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1 # -*- coding: utf-8 -*-
1 # -*- coding: utf-8 -*-
2 """Usage information for the main IPython applications.
2 """Usage information for the main IPython applications.
3 """
3 """
4 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 # Copyright (C) 2008-2011 The IPython Development Team
5 # Copyright (C) 2008-2011 The IPython Development Team
6 # Copyright (C) 2001-2007 Fernando Perez. <fperez@colorado.edu>
6 # Copyright (C) 2001-2007 Fernando Perez. <fperez@colorado.edu>
7 #
7 #
8 # Distributed under the terms of the BSD License. The full license is in
8 # Distributed under the terms of the BSD License. The full license is in
9 # the file COPYING, distributed as part of this software.
9 # the file COPYING, distributed as part of this software.
10 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 #-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
11
11
12 import sys
12 import sys
13 from IPython.core import release
13 from IPython.core import release
14
14
15 cl_usage = """\
15 cl_usage = """\
16 =========
16 =========
17 IPython
17 IPython
18 =========
18 =========
19
19
20 Tools for Interactive Computing in Python
20 Tools for Interactive Computing in Python
21 =========================================
21 =========================================
22
22
23 A Python shell with automatic history (input and output), dynamic object
23 A Python shell with automatic history (input and output), dynamic object
24 introspection, easier configuration, command completion, access to the
24 introspection, easier configuration, command completion, access to the
25 system shell and more. IPython can also be embedded in running programs.
25 system shell and more. IPython can also be embedded in running programs.
26
26
27
27
28 Usage
28 Usage
29
29
30 ipython [subcommand] [options] [-c cmd | -m mod | file] [--] [arg] ...
30 ipython [subcommand] [options] [-c cmd | -m mod | file] [--] [arg] ...
31
31
32 If invoked with no options, it executes the file and exits, passing the
32 If invoked with no options, it executes the file and exits, passing the
33 remaining arguments to the script, just as if you had specified the same
33 remaining arguments to the script, just as if you had specified the same
34 command with python. You may need to specify `--` before args to be passed
34 command with python. You may need to specify `--` before args to be passed
35 to the script, to prevent IPython from attempting to parse them. If you
35 to the script, to prevent IPython from attempting to parse them. If you
36 specify the option `-i` before the filename, it will enter an interactive
36 specify the option `-i` before the filename, it will enter an interactive
37 IPython session after running the script, rather than exiting. Files ending
37 IPython session after running the script, rather than exiting. Files ending
38 in .py will be treated as normal Python, but files ending in .ipy can
38 in .py will be treated as normal Python, but files ending in .ipy can
39 contain special IPython syntax (magic commands, shell expansions, etc.).
39 contain special IPython syntax (magic commands, shell expansions, etc.).
40
40
41 Almost all configuration in IPython is available via the command-line. Do
41 Almost all configuration in IPython is available via the command-line. Do
42 `ipython --help-all` to see all available options. For persistent
42 `ipython --help-all` to see all available options. For persistent
43 configuration, look into your `ipython_config.py` configuration file for
43 configuration, look into your `ipython_config.py` configuration file for
44 details.
44 details.
45
45
46 This file is typically installed in the `IPYTHONDIR` directory, and there
46 This file is typically installed in the `IPYTHONDIR` directory, and there
47 is a separate configuration directory for each profile. The default profile
47 is a separate configuration directory for each profile. The default profile
48 directory will be located in $IPYTHONDIR/profile_default. IPYTHONDIR
48 directory will be located in $IPYTHONDIR/profile_default. IPYTHONDIR
49 defaults to to `$HOME/.ipython`. For Windows users, $HOME resolves to
49 defaults to to `$HOME/.ipython`. For Windows users, $HOME resolves to
50 C:\\Users\\YourUserName in most instances.
50 C:\\Users\\YourUserName in most instances.
51
51
52 To initialize a profile with the default configuration file, do::
52 To initialize a profile with the default configuration file, do::
53
53
54 $> ipython profile create
54 $> ipython profile create
55
55
56 and start editing `IPYTHONDIR/profile_default/ipython_config.py`
56 and start editing `IPYTHONDIR/profile_default/ipython_config.py`
57
57
58 In IPython's documentation, we will refer to this directory as
58 In IPython's documentation, we will refer to this directory as
59 `IPYTHONDIR`, you can change its default location by creating an
59 `IPYTHONDIR`, you can change its default location by creating an
60 environment variable with this name and setting it to the desired path.
60 environment variable with this name and setting it to the desired path.
