typing Python code directly into the terminal. You may have to use the Anaconda Prompt, depending on how you installed Python (e.g., whether Python and/or conda is in your PATH).

Python in the terminal

IPython is an enhanced interactive Python shell that has many features that make it easier to work with Python. To start IPython, type ipython in the terminal and press enter.

IPython in the terminal

Running .py files is the main way that one might interact with Python. You can write Python code in a text file and save it with a .py extension. You can then run the file from the terminal by typing python filename.py and pressing enter. Using the Python interpreter interactively is useful for developing code, but once the code is written, it will exist in a .py file.

Running a file script

Note

Let’s pause here and make sure everyone is able to run each. Let’s make sure that you can save a .py file and navigate the terminal to the proper path to run the file.

Jupyter Notebooks#

Jupyter Notebooks are a great way to interact with Python. They allow you to write and run Python code in a web browser. Jupyter Notebooks are great for developing code, writing reports, and sharing code with others.

Jupyter Notebook

Note

Discussion: Why have the creators of Jupyter designed it to be a web-based application? What are the advantages and disadvantages of this design choice?

JupyterLab is the next-generation web-based interface for Project Jupyter. It allows you to use Jupyter Notebooks, text editors, terminals, and custom components all in one place.

Jupyter Lab

Note

Discussion: What are some pros and cons of Jupyter Notebook vs Jupyter Lab?

Python and Jupyter in VS Code#

Here I just want to make sure that students can understand the basics of using Python in VS code. We will revisit the topic of using VS Code and all of it’s features later. Here, I want to just introduce the highlights and just make sure that students understand basic use of Python in VS Code.

Python Interactive Window in VS Code

Note

Jupyter Notebook in VS Code

Note

Discuss the features of Jupyter Notebooks in VS Code listed here: https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/datascience/jupyter-notebooks

GitHub Copilot in VS Code GitHub Copilot is an AI pair programmer that helps you write code faster. GitHub Copilot draws context from comments and code, suggesting whole lines or entire functions instantly. See here: https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/copilot/overview

Contents