What is the difference between Python and IPython?

python ipython
Asdfsdjlka Asdfsdjlka picture Asdfsdjlka Asdfsdjlka · Sep 11, 2012 · Viewed 145.3k times · Source

What exactly is the difference between Python and IPython?

If I write code in Python, will it run in IPython as is or does it need to be modified?

I know IPython is supposed to be an interactive shell for Python, but is that all? Or is there a language called IPython? If I write something under IPython, will it run in Python, and vice-versa? If there are differences, how do I know what they are? Will all packages used by Python work as is in IPython?

Answer

Martijn Pieters picture Martijn Pieters · Sep 11, 2012

ipython is an interactive shell built with python.

From the project website:

IPython provides a rich toolkit to help you make the most out of using Python, with:

  • Powerful Python shells (terminal and Qt-based).
  • A web-based notebook with the same core features but support for code, text, mathematical expressions, inline plots and other rich media.
  • Support for interactive data visualization and use of GUI toolkits.
  • Flexible, embeddable interpreters to load into your own projects.
  • Easy to use, high performance tools for parallel computing.

Note that the first 2 lines tell you it helps you make the most of using Python. Thus, you don't need to alter your code, the IPython shell runs your python code just like the normal python shell does, only with more features.

I recommend reading the IPython tutorial to get a sense of what features you gain when using IPython.

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