61
61
62 For more information, see the manual available in HTML and PDF in your
62 For more information, see the manual available in HTML and PDF in your
63 installation, or online at http://ipython.org/documentation.html.
63 installation, or online at http://ipython.org/documentation.html.
64 """
64 """
65
65
66 interactive_usage = """
66 interactive_usage = """
67 IPython -- An enhanced Interactive Python
67 IPython -- An enhanced Interactive Python
68 =========================================
68 =========================================
69
69
70 IPython offers a combination of convenient shell features, special commands
70 IPython offers a combination of convenient shell features, special commands
71 and a history mechanism for both input (command history) and output (results
71 and a history mechanism for both input (command history) and output (results
72 caching, similar to Mathematica). It is intended to be a fully compatible
72 caching, similar to Mathematica). It is intended to be a fully compatible
73 replacement for the standard Python interpreter, while offering vastly
73 replacement for the standard Python interpreter, while offering vastly
74 improved functionality and flexibility.
74 improved functionality and flexibility.
75
75
76 At your system command line, type 'ipython -h' to see the command line
76 At your system command line, type 'ipython -h' to see the command line
77 options available. This document only describes interactive features.
77 options available. This document only describes interactive features.
78
78
79 MAIN FEATURES
79 MAIN FEATURES
80 -------------
80 -------------
81
81
82 * Access to the standard Python help. As of Python 2.1, a help system is
82 * Access to the standard Python help. As of Python 2.1, a help system is
83 available with access to object docstrings and the Python manuals. Simply
83 available with access to object docstrings and the Python manuals. Simply
84 type 'help' (no quotes) to access it.
84 type 'help' (no quotes) to access it.
85
85
86 * Magic commands: type %magic for information on the magic subsystem.
86 * Magic commands: type %magic for information on the magic subsystem.
87
87
88 * System command aliases, via the %alias command or the configuration file(s).
88 * System command aliases, via the %alias command or the configuration file(s).
89
89
90 * Dynamic object information:
90 * Dynamic object information:
91
91
92 Typing ?word or word? prints detailed information about an object. If
92 Typing ?word or word? prints detailed information about an object. If
93 certain strings in the object are too long (docstrings, code, etc.) they get
93 certain strings in the object are too long (docstrings, code, etc.) they get
94 snipped in the center for brevity.
94 snipped in the center for brevity.
95
95
96 Typing ??word or word?? gives access to the full information without
96 Typing ??word or word?? gives access to the full information without
97 snipping long strings. Long strings are sent to the screen through the less
97 snipping long strings. Long strings are sent to the screen through the less
98 pager if longer than the screen, printed otherwise.
98 pager if longer than the screen, printed otherwise.
99
99
100 The ?/?? system gives access to the full source code for any object (if
100 The ?/?? system gives access to the full source code for any object (if
101 available), shows function prototypes and other useful information.
101 available), shows function prototypes and other useful information.
102
102
103 If you just want to see an object's docstring, type '%pdoc object' (without
103 If you just want to see an object's docstring, type '%pdoc object' (without
104 quotes, and without % if you have automagic on).
104 quotes, and without % if you have automagic on).
105
105
106 * Completion in the local namespace, by typing TAB at the prompt.
106 * Completion in the local namespace, by typing TAB at the prompt.
107
107
108 At any time, hitting tab will complete any available python commands or
108 At any time, hitting tab will complete any available python commands or
109 variable names, and show you a list of the possible completions if there's
109 variable names, and show you a list of the possible completions if there's
110 no unambiguous one. It will also complete filenames in the current directory.
110 no unambiguous one. It will also complete filenames in the current directory.
111
111
112 This feature requires the readline and rlcomplete modules, so it won't work
112 This feature requires the readline and rlcomplete modules, so it won't work
113 if your Python lacks readline support (such as under Windows).
113 if your Python lacks readline support (such as under Windows).
114
114
115 * Search previous command history in two ways (also requires readline):
115 * Search previous command history in two ways (also requires readline):
116
116
117 - Start typing, and then use Ctrl-p (previous,up) and Ctrl-n (next,down) to
117 - Start typing, and then use Ctrl-p (previous,up) and Ctrl-n (next,down) to
118 search through only the history items that match what you've typed so
118 search through only the history items that match what you've typed so
119 far. If you use Ctrl-p/Ctrl-n at a blank prompt, they just behave like
119 far. If you use Ctrl-p/Ctrl-n at a blank prompt, they just behave like
120 normal arrow keys.
