Python REPL Guide

Beginner Satellite

Python REPL

The Read-Eval-Print Loop (REPL) is your scratchpad. Learn hotkeys, helper functions, and productivity tips.

Launch the shellUse built-ins

Launch

python
# or
python -i script.py  # run script then stay in REPL

Use exit() or Ctrl+D (Ctrl+Z on Windows) to leave.

Useful helpers

Helper	Description
help(obj)	Opens documentation on any object
dir(obj)	Lists attributes/methods
_	Stores last returned value
import this	Zen of Python

Productivity tips

Python 3.13+ ships a new interactive shell with multiline editing, colored prompts, and better completion out of the box — the readline advice below applies mainly to older versions.

• Enable tab completion by installing readline (pip install gnureadline on macOS).
• Use IPython for richer history, magics, and syntax highlighting.
• Recall previous commands with arrow keys or Ctrl+R.

Next up in your learning path

Automate scripts

Move from REPL to full files.

Companion

Inspect how Python works

Understand what the REPL is doing under the hood.

Concept

Use debuggers

Pair REPL knowledge with `pdb` and IDE debuggers.

Next tool