Since I started to work with Python, I started as well to wirk with PyScripter as my default IDE. I like it because it’s very easy and of course, it’s an open source project supported by Google, and if Google supports it, maybe you should take it into account.
In this post I have followed the this instructions to make PyScripter as the default Python editor to use within ArcMap. I found this solution as the best to code (and even execute) my Python scripts. So, within ArcMap 10.0, go to “Geoprocessing / Opciones de Geoprocessing” menu:
Geoprocessing options
Now, in the Script Tool Editor / Debugger option, the only thing to do is write the path where PyScripter is installed, in my case C:\Archivos de programa\PyScripter\PyScripter.exe,.
Configurando PyScript en ArcGIS
After that, when you want to “edit” a Python script on ArcMap, PyScripter will open with the file you want to work, so you can use all editing and debugging options of PyScripter, that are “a little bit” better than using the Python command line on arcMap.
Editar Script
Python version conflict
But, with PyScripter we can go even further with a few more customizations, and this way we can execute ArcMap scripts out of ArcMap. To add this, you should notice that the version of Python used within ArcMap is Python 2.6.5, so you maybe want to create a link in your desktop to open PyScriptor with this version directly (i have done it!!).
Selección de PyScripter
To continue, just add the following path to the Pythons dir, from here:
Directorios en PyScripter
The path are (I am working with Windows XP, but path can be different under Windows 7 oo Windows 8):
- C:\Archivos de programa\ArcGIS\Desktop10.0\bin
- C:\Archivos de programa\ArcGIS\Desktop10.0\arcpy
- C:\Archivos de programa\ArcGIS\Desktop10.0\ArcToolbox\Scripts
Configuración de PyScripter para trabajar con ArcGIS 10
I hope it can be useful to you!
PD: I like PyScripter, but you can link it with Notepad++, or with the Python editor you prefer, by using the same procedure!