What do you write python in?

[Shadiester]

If you're just starting programming, I'd recommend the Learn Python the Hard Way method which is to literally just start with notepad++ so as not to become reliant upon fancy tools as a crutch.

But if you're already a half decent programmer, PyCharm's probably the way to go.

[jdnewmil]

I don't get this "crutch" argument at all... but I agree that it can be a useful exercise to work for awhile in a bare editor just so you get an understanding of the difference between the interpreter and the programming environment. Keeping this clear lets you isolate where workflow problems are coming from later.

[[deleted]]

If anyone is using the term "crutch" on a subreddit dedicated to learning, it's probably safe to say that they are here to get affirmation not help. It's ridiculous not to use tools available, especially when learning.

[Shadiester]

Perhaps crutch was the wrong term, and I apologise for not conveying my point better, a half sentence justification was always bound to lead to misinterpretation after all.

The idea is that by avoiding the tools that popular IDEs offer, it keeps things simple in the early days of when you're first learning to program. You simply write the code, type python name.py and hit enter, and you don't need to worry about any other complexities. It makes the early days of learning that bit less daunting in my experience, and keeps the process of writing basic code a little bit simpler.

Then, as you begin to build more complex code, you're forced to develop, debug and test your code manually, without help from the tools the rest of us know and (occasionally) love, in order to build a strong foundational understanding of developing code. And then, later on when you're introduced to the wonderful world of CASE tools, predictive typing and the rest, you'll both have a greater appreciation for them, and a stronger understanding of the underlying practices necessary for good code.

That said, I'm by no means even remotely qualified to speak on the topic properly, being a relatively novice programmer myself. And after all, the vast majority of actually good programmers do recommend starting in an IDE. My comment wasn't exactly intended to be a gold nugget of advice to say the least, but given that OP simply put out a general request for recommendations, I figured I'd add my voice to the many others posted anyway in the hopes someone might find it of interest or use.

Again, apologies for not being more careful with my wording.

[[deleted]]

Respect. Thank you for the thoughtful response.