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Explain step by step on how can Python Proramming language be used in Notepad ++. Give practical examples

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Notepad++ is a popular text editor that supports various programming languages, including Python. While Notepad++ itself does not have built-in support for running Python scripts directly, you can configure it to work seamlessly with Python by following these steps:

Step 1: Install Python

  1. Download Python: Go to the official Python website: python.org and download the latest version compatible with your operating system.
  2. Install Python: Run the installer and make sure to check the box that says "Add Python to PATH" during installation.

Step 2: Install Notepad++

  1. Download Notepad++: Visit the official Notepad++ website: notepad-plus-plus.org and download the latest version.
  2. Install Notepad++: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Step 3: Configure Notepad++ for Python

  1. Open Notepad++: Launch the application.

  2. Set the Language to Python: From the menu, go to Language -> P -> Python to set the syntax highlighting for Python.

  3. Create a Shortcut for Running Python:

    • Go to Run in the top menu and select Run... (or press F5).

    • In the dialog box that appears, enter the following command:

      C:\Path\To\Python\python.exe "$(FULL_CURRENT_PATH)"

      Replace C:\Path\To\Python\python.exe with the actual installation path for Python on your system, which is usually C:\PythonXX\python.exe or similar.

    • The $(FULL_CURRENT_PATH) placeholder represents the full path to the file currently open in Notepad++.

  4. Save the Command: After entering the command, click on Save..., give it a name (e.g., Run Python Script), and assign a keyboard shortcut if desired. This will allow you to run your Python scripts quickly.

Step 4: Write Some Python Code

  1. Now that you have Notepad++ set up, you can start writing Python code. For example, create a new file (File -> New).
  2. Write a simple Python program: 
    print("Hello, World!")
  3. Save the file with a .py extension (e.g., hello.py).

Step 5: Run the Python Script

  1. With the hello.py file open in Notepad++, hit the keyboard shortcut you configured or select Run -> Run Python Script from the menu.
  2. A console window should appear displaying Hello, World!.

Practical Example with a Simple Python Program

Let's create a slightly more complex example to demonstrate variables and user input:

  1. Open Notepad++ and create a new file.
  2. Write the following code: 
    name = input("Enter your name: ")
age = int(input("Enter your age: "))

print(f"Hello, {name}! You are {age} years old.")
  3. Save the file as greeting.py.
  4. Run the script using the shortcut or the Run menu.

Things to Note:

  • Output Handling: The output from your Python script may appear in a terminal window, which will close immediately after the script finishes. To keep the window open, you can modify your script to pause the execution (e.g., adding input("Press Enter to exit...") at the end of your script).
  • Plugins: You can enhance Notepad++ further by using plugins like NppExec, which provides a more robust way to execute scripts and manage output.
  • Debugging: Notepad++ is a text editor and lacks advanced debugging features. For debugging, you may want to consider using an IDE like PyCharm or Visual Studio Code.

By following these steps, you can effectively use Notepad++ as a lightweight Python development environment for your coding projects.