Making a particular version of IDLE as default on clicking 'Edit with IDLE'
If you have two versions of Python installed on your computer, which is usually the case if you are developing in Pygame since the highest version of Python it supports as of now is 2.7, then you would have faced the problem of loading a particular version of Python in IDLE on right-clicking a python file and clicking 'Edit with IDLE'.
Say, that IDLE is loading up with Python 3.4(visible on the title bar of IDLE), and you would like to load it with 2.7 temporarily. Follow the below steps to accomplish this:
- Click on Start > Run. Alternatively, hit Windows button + R.
- Type in 'regedit' and hit enter.
- In the left window pane, navigate as follows: Computer > HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT > Python File > shell > Edit with IDLE > command
- In the right window pane, right-click (Default) > Modify. In the Value Data field, you'll find two strings, each between a pair of double quotes. In each string, replace Python34 with the other version of Python you want IDLE to load up with, e.g. Python27
This should now load IDLE with the version you just specified. Make sure that the version you just typed in is installed for it to be loaded.
A word of caution: It's advised against tweaking the registry values with incomplete information. So be sure to follow the steps carefully.
See also:
- Python 101
- Object Oriented Python
- Design Patterns in Python
- 50+ Handy Standard Library Modules
- 60+ Handy Third Library Modules
- 50+ Tips & Tricks for Python Developers
- 50+ Know-How(s) Every Pythonista Must Know