When comparing Eric Python IDE vs Leo Editor, the Slant community recommends Eric Python IDE for most people. In the question“What are the best Python IDEs or editors?” Eric Python IDE is ranked 13th while Leo Editor is ranked 38th. The most important reason people chose Eric Python IDE is:
Eric has a python debugger built-in.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Integrated python debugger
Eric has a python debugger built-in.
Pro Good project management
Pro Integration with version control software
Integrates with various VCS.
Pro Integrated class browser
With Eric you can easily browse all classes in your current Python project and display the methods for a given class.
Pro Outlines - better than folding
With outlines functions and classes can be arranged and grouped with their logical neighbours, even nested. Whole branch hierarchies can be expanded and collapsed in a single key stroke, or moved from this spot to that, as best fits the thinking or troubleshooting of the day. Outline trees make navigation across broadly different areas an effortless exercise. See your whole project in a single view, across any number of external files and modules.
Pro Internal command line
All Leo editor commands are available in a command bar, called a "mini-buffer", that feature tab-completion and command history. For example "Find all nodes containing phrase '...', clone them, and paste in a new tree" is a simple alt-x
, clone-find-flattened
(or cff
) away. As is toggle-split-direction
, expand/contract-log-pane
and execute-script
.
Pro Clones - when two or three or ... are better than one
Leo's unique concept of 'clones' means you can re-arrange sections of an external file to suit your way of thinking or tacking a specific issue without changing the organization of the source. This makes it a great tool for studying code from others, and perhaps contributing back to them without changing your or their preferred arrangement methods.
Cons
Con Complex interface
Eric has a very complex UI. It overwhelms you with sections and windows and doesn't let you focus on code. Every tool is displayed on the top bars (there are 3) with no logical grouping or structure whatsoever.
Con Auto completion is not very good
The auto completion is not top-notch compared to other IDEs and text editors. In fact, many people recommend installing a third-party plugin to improve the auto completion found in Eric.
Con A different way of thinking means learning
There's no other code and text editor quite like Leo, so expect to put in some time learning. It can take some trying this and that before the "Aha!"s start to roll in. It's experiential.
