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I'm using Notepad++ for python development, and few days ago I found out about free Komodo Edit.

I need Pros and Cons for Python development between this two editors...

Sridhar Ratnakumar
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Jox
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  • They're both free, so why not try them both and see which you prefer? – Cees Timmerman Nov 25 '15 at 11:14
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    One thing to consider, notepad++ is very, very, lightweight and fast on your system (i am using a fast i7 with 64gbram + ssd, and it is still very noticeable) - Komodo is just sluggish, heavy and slow... – ManuelGomes Jun 05 '18 at 13:29

9 Answers9

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I have worked a bit with Python programming for Google App Engine, which I started out in Notepad++ and then recently shifted over to Komodo using two excellent startup tutorials - both of which are conveniently linked from this blog post (direct: here and here).

  • Komodo supports the basic organization of your work into Projects, which Notepad++ does not (apart from physical folder organization).
  • The custom commands toolbar is useful to keep track of numerous frequently-used commands and even link to URLs (like online documentation and the like).
  • It has a working (if sometimes clunky) code-completion mechanism.

In short, it's an IDE which provides all the benefits thereof.

Notepad++ is simpler, much MUCH faster to load, and does support some basic configurable run commands; it's a fine choice if you like doing all your execution and debugging right in the commandline or Python shell. My advice is to try both!

Community
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Skeolan
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I just downloaded and started using Komodo Edit. I've been using Notepad++ for awhile. Here is what I think about some of the features:

Komodo Edit Pros:

  • You can jump to a function definition, even if it's in another file (I love this)
  • There is a plugin that displays the list of classes, functions and such for the current file on the side. Notepad++ used to have a plugin like this, but it no longer works with the current version and hasn't been updated in a while.

Notepad++ Pros:

  • If you select a word, it will highlight all of those words in the current document (makes it easier to find misspellings), without having to hit Ctrl+F.
  • When working with HTML, when the cursor is on/in a tag, the starting and ending tags are both highlighted

Anyone know if either of those last 2 things is possible in Komodo Edit?

MrWhite
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Echo says Reinstate Monica
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    I'm not sure I understand your first point. In Komodo, hit Ctrl+F on the current word to search for it. That process will hightlight all matches in the file. Hit Esc to undo the highlighting. – glenn jackman May 15 '09 at 19:32
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    selecting a word is more handy then ctrl + F and type the word, right? – Edwin Yip Apr 10 '10 at 18:17
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    Np++ has that two Komodo pros: [TagsJump](https://sourceforge.net/projects/tagsjump/) plugin allows to jump to a definition even it is in another file. [Function list](http://sourceforge.net/projects/npp-plugins/files/) can list definitions in the current file for many programing languages. – maliayas Aug 17 '12 at 23:08
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I use Komodo edit. The main reasons are: Intellisense (not as good as VisualStudio, but Python's a hard language to do intellisense for) and cross-platform compatibility. It's nice being able to use the same editor on my Windows machine, my linux machine, and my macbook with little to no change in feel.

Jason Baker
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    Komodo is truly cross-platform. Keeping the same look and feel no matter where you are. I love that. – Jon W Jun 07 '09 at 17:21
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I use both Komodo Edit and Notepad++.

Notepad++ is a lot quicker to launch and it's more lightweight, so I often use it for quick one-off editing.

I use Komodo Edit for major projects, like my django and wxPython applications. KE is a full-featured IDE, so it has a lot more features.

Main advantages of Komodo Edit for programming Python:

  • Manage groups of files as projects
  • Use custom commands to run files, run nosetests/pylint, etc.
  • Auto complete & syntax checking
  • Mozilla extension system, with several useful extensions available
  • Write macros in JavaScript or Python
  • Spell checking

Some of the little things that Notepad++ is missing for Python development:

  • Doesn't auto-indent after a colon
  • You can't set tabs/spaces on a file-type basis (I like to use tabs for HTML)
  • No code completion or tooltips
  • No on-the-fly syntax checking
Cees Timmerman
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Ryan Ginstrom
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  • Notepad++ has a plugin menu from which you can add a spell checker and other tools. I use the [NppExec plugin](https://gist.github.com/CTimmerman/3fc259d7867c38f6919e) with scripts to process and run my Python files, whose output is highlighted and linked in Notepad++.. – Cees Timmerman Nov 25 '15 at 11:46
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As far as I know , Notepad++ doesn't show you the docstring each method has .

Geo
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A downside I found of Notepad++ for Python is that it tends (for me) to silently mix tabs and spaces. I know this is configurable, but it caught me out, especially when trying to work with other people using different editors / IDE's, so take care.

xan
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  • Ctrl+H, find `____` replace `\t`, find `__` replace `\t`, works for me, except when somebody used 3-space indents. (replace _ with a space) – Cees Timmerman Nov 25 '15 at 11:52
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I haven't used Komodo yet (the download never quite finished on the slow connection I was on at the time), but I use Eclipse with PyDev regularly and enjoy the "IDE" features described by the other respondents. However, I'm also regularly frustrated by how much of a resource hog it is.

I downloaded Notepad++ recently (much smaller download size ;-) ) and have been enjoying it quite a bit. The editor itself is nice and fast and it looks to be extensible. I'm hoping to copy some of my favorite features from IDE into Notepad++ and migrate, at some distant point in the future.

Parand
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If I had to choose between Notepad++ and Komodo i would choose PyScripter ;.) Seriously I consider PyScripter as a great alternative...

Titusz
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Downloaded both myself. Like Komodo better.

Komodo Pros: Like it better. Does more. Looks like an IDE. Edits Django templates

Notepad++ Cons: Don't like it as much. Does less. Looks less like and IDE.

S.Lott
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    +1 I laughed for a while – Kugel Mar 24 '10 at 21:26
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    So, if I'm understanding this correctly...if something isn't as good as something else, then the *other thing* is better. Mind. Blown. +1 `:D` – yurisich Mar 05 '12 at 14:24
  • @Droogans: Nope. Not understanding it correctly. If something isn't as good as something else, it simply isn't as good. Don't read things into the answer that aren't there. The question was vague; the answer is precisely as vague as the question. – S.Lott Mar 06 '12 at 18:48