120 normal arrow keys.
121
121
122 - Hit Ctrl-r: opens a search prompt. Begin typing and the system searches
122 - Hit Ctrl-r: opens a search prompt. Begin typing and the system searches
123 your history for lines that match what you've typed so far, completing as
123 your history for lines that match what you've typed so far, completing as
124 much as it can.
124 much as it can.
125
125
126 - %hist: search history by index (this does *not* require readline).
126 - %hist: search history by index (this does *not* require readline).
127
127
128 * Persistent command history across sessions.
128 * Persistent command history across sessions.
129
129
130 * Logging of input with the ability to save and restore a working session.
130 * Logging of input with the ability to save and restore a working session.
131
131
132 * System escape with !. Typing !ls will run 'ls' in the current directory.
132 * System escape with !. Typing !ls will run 'ls' in the current directory.
133
133
134 * The reload command does a 'deep' reload of a module: changes made to the
134 * The reload command does a 'deep' reload of a module: changes made to the
135 module since you imported will actually be available without having to exit.
135 module since you imported will actually be available without having to exit.
136
136
137 * Verbose and colored exception traceback printouts. See the magic xmode and
137 * Verbose and colored exception traceback printouts. See the magic xmode and
138 xcolor functions for details (just type %magic).
138 xcolor functions for details (just type %magic).
139
139
140 * Input caching system:
140 * Input caching system:
141
141
142 IPython offers numbered prompts (In/Out) with input and output caching. All
142 IPython offers numbered prompts (In/Out) with input and output caching. All
143 input is saved and can be retrieved as variables (besides the usual arrow
143 input is saved and can be retrieved as variables (besides the usual arrow
144 key recall).
144 key recall).
145
145
146 The following GLOBAL variables always exist (so don't overwrite them!):
146 The following GLOBAL variables always exist (so don't overwrite them!):
147 _i: stores previous input.
147 _i: stores previous input.
148 _ii: next previous.
148 _ii: next previous.
149 _iii: next-next previous.
149 _iii: next-next previous.
150 _ih : a list of all input _ih[n] is the input from line n.
150 _ih : a list of all input _ih[n] is the input from line n.
151
151
152 Additionally, global variables named _i<n> are dynamically created (<n>
152 Additionally, global variables named _i<n> are dynamically created (<n>
153 being the prompt counter), such that _i<n> == _ih[<n>]
153 being the prompt counter), such that _i<n> == _ih[<n>]
154
154
155 For example, what you typed at prompt 14 is available as _i14 and _ih[14].
155 For example, what you typed at prompt 14 is available as _i14 and _ih[14].
156
156
157 You can create macros which contain multiple input lines from this history,
157 You can create macros which contain multiple input lines from this history,
158 for later re-execution, with the %macro function.
158 for later re-execution, with the %macro function.
159
159
160 The history function %hist allows you to see any part of your input history
160 The history function %hist allows you to see any part of your input history
161 by printing a range of the _i variables. Note that inputs which contain
161 by printing a range of the _i variables. Note that inputs which contain
162 magic functions (%) appear in the history with a prepended comment. This is
162 magic functions (%) appear in the history with a prepended comment. This is
163 because they aren't really valid Python code, so you can't exec them.
163 because they aren't really valid Python code, so you can't exec them.
164
164
165 * Output caching system:
165 * Output caching system:
166
166
167 For output that is returned from actions, a system similar to the input
167 For output that is returned from actions, a system similar to the input
168 cache exists but using _ instead of _i. Only actions that produce a result
168 cache exists but using _ instead of _i. Only actions that produce a result
169 (NOT assignments, for example) are cached. If you are familiar with
169 (NOT assignments, for example) are cached. If you are familiar with
170 Mathematica, IPython's _ variables behave exactly like Mathematica's %
170 Mathematica, IPython's _ variables behave exactly like Mathematica's %
171 variables.
171 variables.
172
172
173 The following GLOBAL variables always exist (so don't overwrite them!):
173 The following GLOBAL variables always exist (so don't overwrite them!):
174 _ (one underscore): previous output.
174 _ (one underscore): previous output.
175 __ (two underscores): next previous.
175 __ (two underscores): next previous.
176 ___ (three underscores): next-next previous.
176 ___ (three underscores): next-next previous.
177
177
178 Global variables named _<n> are dynamically created (<n> being the prompt
178 Global variables named _<n> are dynamically created (<n> being the prompt
179 counter), such that the result of output <n> is always available as _<n>.
