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12. Using Python with Different Text Editors

1. Introduction​

Python code can be written in any plain text editor.
While IDEs like VS Code and PyCharm are powerful, sometimes a simple text editor is faster and more lightweight.
In this chapter, we’ll explore using Python with several popular text editors.

2. Notepad (Windows)​

  • The simplest editor available on Windows.
  • Steps:

    1. Open Notepad.

    2. Write a Python program, for example:

      print("Hello from Notepad!")

    3. Save the file with the .py extension (e.g., hello.py).

      • Select Save as type → All Files.
      • Encoding: UTF-8.

    4. Run the file from Command Prompt with:

      python hello.py

3. TextEdit (macOS)​

  • The built-in text editor for macOS.
  • Steps:

    1. Open TextEdit.

    2. Go to Format → Make Plain Text.

    3. Write Python code and save it with .py extension (e.g., hello.py).

    4. Run from Terminal with:

      python3 hello.py

4. Nano (Linux/macOS Terminal Editor)​

  • A simple terminal-based text editor.
  • Steps:

    1. Open Terminal.

    2. Create a new file with:

      nano hello.py

    3. Write Python code inside.

    4. Save with Ctrl + O, exit with Ctrl + X.

    5. Run with:

      python3 hello.py

5. Vim and Neovim​

  • Powerful modal text editors for advanced users.
  • Steps:

    1. Install Vim:

      sudo apt install vim        # Ubuntu/Debian
      sudo pacman -S vim          # Arch
      brew install vim            # macOS

    2. Create a Python file:

      vim hello.py

    3. Press i to enter insert mode, write Python code.

    4. Save and quit: Esc → :wq.

    5. Run as usual:

      python3 hello.py

6. Sublime Text​

  • A fast, extensible editor with Python plugins.
  • Installation: https://www.sublimetext.com/
  • Steps:
    1. Open Sublime Text.
    2. Write Python code.
    3. Save with .py extension.
    4. Install the SublimeREPL plugin for running Python inside Sublime.

7. Atom (Discontinued, still usable via forks)​

  • Atom was discontinued, but forks like Pulsar exist.
  • Features include extensions and integrated terminals.

8. Why Use Text Editors?​

  • Lightweight compared to IDEs.
  • Universal — works on any OS.
  • Customizable — plugins, syntax highlighting, linting.

9. Next Steps​

✅ You now know how to write Python code in various text editors.
In the next chapter, we’ll look at the difference between Python scripts and modules.