Invoking Python IDLE on Linux

Question

I am trying to set up a Python development environment. I have Python 2.7.3 running on Linux Mint 14. I downloaded IDLE and installed it. It clean installs and Python runs just fine.

So how do I invoke IDLE? There isn't any IDLE in my path: which idle returns nothing. man idle returns nothing pertaining to an editor. Nothing in /usr/lib or /usr/local/lib. Calling idle() inside the Python interpreter doesn't work. Invoking python brings up a shell, not IDLE. No menu entry for IDLE in Linux. No import library named IDLE that Python can find. Three O'Reilly books consulted and not a word about invoking IDLE in Linux. YouTube videos of Python favor Windows, not Linux. Web searches have so far been unsuccessful.

Welcome to SO! Please keep questions here limited to one topic (IDLE or ERIC). Also, keep in mind that not everyone here is a gentleman. You also don't mention which Linux distribution you are using — Ned Deily
– Ned Deily, Commented Dec 31, 2012 at 5:35
Ned, Single question noted. Perhaps you could suggest an appropriate salutation. Line 2: Mint 14. Thanks, Pete — capngp
– capngp, Commented Dec 31, 2012 at 5:42
After getting acclimated here, you'll notice that a salutation is neither needed nor preferred. — Ned Deily
– Ned Deily, Commented Dec 31, 2012 at 5:50

Peter Mortensen · Accepted Answer · 2023-02-23 08:10:42Z

14

I'm not familiar with Mint myself, but since it claims to be Debian-based, try installing the idle package:

sudo apt-get install idle

That should pull in all the appropriate packages for the installed version of Python. Then you should just be able to start IDLE with:

idle

in a terminal window.

edited Feb 23, 2023 at 8:10

Peter Mortensen

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answered Dec 31, 2012 at 5:47

Ned Deily

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2 Comments

fzzylogic Over a year ago

and idle3 for python3

Peter Mortensen Over a year ago

@fzzylogic: Not always. It depends.

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