179 counter), such that the result of output <n> is always available as _<n>.
180
180
181 Finally, a global dictionary named _oh exists with entries for all lines
181 Finally, a global dictionary named _oh exists with entries for all lines
182 which generated output.
182 which generated output.
183
183
184 * Directory history:
184 * Directory history:
185
185
186 Your history of visited directories is kept in the global list _dh, and the
186 Your history of visited directories is kept in the global list _dh, and the
187 magic %cd command can be used to go to any entry in that list.
187 magic %cd command can be used to go to any entry in that list.
188
188
189 * Auto-parentheses and auto-quotes (adapted from Nathan Gray's LazyPython)
189 * Auto-parentheses and auto-quotes (adapted from Nathan Gray's LazyPython)
190
190
191 1. Auto-parentheses
191 1. Auto-parentheses
192
192
193 Callable objects (i.e. functions, methods, etc) can be invoked like
193 Callable objects (i.e. functions, methods, etc) can be invoked like
194 this (notice the commas between the arguments)::
194 this (notice the commas between the arguments)::
195
195
196 In [1]: callable_ob arg1, arg2, arg3
196 In [1]: callable_ob arg1, arg2, arg3
197
197
198 and the input will be translated to this::
198 and the input will be translated to this::
199
199
200 callable_ob(arg1, arg2, arg3)
200 callable_ob(arg1, arg2, arg3)
201
201
202 This feature is off by default (in rare cases it can produce
202 This feature is off by default (in rare cases it can produce
203 undesirable side-effects), but you can activate it at the command-line
203 undesirable side-effects), but you can activate it at the command-line
204 by starting IPython with `--autocall 1`, set it permanently in your
204 by starting IPython with `--autocall 1`, set it permanently in your
205 configuration file, or turn on at runtime with `%autocall 1`.
205 configuration file, or turn on at runtime with `%autocall 1`.
206
206
207 You can force auto-parentheses by using '/' as the first character
207 You can force auto-parentheses by using '/' as the first character
208 of a line. For example::
208 of a line. For example::
209
209
210 In [1]: /globals # becomes 'globals()'
210 In [1]: /globals # becomes 'globals()'
211
211
212 Note that the '/' MUST be the first character on the line! This
212 Note that the '/' MUST be the first character on the line! This
213 won't work::
213 won't work::
214
214
215 In [2]: print /globals # syntax error
215 In [2]: print /globals # syntax error
216
216
217 In most cases the automatic algorithm should work, so you should
217 In most cases the automatic algorithm should work, so you should
218 rarely need to explicitly invoke /. One notable exception is if you
218 rarely need to explicitly invoke /. One notable exception is if you
219 are trying to call a function with a list of tuples as arguments (the
219 are trying to call a function with a list of tuples as arguments (the
220 parenthesis will confuse IPython)::
220 parenthesis will confuse IPython)::
221
221
222 In [1]: zip (1,2,3),(4,5,6) # won't work
222 In [1]: zip (1,2,3),(4,5,6) # won't work
223
223
224 but this will work::
224 but this will work::
225
225
226 In [2]: /zip (1,2,3),(4,5,6)
226 In [2]: /zip (1,2,3),(4,5,6)
227 ------> zip ((1,2,3),(4,5,6))
227 ------> zip ((1,2,3),(4,5,6))
228 Out[2]= [(1, 4), (2, 5), (3, 6)]
228 Out[2]= [(1, 4), (2, 5), (3, 6)]
229
229
230 IPython tells you that it has altered your command line by
230 IPython tells you that it has altered your command line by
231 displaying the new command line preceded by -->. e.g.::
231 displaying the new command line preceded by -->. e.g.::
232
232
233 In [18]: callable list
233 In [18]: callable list
234 -------> callable (list)
234 -------> callable (list)
235
235
236 2. Auto-Quoting
236 2. Auto-Quoting
237
237
238 You can force auto-quoting of a function's arguments by using ',' as
238 You can force auto-quoting of a function's arguments by using ',' as
239 the first character of a line. For example::
239 the first character of a line. For example::
240
240
241 In [1]: ,my_function /home/me # becomes my_function("/home/me")
241 In [1]: ,my_function /home/me # becomes my_function("/home/me")
242
242
243 If you use ';' instead, the whole argument is quoted as a single
243 If you use ';' instead, the whole argument is quoted as a single
244 string (while ',' splits on whitespace)::
244 string (while ',' splits on whitespace)::
245
245
246 In [2]: ,my_function a b c # becomes my_function("a","b","c")
246 In [2]: ,my_function a b c # becomes my_function("a","b","c")
247 In [3]: ;my_function a b c # becomes my_function("a b c")
247 In [3]: ;my_function a b c # becomes my_function("a b c")
248
248
249 Note that the ',' MUST be the first character on the line! This
249 Note that the ',' MUST be the first character on the line! This
250 won't work::
250 won't work::
251
251
252 In [4]: x = ,my_function /home/me # syntax error
252 In [4]: x = ,my_function /home/me # syntax error
253 """
253 """
