Python 3.5 shortcut vs IDLE?

Question

I just installed Python 3.5 on Windows. What is the difference between the Python 3.5 and the IDLE shortcuts?

They seem to do the same. Both provide a command line that you can execute Python code on.

Here's what each shortcuts links to:

IDLE:

C:\Users\myuser\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python35-32\pythonw.exe

Python 3.5

C:\Users\myuser\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python35-32\python.exe

Idle could refer to python 2.7 if you have both installed.. Oh, and Idle also comes with a notepad like editor, the python interpreter does not — Henrik, Nov 30 '15 at 14:49
Where are you seeing these shorcuts? Why not see what they're linking to? — tglaria, Nov 30 '15 at 14:50
Please explain better what do you mean by "the Python 3.5 and the IDLE shortcuts" — Marco Bonelli, Nov 30 '15 at 14:54
@Leb: Thanks. Looks like I should use the regular python.exe version. — 4thSpace, Nov 30 '15 at 15:12

score 1 · Accepted Answer · answered Nov 30 '15 at 15:13

IDLE is Python’s Integrated Development and Learning Environment.

It has the following features:

Coded in 100% pure Python, using the tkinter GUI toolkit
Cross-platform: works mostly the same on Windows, Unix, and Mac OS X
Python shell window (interactive interpreter) with colorizing of code input, output, and error messages
Multi-window text editor with multiple undo, Python colorizing, smart indent, call tips, auto completion, and other features
Search within any window, replace within editor windows, and search through multiple files (grep)
Debugger with persistent breakpoints, stepping, and viewing of global and local namespaces
Configuration, browsers, and other dialogs

Python shell is a simple shell, which is actually used by IDLE.

ah - now I see these features in IDLE. Great answer. – 4thSpace Nov 30 '15 at 15:15 — 4thSpace, Nov 30 '15 at 15:15

1 Answers1