Python Interactive Shell (REPL): Your Coding Lab

Opening the Shell

python   # or python3 on macOS/Linux

You'll see >>> — the prompt.

Basics

>>> 2 + 3
5
>>> name = "PyForm"
>>> len(name)
6

The _ Variable

The last result is stored in _:

>>> 2 + 3
5
>>> _ * 10
50

Help and Dir

>>> help(len)
>>> dir(str)

Upgrade to IPython

pip install ipython
ipython

IPython adds syntax highlighting, tab completion, and magic commands like %timeit.

Exiting

exit() or Ctrl-D (Ctrl-Z on Windows).