Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

ptpython VS NumPad

Compare ptpython VS NumPad and see what are their differences

ptpython logo ptpython

a better Python REPL

NumPad logo NumPad

A web-based text editor with a powerful built-in calculator
  • ptpython Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-11-02
  • NumPad Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-02-09

ptpython features and specs

  • Syntax Highlighting
    Ptpython provides syntax highlighting which makes the code easier to read and write, helping users to identify elements such as keywords, strings, and variables quickly.
  • Autocompletion
    The tool offers powerful autocompletion, allowing for faster code writing by suggesting variable names, functions, and methods as you type.
  • Vi and Emacs Keybindings
    Support for both Vi and Emacs keybindings means users can navigate and edit code using their preferred text-editing shortcuts, enhancing productivity and comfort.
  • Embeddable
    Ptpython can be embedded in other applications, providing a flexible option to integrate an interactive shell within custom projects.
  • Customizable Configuration
    Users can customize various options in ptpython using a Python file, allowing for a highly personalized interactive environment.

Possible disadvantages of ptpython

  • Dependency on prompt-toolkit
    Ptpython requires the installation of the prompt-toolkit library, adding a dependency that needs to be managed within your environment.
  • Steeper Learning Curve
    For those unfamiliar with interactive Python shells or text-editor keybindings, ptpython might present a steeper learning curve compared to simpler alternatives like the default Python REPL.
  • Resource Consumption
    The advanced features of ptpython, such as real-time syntax highlighting and auto-completion, may consume more system resources compared to the standard Python shell.
  • Limited Library Support
    While ptpython itself is well-supported, users might encounter compatibility issues or lack of support with other third-party libraries or extensions they wish to use.
  • Potential for Overhead
    For simple tasks or quick tests, the additional features of ptpython may introduce unnecessary overhead compared to using a basic Python shell.

NumPad features and specs

  • Enhanced Productivity
    NumPad offers customizable shortcut keys that can speed up data entry and enhance productivity for users who frequently input numerical data.
  • Ergonomic Design
    The design of NumPad is likely ergonomic, catering to comfort during prolonged use and reducing strain on hands and wrists.
  • Wide Compatibility
    NumPad is compatible with various devices and operating systems, making it versatile for different users across multiple platforms.
  • Portability
    Being a standalone device, NumPad is portable and can easily be used with laptops and devices lacking a built-in numeric keypad.

Possible disadvantages of NumPad

  • Additional Cost
    Purchasing a NumPad can be an additional expense, especially for users who already have a keyboard with a built-in numeric keypad.
  • Requires USB/Bluetooth Connection
    Using NumPad requires an available USB port or Bluetooth connection, which might be limited on some devices, especially laptops.
  • Learning Curve
    Customization features might introduce a learning curve for some users, requiring time to set up and adapt to the new functionalities.
  • Potential Compatibility Issues
    Although designed for wide compatibility, some users might experience compatibility issues with less common devices or software.

ptpython videos

A BETTER PYTHON REPL (READ EVAL PRINT LOOP) - PTPYTHON

NumPad videos

Glorious Numpad Review | Is The Most Expensive Numpad Good Value?

More videos:

  • Review - Why would you buy JUST a numpad?
  • Review - Buy this numpad!!

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to ptpython and NumPad)
Python IDE
100 100%
0% 0
Productivity
0 0%
100% 100
Text Editors
67 67%
33% 33
Calculators
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, ptpython should be more popular than NumPad. It has been mentiond 11 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

ptpython mentions (11)

  • Why Lisp?
    If you like using the REPL, for Python I recommend you try https://github.com/prompt-toolkit/ptpython. - Source: Hacker News / about 3 years ago
  • Tools for productivity
    REPL??? Do you have a very-easy-to-use way of running and testing your code? From vim-slime to nvim sniprun to autocommands with the built in terminal, to an external repl like ptpython (for python obviously). iron.nvim and conjure are two other neovim repl plugins. There are many ways of running the code that you're working on, and having something that makes this really easy for you is pretty essential.... Source: over 3 years ago
  • Is there a vim mode for zsh ?
    I use ptpython for my python repl https://github.com/prompt-toolkit/ptpython. I find it very convenient because it has a vim mode, and many vim similarities. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Is there a way to make the Python IDLE auto-close brackets and quotations?
    A library like ptpython should be what you're looking for, however this probably isn't an option for an exam setting. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Where do I go after learning lua?
    Create a repl to the standard that ptpython sets for python (both croissant and ilua leave a lot to be desired). Source: over 3 years ago
View more

NumPad mentions (6)

  • Ask HN: What Are You Working On? (June 2025)
    Numpad: https://numpad.io/ It's a web-based notepad calculator, which means it's a notes app but it can evaluate inline calculations like ```. - Source: Hacker News / about 1 year ago
  • Ask HN: What are you working on? (April 2025)
    I launched my web-based notepad calculator, https://numpad.io/, a few years ago. Right now I'm working on a version 2 that has user accounts, multiple documents, markdown support, and document exports. Everything is local-first and it uses CRDTs to sync documents. It looks like this: https://i.imgur.com/Plk1DQ4.png the calculator is mostly the same for now, with a few improvements. It's unstable right now, so I... - Source: Hacker News / about 1 year ago
  • Show HN: Heynote โ€“ A Dedicated Scratchpad for Developers
    This is awesome! I currently use numpad[0] for this, but would much prefer a local app. I would love to switch but the only thing holding me back is lack of Vim support. Are there any plans to add Vim keymap in the future? 0: https://numpad.io/. - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
  • Show HN: Heynote โ€“ A Dedicated Scratchpad for Developers
    This looks fantastic. I will definitely give it a spin. I've been tracking what I call "computational scratchpad" apps for a while now but haven't found one that fits my environment/workflow yet. Maybe Heynote will. Here are some others that I've looked at: * https://soulver.app Granddad of them all, Mac-only, proprietary, expensive * https://numi.app Mac-only, proprietary, semi-expensive. Has a Github and claims... - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
  • Ask HN: What side projects landed you a job?
    My side project NumPad https://numpad.io got me my current job at Decipad https://www.decipad.com/ (the similar naming scheme is a coincidence!). I came across Decipad while looking for a job, and messaged the founder, highlighting my work on NumPad. They were impressed enough that the hiring process ended up being just a few interviews, I've been there for almost a year now, and it's been pretty good! If there's... - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing ptpython and NumPad, you can also consider the following products

iPython - iPython provides a rich toolkit to help you make the most out of using Python interactively.

Numbr - An elegant calculator for the web

Jupyter - Project Jupyter exists to develop open-source software, open-standards, and services for interactive computing across dozens of programming languages. Ready to get started? Try it in your browser Install the Notebook.

Soulver - Soulver is a software application that functions as a calculator that allows you type a continuous stream of information rather than having to input data into multiple cells.

bpython - bpython is a fancy interface to the Python interpreter for Unix-like operating systems (I hear it...

Numi App - Numi is a beautiful text calculator for Mac.