The Jupyter console, formerly known as IPython, is an enhanced Python interpreter. From our earlier missions, you may recall that by typingpython
on the command line, you get access to an interactive shell that lets you write and execute Python code. Jupyter console enhances this shell, and adds several niceties that make working with data easier.
Generally, it's useful to use the shell in situations where you need to quickly test some code you're writing. This happens frequently when you're writing data analysis scripts. It can also be used to quickly explore datasets and do basic analysis. Another use case is prototyping code before later saving it to a script file.
The main difference between Jupyter console and Jupyter notebook is that the console functions in interactive mode. Whenever you type a line of code, it is immediately executed, and you can see the results. If you want to write medium-length pieces of code or do deep exploration of a dataset, the notebook is better. If you want to test out code you're writing, or run quick commands, the console is better.
The Jupyter project is in the midst of rebranding from IPython to Jupyter. Depending on the version of Jupyter you have installed, you can access the console by typing either jupyter console
or ipython
at the command line.
Instructions
- Open the Jupyter console by typing
ipython
. - Once you access it, you can run Python commands. Type
print(10)
to see what happens. - Exit Jupyter console by typing
exit
/home/dq$ ipython
Python 3.4.3 (default, Oct 14 2015, 20:28:29)
Type "copyright", "credits" or "license" for more information.
IPython 4.2.0 -- An enhanced Interactive Python.
? -> Introduction and overview of IPython's features.
%quickref -> Quick reference.
help -> Python's own help system.
object? -> Details about 'object', use 'object??' for extra details.
In [1]: print(10)
10
In [2]: exit
/home/dq$