Using the Python shell in Vi mode on Windows

Question

I know that you can use the Python shell in Vi mode on Unix-like operating systems. For example, I have this line in my ~/.inputrc:

set editing-mode vi

This lets me use Vi-style editing inside the Python shell.

But can this be made to work when using Python on a Windows XP box? I'm using the pre-built Python for Windows downloaded directly from python.org.

I'm guessing that the Windows version does not use the GNU Readline library, but I'd be happy to be proven wrong. :)

Answer 1

Install PyReadline

Setup your pyreadlineconfig.ini and PYTHONSTARTUPFILE files as per the PyReadline instructions.

Then add the following to your pyreadlineconfig.ini file:

set_mode("vi")
history_filename("~/.pythonhistory")
history_length(200)

The history settings must be after the mode setting.

Commands such as ESC K to jump to the previous command now work.

Answer 2

cygwin can give you many Unix-y advantages on your "Windows XP box" (using its own Python build, among other things -- avoiding some of the Windows-only limitations of the "standard Windows builds") -- try it out!

Answer 3

Answering my own question, it looks like you can use the PyReadline library in conjunction with IPython to get most of the Vi functionality I miss on Linux. I still haven't figured out how I can hit ESC and then k to scroll through the previous command history.