IPython is known for the notebooks. But the first thing they list on their homepage is a “powerful interactive shell”. And that’s true - if you use Python interactively, you’ll dig IPython.
Here are a few features that made a difference for us:
command line history and autocomplete
These are basic shell features you come to expect and rely upon after a first contact with a Unix shell. The standard Python interpreter, without them, feels somewhat impoverished.
%pasteNormally when you paste indented code, it won’t work. You can fix it with this magic command.
looks good
Red and green add a nice touch, especially in a window with dark background.
Share your favourite features in the comments.