254
254
255 interactive_usage_min = """\
255 interactive_usage_min = """\
256 An enhanced console for Python.
256 An enhanced console for Python.
257 Some of its features are:
257 Some of its features are:
258 - Readline support if the readline library is present.
258 - Readline support if the readline library is present.
259 - Tab completion in the local namespace.
259 - Tab completion in the local namespace.
260 - Logging of input, see command-line options.
260 - Logging of input, see command-line options.
261 - System shell escape via ! , eg !ls.
261 - System shell escape via ! , eg !ls.
262 - Magic commands, starting with a % (like %ls, %pwd, %cd, etc.)
262 - Magic commands, starting with a % (like %ls, %pwd, %cd, etc.)
263 - Keeps track of locally defined variables via %who, %whos.
263 - Keeps track of locally defined variables via %who, %whos.
264 - Show object information with a ? eg ?x or x? (use ?? for more info).
264 - Show object information with a ? eg ?x or x? (use ?? for more info).
265 """
265 """
266
266
267 quick_reference = r"""
267 quick_reference = r"""
268 IPython -- An enhanced Interactive Python - Quick Reference Card
268 IPython -- An enhanced Interactive Python - Quick Reference Card
269 ================================================================
269 ================================================================
270
270
271 obj?, obj?? : Get help, or more help for object (also works as
271 obj?, obj?? : Get help, or more help for object (also works as
272 ?obj, ??obj).
272 ?obj, ??obj).
273 ?foo.*abc* : List names in 'foo' containing 'abc' in them.
273 ?foo.*abc* : List names in 'foo' containing 'abc' in them.
274 %magic : Information about IPython's 'magic' % functions.
274 %magic : Information about IPython's 'magic' % functions.
275
275
276 Magic functions are prefixed by % or %%, and typically take their arguments
276 Magic functions are prefixed by % or %%, and typically take their arguments
277 without parentheses, quotes or even commas for convenience. Line magics take a
277 without parentheses, quotes or even commas for convenience. Line magics take a
278 single % and cell magics are prefixed with two %%.
278 single % and cell magics are prefixed with two %%.
279
279
280 Example magic function calls:
280 Example magic function calls:
281
281
282 %alias d ls -F : 'd' is now an alias for 'ls -F'
282 %alias d ls -F : 'd' is now an alias for 'ls -F'
283 alias d ls -F : Works if 'alias' not a python name
283 alias d ls -F : Works if 'alias' not a python name
284 alist = %alias : Get list of aliases to 'alist'
284 alist = %alias : Get list of aliases to 'alist'
285 cd /usr/share : Obvious. cd -<tab> to choose from visited dirs.
285 cd /usr/share : Obvious. cd -<tab> to choose from visited dirs.
286 %cd?? : See help AND source for magic %cd
286 %cd?? : See help AND source for magic %cd
287 %timeit x=10 : time the 'x=10' statement with high precision.
287 %timeit x=10 : time the 'x=10' statement with high precision.
288 %%timeit x=2**100
288 %%timeit x=2**100
289 x**100 : time 'x**100' with a setup of 'x=2**100'; setup code is not
289 x**100 : time 'x**100' with a setup of 'x=2**100'; setup code is not
290 counted. This is an example of a cell magic.
290 counted. This is an example of a cell magic.
291
291
292 System commands:
292 System commands:
293
293
294 !cp a.txt b/ : System command escape, calls os.system()
294 !cp a.txt b/ : System command escape, calls os.system()
295 cp a.txt b/ : after %rehashx, most system commands work without !
295 cp a.txt b/ : after %rehashx, most system commands work without !
