Member Avatar for AutoPython

I have a limit of 30-45 dollars to buy an editor (with Python support, obviously) . Here's what I would like. Customizable syntax highlighting (like the kind in Notepad++). Auto indent, so it autmatically indents 4 spaces after a ':' character. Good code completetion. A built in IDE. Preferably like IDLE. I don't know what I should get. Suggestions would be appreciated.

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Concise, time‑proof summary (for visitors years after the original thread): as of March 1, 2026 the most practical, no‑cost way to get everything the original OP wanted (customizable highlighting, reliable auto‑indent to 4 spaces after a Python block, good completion, and an integrated run/debug workflow) is Visual Studio Code with the Microsoft Python extension and Pylance — it supplies configurable highlighting, smart completions (IntelliSense), an integrated debugger/REPL, and a huge extension ecosystem. Python in Visual Studio Code. (code.visualstudio.com) Pylance features and role in VS Code. (devblogs.microsoft.com)

If a dedicated Python IDE is preferred, PyCharm remains a top choice; JetBrains has moved to a unified distribution model where a free core exists and Pro features are subscription‑based — evaluate the free core first and upgrade only if you need Pro debugging/remote features. . (jetbrains.com.cn)

’s 2009 fondness for Sublime Text still makes sense: Sublime is extremely fast and pleasant for editing, but it’s a paid product (evaluation is indefinite while a license is required for updates), so it usually sits above the OP’s $30–45 cap. Sublime buy/info. (sublimehq.com)

Practical quick notes and alternatives mentioned in the thread: IDLE is bundled with Python and includes smart indent and simple completion — still useful for learning and quick scripts. IDLE docs. (docs.python.org) For Windows users who liked PyScripter, it’s actively maintained as a lightweight free IDE (see its GitHub). (github.com)

Short takeaways: for modern value and features go VS Code; for a minimal, beautiful editor stick with Sublime and add LSP plugins if you need completions; if deep, paid debugger‑first workflows are required, evaluate Wing or PyCharm Pro (both were suggested earlier by and ). To enforce the OP’s “4 spaces after ':'” rule, set editor.insertSpaces: true and editor.tabSize: 4 (VS Code settings) or enable smart indent in IDLE.

Recommended Answers

All 19 Replies

Member Avatar for Member #361407

I use Aptana, its a free web dev tool but you can install a python plugin

Member Avatar for Ene Uran

The only one that comes to mind is the Wing IDE from:
http://wingide.com/wingide

There might be a trial version you can test drive.

Member Avatar for lllllIllIlllI

I tried wing IDE personally, i got the personal version. Though i do not use it any more, it actually wasn't nearly as good as it looked like it would be.
Now i just use Netbeans with a python plugin, it works a charm :)

Member Avatar for AutoPython

I found the editor Sublime Text. It's amazing! I might consider buying it after 30 days. It's 60 dollars but it would definitely be worth it. I used to use Netbeans, which was very nice. But this looks so much better, it's so much simpler. It's code completion isn't really good. But it's simplicity and look takes that out of perspective. If you do try it out I suggest using the COBALT color scheme. Looks very nice.

Member Avatar for Ene Uran

I tried Netbeans and found it very awkward, especially for Python code. I have Windows and mostly use PyScripter. I can run code initially from memory and don't have to make a project out of it.

Member Avatar for lrh9

If it interests you, I think that the code for Python's IDLE is available in the Python library. If it is, you can edit it to your liking.

Member Avatar for AutoPython

I'm not very experienced in Tkinter. But thanks for the suggestion anyway.

I tried Netbeans and found it very awkward, especially for Python code. I have Windows and mostly use PyScripter. I can run code initially from memory and don't have to make a project out of it.

That's because it doesn't let you make normal files :/. Other then that it rocked! But again, right now I'm trying the 30 day trial of sublime text, it's totally awesome! It supports all the major languages and little ones. I highly recommend some of you try it.

Member Avatar for Member #361407

Hey, if you do buy the license, would you mind dropping me the serial, seeing as it gives you unlimited users. Thanks if you do, no worries if you don't :)

Member Avatar for ffs82defxp

Yeah, IDEs like notepad++ lack the auto-indent feature. I'm also looking for an IDE but unfortunately I'm kind of broke..so I guess IDLE works for me for now.

Member Avatar for ffs82defxp

Try pyscripter has a lot off useful feature and off course auto-indent.
http://code.google.com/p/pyscripter/

Yeah, i googled that when I saw the post earlier, and..IDK, i don't like it much..:/

I like sublime text alot though o.o

Member Avatar for msprayb

I have a limit of 30-45 dollars to buy an editor (with Python support, obviously) . Here's what I would like. Customizable syntax highlighting (like the kind in Notepad++). Auto indent, so it autmatically indents 4 spaces after a ':' character. Good code completetion. A built in IDE. Preferably like IDLE. I don't know what I should get. Suggestions would be appreciated.

Try Eclipse from Galileo there you can pull in pydev and write Python programs.

Member Avatar for AutoPython

I couldn't get it to work :/. I am starting to learn the D (programming language) right now, and I found an awesome IDE for that, SkyIDE. So right now if I need a Python IDE I will stick with Sublime text.

Hey, if you do buy the license, would you mind dropping me the serial, seeing as it gives you unlimited users. Thanks if you do, no worries if you don't

That would be unethical :/. It allows you to use it as many times as you want but it says to use it for only 1 person.

Edited by AutoPython because: n/a
Member Avatar for ffs82defxp

Yeah, sublime text is perfect except for 2 features.

1. It doesn't run your program at all like IDLE does.
2. It doesn't give you a menu list of things you can fill in for like for modules.

Member Avatar for Stefano Mtangoo

@Thompson,
May be you need to go back to yur wing and update it. It is being updated and tweaked and now it is better! I have it and is the default IDE for my project. I really recommend it. It is worth a price.

I'm thinking of getting pro version in future ;)

Member Avatar for AutoPython

What really annoys me is how some IDEs have really bad color syntax highlighting. I just can't stand it. I also hate the really old and gray look.

Member Avatar for Stefano Mtangoo

What really annoys me is how some IDEs have really bad color syntax highlighting. I just can't stand it. I also hate the really old and gray look.

Not with the improved Wing IDE. It is best in syntax highlighting and code completion without forgetting debugger. It have many themes If you don't like windows/Linux's default

Don't take me at my word. Just download trial version and test Yourself. I use Personal Ed.

Member Avatar for Gribouillis

I discovered this new editor geany. It could be worth trying.

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