How do you install Pythonwin IDE?

[DarrellAitken]

I installed ArcGIS 10 via download from the internet. How do I get Pythonwin IDE installed without the media? I see there is a pythonwin.exe file but does not execute.

[Vinay_kumarkurakarla]

I see Python already installed in ArcMap 10.0 under Geoprocessing...do we need to install PythonWin also ? If so, what is the use ?

[curtvprice]

Vinay,

PythonWin is not required.

PythonWin provides another interactive development environment (IDE) that is much better than the IDLE that comes with every python distribution. IDLE is fine for getting started but if you are getting more serious with Python scripting you may want to get an IDE. Personally I use (and love) WingIDE ($) but many people swear by PythonWin, and PyScripter which is open-source.

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Besides the IDE,  PythonWin includes modules that let you access OLE/COM objects from Python -- for example if you wanted to control Microsoft Office programs from Python, PythonWin is very useful! See the docs on PythonWin online for more details.