296 cp ${f}.txt $bar : Variable expansion in magics and system commands
296 cp ${f}.txt $bar : Variable expansion in magics and system commands
297 files = !ls /usr : Capture sytem command output
297 files = !ls /usr : Capture sytem command output
298 files.s, files.l, files.n: "a b c", ['a','b','c'], 'a\nb\nc'
298 files.s, files.l, files.n: "a b c", ['a','b','c'], 'a\nb\nc'
299
299
300 History:
300 History:
301
301
302 _i, _ii, _iii : Previous, next previous, next next previous input
302 _i, _ii, _iii : Previous, next previous, next next previous input
303 _i4, _ih[2:5] : Input history line 4, lines 2-4
303 _i4, _ih[2:5] : Input history line 4, lines 2-4
304 exec _i81 : Execute input history line #81 again
304 exec _i81 : Execute input history line #81 again
305 %rep 81 : Edit input history line #81
305 %rep 81 : Edit input history line #81
306 _, __, ___ : previous, next previous, next next previous output
306 _, __, ___ : previous, next previous, next next previous output
307 _dh : Directory history
307 _dh : Directory history
308 _oh : Output history
308 _oh : Output history
309 %hist : Command history of current session.
309 %hist : Command history of current session.
310 %hist -g foo : Search command history of (almost) all sessions for 'foo'.
310 %hist -g foo : Search command history of (almost) all sessions for 'foo'.
311 %hist -g : Command history of (almost) all sessions.
311 %hist -g : Command history of (almost) all sessions.
312 %hist 1/2-8 : Command history containing lines 2-8 of session 1.
312 %hist 1/2-8 : Command history containing lines 2-8 of session 1.
313 %hist 1/ ~2/ : Command history of session 1 and 2 sessions before current.
313 %hist 1/ ~2/ : Command history of session 1 and 2 sessions before current.
314 %hist ~8/1-~6/5 : Command history from line 1 of 8 sessions ago to
314 %hist ~8/1-~6/5 : Command history from line 1 of 8 sessions ago to
315 line 5 of 6 sessions ago.
315 line 5 of 6 sessions ago.
316 %edit 0/ : Open editor to execute code with history of current session.
316 %edit 0/ : Open editor to execute code with history of current session.
317
317
318 Autocall:
318 Autocall:
319
319
320 f 1,2 : f(1,2) # Off by default, enable with %autocall magic.
320 f 1,2 : f(1,2) # Off by default, enable with %autocall magic.
321 /f 1,2 : f(1,2) (forced autoparen)
321 /f 1,2 : f(1,2) (forced autoparen)
322 ,f 1 2 : f("1","2")
322 ,f 1 2 : f("1","2")
323 ;f 1 2 : f("1 2")
323 ;f 1 2 : f("1 2")
324
324
325 Remember: TAB completion works in many contexts, not just file names
325 Remember: TAB completion works in many contexts, not just file names
326 or python names.
326 or python names.
327
327
328 The following magic functions are currently available:
328 The following magic functions are currently available:
329
329
330 """
330 """
331
331
332 gui_reference = """\
333 ===============================
334 The graphical IPython console
335 ===============================
336
337 This console is designed to emulate the look, feel and workflow of a terminal
338 environment, while adding a number of enhancements that are simply not possible
339 in a real terminal, such as inline syntax highlighting, true multiline editing,
340 inline graphics and much more.
341
342 This quick reference document contains the basic information you'll need to
343 know to make the most efficient use of it. For the various command line
344 options available at startup, type ``ipython qtconsole --help`` at the command line.
345
346
347 Multiline editing
348 =================
349
350 The graphical console is capable of true multiline editing, but it also tries
351 to behave intuitively like a terminal when possible. If you are used to
352 IPython's old terminal behavior, you should find the transition painless, and
353 once you learn a few basic keybindings it will be a much more efficient
354 environment.
355
356 For single expressions or indented blocks, the console behaves almost like the
357 terminal IPython: single expressions are immediately evaluated, and indented
358 blocks are evaluated once a single blank line is entered::
