Thonny a Python IDE designed for learning programming.
Features
- It's easy to get started. Thonny comes with Python version 3.7 installed, so you only need one installer to get started. You can also install Python separately if you need. All features that could distract beginners are removed from the initial user interface.
- No-hassle variables. After you're done with helloworlds, click View - Variables to see how your shell commands and programs affect Python variables
- Simple debugger. You can run your programs step by step by pressing Ctrl+F5 rather than F5. No breakpoints required. For a large step, press F6 and F7 respectively. Steps follow program structure and not code lines.
- Step by step expression evaluation. You can even see how Python evaluates expressions if you take small steps. This light-blue box can be thought of as a piece paper on which Python replaces subexpressions piece-by-piece with their values.
- Faithful representation of function callings. Stepping into a function call opens up a new window with a separate table of local variables and a code pointer. Understanding function calls is essential for understanding recursion.
- Highlights syntax errors. The most common syntax errors made by beginners are parentheses and unclosed quotes. These errors are easy to spot with Thonny's editor
- Explains scopes. Highlighting variable occurrences helps you remember that the same name does not always refer to the same variable. It also helps you spot typos. Visually, local variables can be distinguished from globals
- Mode for explaining references. Variables are initially presented using a simplified model (name-value), but you can change to a more realistic model (name-address/id-value).
- Code completion. Code completion allows students to explore APIs using code completion
- System shell for beginners. Select Tools - Open the system shell to install additional packages or learn how to use command line Python. Thonny takes care of PATH and conflicts between other Python interpreters.
- Simple and clear pip GUI. Select Tools - Manage packages to make it even easier to install 3rd party packages