Thonny, Python IDE for beginners

Thonny: Python IDE for Beginners

• Current Version: 5.0.0 (includes Python 3.14).
• Platform Support: Available for Windows (10/11, Intel/AMD/Arm), macOS (Intel/Apple Silicon), and Linux (Flatpak, Snap, Debian, Fedora, etc.).
• Core Philosophy: Designed specifically for beginners with a stripped-back, distraction-free interface.
• Key Educational Features:
  • Built-in Python: Includes Python 3.14 by default for a "no-hassle" installation.
  • Visual Debugger: Step-by-step execution (Ctrl+F5) without needing manual breakpoints.
  • Expression Evaluation: Visualizes how Python evaluates subexpressions.
  • Function Call Representation: Opens new windows for function calls to help visualize local variables and recursion.
  • Variable Tracking: Dedicated view to monitor how programs affect variables.
  • Scope Highlighting: Visually distinguishes between local and global variables to help identify typos.
  • Syntax Error Highlighting: Specifically designed to make unclosed quotes and parentheses easy to spot.
  • Reference Modeling: Supports switching between simplified (name → value) and realistic (name → address → value) memory models.
• Development Tools:
  • Package Management: Simple GUI for pip (Tools → Manage packages).
  • System Shell: Integrated terminal that handles PATH and interpreter conflicts.
  • Code Completion: Assists students in exploring APIs.
• Project Background:
  • Main author: Aivar Annamaa.
  • Developed at the University of Tartu (2014–2018).
  • Supported by Cybernetica AS and the Raspberry Pi Foundation.
• Extensibility: Supports various plug-ins for additional functionality, including Git integration, code formatting (Black), educational robot support (EV3, Edison), and theme customization.