359
360 In [1]: print "Hello IPython!" # Enter was pressed at the end of the line
361 Hello IPython!
362
363 In [2]: for i in range(10):
364 ...: print i,
365 ...:
366 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
367
368 If you want to enter more than one expression in a single input block
369 (something not possible in the terminal), you can use ``Control-Enter`` at the
370 end of your first line instead of ``Enter``. At that point the console goes
371 into 'cell mode' and even if your inputs are not indented, it will continue
372 accepting arbitrarily many lines until either you enter an extra blank line or
373 you hit ``Shift-Enter`` (the key binding that forces execution). When a
374 multiline cell is entered, IPython analyzes it and executes its code producing
375 an ``Out[n]`` prompt only for the last expression in it, while the rest of the
376 cell is executed as if it was a script. An example should clarify this::
377
378 In [3]: x=1 # Hit C-Enter here
379 ...: y=2 # from now on, regular Enter is sufficient
380 ...: z=3
381 ...: x**2 # This does *not* produce an Out[] value
382 ...: x+y+z # Only the last expression does
383 ...:
384 Out[3]: 6
385
386 The behavior where an extra blank line forces execution is only active if you
387 are actually typing at the keyboard each line, and is meant to make it mimic
388 the IPython terminal behavior. If you paste a long chunk of input (for example
389 a long script copied form an editor or web browser), it can contain arbitrarily
390 many intermediate blank lines and they won't cause any problems. As always,
391 you can then make it execute by appending a blank line *at the end* or hitting
392 ``Shift-Enter`` anywhere within the cell.
393
394 With the up arrow key, you can retrieve previous blocks of input that contain
395 multiple lines. You can move inside of a multiline cell like you would in any
396 text editor. When you want it executed, the simplest thing to do is to hit the
397 force execution key, ``Shift-Enter`` (though you can also navigate to the end
398 and append a blank line by using ``Enter`` twice).
399
400 If you've edited a multiline cell and accidentally navigate out of it with the
401 up or down arrow keys, IPython will clear the cell and replace it with the
402 contents of the one above or below that you navigated to. If this was an
403 accident and you want to retrieve the cell you were editing, use the Undo
404 keybinding, ``Control-z``.
405
406
407 Key bindings
408 ============
409
410 The IPython console supports most of the basic Emacs line-oriented keybindings,
411 in addition to some of its own.
412
413 The keybinding prefixes mean:
414
415 - ``C``: Control
416 - ``S``: Shift
417 - ``M``: Meta (typically the Alt key)
418
419 The keybindings themselves are:
420
421 - ``Enter``: insert new line (may cause execution, see above).
422 - ``C-Enter``: *force* new line, *never* causes execution.
423 - ``S-Enter``: *force* execution regardless of where cursor is, no newline added.
424 - ``Up``: step backwards through the history.
425 - ``Down``: step forwards through the history.
426 - ``S-Up``: search backwards through the history (like ``C-r`` in bash).
427 - ``S-Down``: search forwards through the history.
428 - ``C-c``: copy highlighted text to clipboard (prompts are automatically stripped).
429 - ``C-S-c``: copy highlighted text to clipboard (prompts are not stripped).
430 - ``C-v``: paste text from clipboard.
431 - ``C-z``: undo (retrieves lost text if you move out of a cell with the arrows).
432 - ``C-S-z``: redo.
433 - ``C-o``: move to 'other' area, between pager and terminal.
434 - ``C-l``: clear terminal.
435 - ``C-a``: go to beginning of line.
436 - ``C-e``: go to end of line.
437 - ``C-u``: kill from cursor to the begining of the line.
438 - ``C-k``: kill from cursor to the end of the line.
439 - ``C-y``: yank (paste)
440 - ``C-p``: previous line (like up arrow)
441 - ``C-n``: next line (like down arrow)
442 - ``C-f``: forward (like right arrow)
443 - ``C-b``: back (like left arrow)
444 - ``C-d``: delete next character, or exits if input is empty
445 - ``M-<``: move to the beginning of the input region.
446 - ``M->``: move to the end of the input region.
447 - ``M-d``: delete next word.
448 - ``M-Backspace``: delete previous word.
449 - ``C-.``: force a kernel restart (a confirmation dialog appears).
450 - ``C-+``: increase font size.
451 - ``C--``: decrease font size.
452 - ``C-M-Space``: toggle full screen. (Command-Control-Space on Mac OS X)
453
454 The IPython pager
455 =================
456
457 IPython will show long blocks of text from many sources using a builtin pager.
458 You can control where this pager appears with the ``--paging`` command-line
459 flag:
460
461 - ``inside`` [default]: the pager is overlaid on top of the main terminal. You
462 must quit the pager to get back to the terminal (similar to how a pager such
463 as ``less`` or ``more`` works).
464
465 - ``vsplit``: the console is made double-tall, and the pager appears on the
466 bottom area when needed. You can view its contents while using the terminal.
467
468 - ``hsplit``: the console is made double-wide, and the pager appears on the
469 right area when needed. You can view its contents while using the terminal.
470
471 - ``none``: the console never pages output.
472
473 If you use the vertical or horizontal paging modes, you can navigate between
474 terminal and pager as follows:
475
476 - Tab key: goes from pager to terminal (but not the other way around).
