This is a minimalist guide for getting started quickly with Wing IDE. For a more in-depth introduction, try the Tutorial.

Install Python

If you don't already have it on your system, install Python. You may need to restart Wing after doing so.

Configure Python

Wing finds the latest installed Python and uses that with your code. If you want to change which Python is used, use Configure Python in the Edit menu.

Configuring the UI

You are now ready to start working with code, but may want to make a few configuration changes first:

Key Bindings - Wing can emulate VI/Vim, Visual Studio, Emacs, Eclipse, and Brief editors, selected with the User Interface > Keyboard > Personality preference.

Tab Key - The default tab key action depends on file type, context, and whether or not there is a selection. This can be changed from the User Interface > Keyboard > Tab Key Action preference.

There are many other options in Preferences.

Debugging Code

Wing's debugger is a powerful tool for finding and fixing bugs, understanding unfamiliar code, and writing new code interactively.

Breakpoints can be set by clicking on the breakpoint margin of the editor and debugging is started from the toolbar or Debug menu. The Stack Data tool is used to inspect or change program data. Debug process I/O is shown in the Debug I/O tool, or optionally in an external console.

Other Features

Wing contains many other features, including:

Python Shell -- Wing's Python Shell lets you try out code in a sandbox process kept isolated from Wing IDE and your debug process.

User Interface Customization in Preferences gives you control of the overall layout and color of the IDE, among many other options. Right click on the tabs for layout options, or drag tool and editor tabs to move them or create new splits. Right click on the toolbar to configure which tools are visible or to add your own. Wing also supports defining sharable color palettes and syntax colors.