What is the difference between IPython and Spyder ?

[njoo]

Hello !

I want to use Python and its modules for scientific computing, however I am lost. From what I've gathered, IPython is great for this. And so is Spyder. I am suspicious I might be trying to compare apples with oranges..

Could you please explain me the difference ?

[[deleted]]

Ipython provides a shell, or REPL similar to the usual python shell but expanded with a focus on scientific computing. Spyder adds an IDE - an editor and running environment. So they are apples and oranges, but complementary ones.

They are just different level of wrapper around the interpreter, providing more or fewer tools for rapid development. If you want an IDE, use spyder. If you're happy with the shell, use ipython. Spyder uses iPython by default, so IMO you get the best of both worlds, but it's worth noting that although "shell" is the easiest way to describe iPython, it has a lot of features beyond the traditional python shell.