iPython is an enhanced interpreter that makes interactive experimentation at the command line much more pleasant and powerful.
IPython can do a lot for you, but for starters, here are the key pieces you'll want to know:
Start it up
$ ipython
Python 3.5.0 (v3.5.0:374f501f4567, Sep 12 2015, 11:00:19)
Type "copyright", "credits" or "license" for more information.
IPython 4.0.0 -- An enhanced Interactive Python.
? -> Introduction and overview of IPython's features.
%quickref -> Quick reference.
help -> Python's own help system.
object? -> Details about 'object', use 'object??' for extra details.This is the stuff I use every day:
- command line recall:
- hit the "up arrow" key
- if you have typed a bit, it will find the last command that starts the same way.
- basic shell commands:
ls,cd,pwd
- any shell command:
! the_shell_command
- pasting from the clipboard:
%paste(this keeps whitespace cleaner for you)
- getting help:
something?
- tab completion:
something.<tab>
- running a python file:
run the_name_of_the_file.py
That's it -- you can get a lot done with those.
- The iPython tutorial
- (http://ipython.readthedocs.io/en/stable/interactive/tutorial.html)
- Using IPython for interactive work
- (http://ipython.readthedocs.io/en/stable/interactive/index.html) Learn about the abilities iPython provides for interactive sessions.
- The iPython Documentation
- (http://ipython.readthedocs.io/en/stable/) Use this to learn more about iPython's amazing capabilities.