Can I configure IDLE to automatically convert tabs to spaces?

Question

I know that spaces are preferred over tabs in Python, so is there a way to easily convert tabs to spaces in IDLE or does it automatically do that?

Solution 1

From the IDLE documentation:

Tab inserts 1-4 spaces (in the Python Shell window one tab).

You can also use Edit > Untabify Region to convert tabs to spaces (for instance if you copy/pasted some code into the edit window that uses tabs).

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Of course, the best solution is to go download a real IDE. There are plenty of free editors that are much better at being an IDE than IDLE is. By this I mean that they're (IMO) more user-friendly, more customizable, and better at supporting all the things you'd want in a full-featured IDE.

Solution 2

Unfortunately IDLE does not have this functionality. I recommend you check out IdleX, which is an improved IDLE with tons of added functionality.

Comments

[Henry Keiter]

IDLE behaves this way by default (at least in the edit window)... And the command Edit > Untabify Region converts tabs to spaces. What functionality don't you think it has?

[trapicki]

Downvoted for "get a real IDE". There is a place for IDLE, and better places to start editor wars.