ptpython is an advanced interactive Python shell built using the prompt_toolkit library. It provides a more sophisticated environment than the standard Python interpreter, with features designed to make entering, editing and executing Python code easier.
Its interface combines intelligent completion, syntax-aware editing and configurable keyboard controls. Users can work with multiline expressions, inspect suggestions as they type and navigate previously entered commands without leaving the terminal.
ptpython is particularly useful for developers who regularly experiment with Python code or need an interactive environment while working remotely. It can also be embedded into other Python applications, providing an interactive debugging and exploration interface.
The project includes ptipython, which combines the ptpython interface with IPython’s additional interactive computing capabilities.
This is free and open source software.
Key Features
- Syntax highlighting with configurable colour schemes.
- Multiline editing with automatic indentation and convenient navigation between lines.
- Intelligent autocompletion for Python objects, functions and filenames.
- Syntax validation before execution, with errors highlighted in the input.
- Both Vi and Emacs keyboard bindings.
- Optional mouse support for navigating the interface.
- Bracketed paste support that preserves indentation when inserting code.
- Interactive configuration menu for changing editing and display preferences.
- Persistent command history and dedicated history browsing interface.
- Execute operating system commands without leaving the interactive shell.
- Support for top-level await expressions through an asyncio event loop.
- Custom formatting of objects using the __pt_repr__ method.
- Embedding of the interactive interpreter in existing Python applications.
- IPython integration through ptipython and support for Django shell environments.
- Support for double-width Unicode characters.
- Cross-platform support – runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Website: github.com/prompt-toolkit/ptpython
Support:
Developer: Jonathan Slenders
License: BSD 3-Clause ‘New’ or ‘Revised’ License
ptpython is written in Python. Learn Python with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
Related Software
| Open Source Python Shells | |
|---|---|
| IPython | Enhanced interactive Python shell |
| ptpython | Advanced Python Read-Eval-Print Loop |
| bpython | Fancy interface to the Python interpreter |
| IDLE | Integrated development environment for Python |
| Jupyter QtConsole | Graphical console for working interactively with Jupyter kernels |
| mypython | Interactive Python shell with syntax highlighting and completion |
| DreamPie | Python shell which is designed to be reliable and fun |
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