477 - Control-o: goes from one to another always.
478 - Mouse: click on either.
479
480 In all cases, the ``q`` or ``Escape`` keys quit the pager (when used with the
481 focus on the pager area).
482
483 Running subprocesses
484 ====================
485
486 The graphical IPython console uses the ``pexpect`` module to run subprocesses
487 when you type ``!command``. This has a number of advantages (true asynchronous
488 output from subprocesses as well as very robust termination of rogue
489 subprocesses with ``Control-C``), as well as some limitations. The main
490 limitation is that you can *not* interact back with the subprocess, so anything
491 that invokes a pager or expects you to type input into it will block and hang
492 (you can kill it with ``Control-C``).
493
494 We have provided as magics ``%less`` to page files (aliased to ``%more``),
495 ``%clear`` to clear the terminal, and ``%man`` on Linux/OSX. These cover the
496 most common commands you'd want to call in your subshell and that would cause
497 problems if invoked via ``!cmd``, but you need to be aware of this limitation.
498
499 Display
500 =======
501
502 The IPython console can now display objects in a variety of formats, including
503 HTML, PNG and SVG. This is accomplished using the display functions in
504 ``IPython.core.display``::
505
506 In [4]: from IPython.core.display import display, display_html
507
508 In [5]: from IPython.core.display import display_png, display_svg
509
510 Python objects can simply be passed to these functions and the appropriate
511 representations will be displayed in the console as long as the objects know
512 how to compute those representations. The easiest way of teaching objects how
513 to format themselves in various representations is to define special methods
514 such as: ``_repr_html_``, ``_repr_svg_`` and ``_repr_png_``. IPython's display formatters
515 can also be given custom formatter functions for various types::
516
517 In [6]: ip = get_ipython()
518
519 In [7]: html_formatter = ip.display_formatter.formatters['text/html']
520
521 In [8]: html_formatter.for_type(Foo, foo_to_html)
522
523 For further details, see ``IPython.core.formatters``.
524
525 Inline matplotlib graphics
526 ==========================
527
528 The IPython console is capable of displaying matplotlib figures inline, in SVG
529 or PNG format. If started with the ``matplotlib=inline``, then all figures are
530 rendered inline automatically (PNG by default). If started with ``--matplotlib``
531 or ``matplotlib=<your backend>``, then a GUI backend will be used, but IPython's
532 ``display()`` and ``getfigs()`` functions can be used to view plots inline::
533
534 In [9]: display(*getfigs()) # display all figures inline
535
536 In[10]: display(*getfigs(1,2)) # display figures 1 and 2 inline
537 """
538
539
540 quick_guide = """\
332 quick_guide = """\
541 ? -> Introduction and overview of IPython's features.
333 ? -> Introduction and overview of IPython's features.
542 %quickref -> Quick reference.
334 %quickref -> Quick reference.
543 help -> Python's own help system.
335 help -> Python's own help system.
544 object? -> Details about 'object', use 'object??' for extra details.
336 object? -> Details about 'object', use 'object??' for extra details.
545 """
337 """
546
338
547 gui_note = """\
339 gui_note = """\
548 %guiref -> A brief reference about the graphical user interface.
340 %guiref -> A brief reference about the graphical user interface.
549 """
341 """
550
342
551 default_banner_parts = [
343 default_banner_parts = [
552 'Python %s\n' % (sys.version.split('\n')[0],),
344 'Python %s\n' % (sys.version.split('\n')[0],),
553 'Type "copyright", "credits" or "license" for more information.\n\n',
345 'Type "copyright", "credits" or "license" for more information.\n\n',
554 'IPython {version} -- An enhanced Interactive Python.\n'.format(
346 'IPython {version} -- An enhanced Interactive Python.\n'.format(
555 version=release.version,
347 version=release.version,
556 ),
348 ),
557 quick_guide
349 quick_guide
558 ]
350 ]
559
351
560 default_gui_banner_parts = default_banner_parts + [gui_note]
352 default_gui_banner_parts = default_banner_parts + [gui_note]
561
353
562 default_banner = ''.join(default_banner_parts)
354 default_banner = ''.join(default_banner_parts)
563
355
564 default_gui_banner = ''.join(default_gui_banner_parts)
356 default_gui_banner = ''.join(default_gui_banner_parts)
565
566 # page GUI Reference, for use as a magic:
567
568 def page_guiref(arg_s=None):
569 """Show a basic reference about the GUI Console."""
570 from IPython.core import page
571 page.page(gui_reference)
572
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