starting Python

[Micko]

Hello, I've just started to learn Python. I have two questions:
1. Is there any way to set up default folder for Python files (that Atest from introductionary example)?
2. can you suggest any good Python IDE (existing is OK, but I have a fealing that I'm working in ordinary colored Notepad?

Thanks

[vegaseat]

Which IDE are you using now?
Which operating system do you have?

To create a subdirectory/subfolder you can use the "Save File As" dialog box of your IDE. There is a small icon in the top row you can click to create a new folder.

Oops now I know what you mean. The old fashioned IDLE does not start up with this default folder. I use DrPython a lot and that IDE lets you set the default folder and many other things. You can download it from:
http://sourceforge.net/projects/drpython/

DrPython has one quirk, it doesn't like foreign characters in its code window. It displays them but does not save then, giving you an error instead!

An IDE without this quirk is PythonWin from:
http://starship.python.net/crew/mhammond/win32/

[Micko]

Well, I have Python 2.4 and Windows XP.
I used that IDLE (Python GUI) through shortcut in Start Menu.
I'll check your links, thanks.

My native english is not english and I use characters like ćžđš and similar, but I never name variables with these character. Do you mean by that "quirk" that IDE does not like variable name varak? I never use my language characters when programming.
Is there and Python IDE similar to MSVC++ .net or Bloodshed Dev-Cpp since I have a lot experiance with it?
I think I'll try Drpython since you use it...
Thank you
P.S. So far I really enjoy reading the tutorial.

[vegaseat]

Using something like
varak = 7
or even
print "varak"
in DrPython would give you an Encoding Error and wouldn't even save the code file!

PythonWin simply removes the symbol and converts it to the letter c. It does however take spanish and german symbols. I guess your exceeds the extended ASCII characters and gets you into unicode.

Bummer indeed, going international stops right there!

[Micko]

Using something like varak = 7 or even print "varak" in DrPython would give you an Encoding Error and wouldn't even save the code file!

PythonWin simply removes the symbol and converts it to the letter c. It does however take spanish and german symbols. I guess your exceeds the extended ASCII characters and gets you into unicode.

Bummer indeed, going international stops right there!

Thank you for the prompt answer. In the meantime I've downloaded DrPython and installed it. Now I have on my desktop that little snake DrPython, but when I double click on it, mouse pointer changes for a few seconds and then nothing happens. Maybe I need to set up something?

[vegaseat]

Do you have the wxPython GUI library installed?
If not, you need it and can get from:
http://wiki.wxpython.org/
or
http://prdownloads.sourceforge.net/wxpython/

Download wxPython2.5-win32-unicode-2.5.4.1-py24.exe (or in the US use the ansi version).

Maybe DrPython will work with foreign characters on your computer, it doesn't on the standard US MicroSoft machine.