[Pythonedu-wg] A new, kid-friendly Python editor

[Carol Willing]

On 9/23/15 4:24 PM, Al Sweigart wrote:
> I'd move a REPL from the "nice to have" to the "mandatory" list. The 
> interactive shell is really nice when the student just has to learn 
> what a new function or method does.

+1 REPL as mandatory. It's really helpful for interactive programming in 
a classroom setting. I use it all the time with folks just starting out.

>
> The most common confusions students have told me about with IDLE are:
>
> 1) Mixing up the interactive shell and file editor windows.
> 2) Mixing up Python 2 and 3 (either the wrong code or running the 
> wrong IDLE)
>
> +1 for Python 3 only
>

Agreed. Less issues to explain when Python 3 only.

> +1 for using PyPI as a Python appstore. I think this idea has promise. 
> One of Scratch's great features is that students can upload and show 
> off their programs.

Just a heads up (though I suspect you are aware)... PyPI will likely be 
replaced by the project currently named "Warehouse" which will be much 
more visually appealing.

Scratch :D

>
> +1 for syntax highlighting. Don't discount how colorful text improves 
> the coolness of coding for students. Even if they change the colors to 
> look like a garish MySpace page.

Carol


-- 
*Carol Willing*
Developer | Willing Consulting
https://willingconsulting.com
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