How can I get Emacs key bindings in Python IDLE?

Question

I use Emacs primarily for Python coding, but sometimes I use IDLE. Is there a way to easily change key bindings in IDLE to match Emacs?

Answer 1

IDLE provides Emacs commands without installing any other software.

• Open the menu item Options → Configure IDLE ...
• Go to the Keys tab.
• In the drop-down menu on the right side of the dialog, change the selection to "IDLE Classic Unix"

These are not true emacs key bindings, but you get the basics like moving, saving / opening, ...

Answer 2

There is a Windows program called XKeymacs that allows you to specify emacs keyboard shortcuts for different programs. It should work with IDLE.

http://www.cam.hi-ho.ne.jp/oishi/indexen.html

-Mark

Answer 3

The 'readline' module supposedly provides Emacs, like key bindings and even functionality. However, it is not available on Windows, but on Unix. Therefore, this can be a viable solution if you are not using Windows.

import readline 

Since I run IDLE on Windows, this is unfortunately not an option for me.