How to Configure Eclipse for Python

Eclipse is primarily known as an integrated development environment (IDE) for Java, but it can also be configured to support Python development through the use of plugins. Here are the general steps to configure Eclipse for Python development:

  1. Install Eclipse:

    1. If you haven't already, download and install Eclipse from the official website.
  2. Launch Eclipse

    1. Open Eclipse. You'll see a workspace selection dialog. Choose or create a workspace for your Python projects, then click "Launch."

    2. You should now see the welcome screen

  1. Download PyDev from within Eclipse
  1. In Eclipse, go to Help → Install New Software.

  2. In the "Work with" field, enter "pydev.org/updates" and press Enter.

  3. After several seconds, two options should appear. Select the PyDev for Eclipse option. Do not select the "PyDev Mylyn Integration" flag.(For me only 1 option appear)

  4. Click "Next" and then "Finish." Accept the terms of the license agreement

  5. Note: When you see the Selection Needed dialog box, you must manually check the box before pressing okay. If you do not, it appears that the installation is continuing, but it is not. You must uninstall PyDev, and then reinstall.

  6. A security warning may appear asking whether you trust the software being installed- click "ok", then ensure the correct items are selected and click yes. The installation process will continue.

  7. When the installation is complete, you will be asked if you want to restart Eclipse. Select "Yes". You may see a Subclipse Usage dialog, just uncheck the box and continue.

    1. Configure PyDev

      1. Python must be installed to configure PyDev.

      2. Go to Window → Preferences. In the Preferences window, expand PyDev and select Interpreter-Python

      3. Click "New..." and select "Browse for Python" then the "Select Interpreter" window will appear click on the Browse button and browse to your copy of Python (C:\ProgramFiles\Python32\python.exe), and press Open.

      4. Type Python32 for the Interpreter name.(I have already configured the interpreter hence getting the error)

      5. Click on the Apply button and the Selection Needed Window will appear.

      6. Select all but the PySrc and python32.zip and click OK as many times as necessary to exit the preferences. The default selection should be fine.

      7. The Interpreter is now set up so that the code you write can be interpreted for the computer to run. You are now ready to start running the code.