Getting Started
Now that I have settled on IronPython as my new language, I need to set up my environment and my choice for an integrated development environment (IDE) so that I can start playing learning. In this post, I will describe the assembly of IronPython tools that will make getting started with IronPython easier.
1. Download IronPython
To get started with IronPython we will need to download the language from the CodePlex site here. You will also have to download IronPython separately from other Microsoft products due to its open source licensing. I selected the MSI installer of IronPython 2.0 Beta 4 and hit yes a couple of times.
What was installed
Everything you need to develop IronPython application has now been installed onto your machine! I kid you not, but if you're like me and don't use csc.exe to build C# applications, then hang on and I will show you how to install Visual Studio with IronPython. But first, what goodies did we get for our hard work of installing?
IronPython Console ipy.exe
Ipy.exe is an interactive interpreter console application that allows you to play and perform simple tasks with IronPython. Don't let this simple application fool you; it is very powerful because it allows you to try things out before putting them into an IDE.
The Other Stuff
Along with the interpreter, you get a nice tutorial that includes exercises in building WPF and WinForms applications. Now from here, you can setup Visual Studio to debug IronPython scripts; but, there is a better way, just keep reading.
2. This Developer Needs an IDE
I have been using Visual Studio for many years and I am a little dependent on my IDE. I find the whole idea of developing in notepad and compiling from the command line so 1980's, don't you? For IronPython development, the good people at Clarius Consulting built IronPython Studio for our enjoyment. IronPython Studio is built on top of the Visual Studio Shell and is available free of charge from Microsoft.
Integrated or Isolated Shell
IronPython Studio can be installed on a computer with or without Visual Studio because it is only dependent on Microsoft Visual Studio Shell. The shell can be installed in two different modes. One is in isolated mode and the other is in integrated mode. Integrated mode requires a copy of Visual Studio standard addition or greater to integrate with. After you have installed the pre-requisite VS Shell, it's time to install the IronPython Studio.
3. Show me the IDE
Now it's time to install the IronPython Studio and get to work. The IDE can be found here. After the install, you are greeted with some IDE goodness.
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| All pictures courtesy of CodePlex |
End of the Assembly
Now that was not too bad, compared to our normal multi-hour Visual Studio Professional installs. Armed with a good IDE and the interactive interpreter, you are now ready to start writing some code in IronPython. Good luck and make Monty proud.
Links
Further Reading