Of course! Using Python with Sublime Text is a very popular and powerful combination. It's a lightweight, fast, and highly customizable code editor that's excellent for Python development.

Here’s a comprehensive guide covering everything from setup to advanced tips.

Why Use Sublime Text for Python?

• Speed: Sublime Text is incredibly fast, even with large files and projects.
• Lightweight: It's less resource-intensive than full IDEs like PyCharm or VS Code, making it great for older machines or quick edits.
• Customization: Nearly everything can be customized—from keybindings and menus to syntax highlighting and behavior—using simple JSON and Python scripts.
• Goto Anything: The Ctrl+P (or Cmd+P on Mac) command is legendary. It lets you instantly open any file in your project by typing its name.
• Multiple Cursors & Selections: Easily edit multiple lines of code at once, a huge time-saver.
• Powerful Package Ecosystem: A rich set of community-built packages (plugins) extends its functionality to rival full IDEs.

Installation and Setup

Step 1: Install Sublime Text

• Go to the official Sublime Text website.
• Download and install the version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).

Step 2: Install the Python Package

The "Python Package" is a plugin that provides language features like linting, code formatting, and auto-completion.

1. Open the Command Palette: Press Ctrl+Shift+P (or Cmd+Shift+P on Mac).
2. Type Install Package and select it.
3. Wait for the package list to load (it might take a moment the first time).
4. Type Python and select the one by Sublime HQ Pty Ltd. This is the official and most recommended package.

Step 3: Install a Linter (Highly Recommended)

A linter analyzes your code for potential errors, style issues, and bugs. The most popular linter for Python is Flake8.

1. Install the Linter package via the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P -> Install Package -> Linter).
2. Install Flake8 using pip (Python's package installer). Open your system's terminal or command prompt and run:

   pip install flake8

3. Configure Sublime Text to use Flake8:
   • Go to Preferences > Settings (or use the shortcut Ctrl+,).
   • In the user settings file (the one on the right), add or modify the following line:

     {
     "linters": {
         "flake8": {
             "executable": "flake8",
             "args": ["--max-line-length=88"]
         }
     }
     }

   • Now, when you save a Python file (Ctrl+S), Sublime Text will automatically run Flake8 and show you any issues in the status bar and with red squiggly lines in the code.

Essential Packages for Python Development

The real power of Sublime Text comes from its packages. Here are the must-haves for a great Python experience.

Running Python Code

There are two main ways to run your Python scripts.

Method 1: Using the Build System (Recommended)

Sublime Text has a built-in build system for Python.

1. Save your file with a .py extension (e.g., hello.py).
2. Write your code:

   print("Hello from Sublime Text!")
   name = "Developer"
   print(f"Hello, {name}!")

3. Run it by pressing Ctrl+B (or Cmd+B on Mac).

The output will appear in a new "output" panel at the bottom of the screen.

Troubleshooting: If you get an error like python: command not found, Sublime Text can't find your Python interpreter. You can fix this by telling it the path.

• Go to Tools > Build System > New Build System...
• A new file will open. Replace the contents with this:

  {
      "cmd": ["C:/Python39/python.exe", "-u", "$file"],
      "file_regex": "^[ ]*File \"(...*?)\", line ([0-9]*)",
      "selector": "source.python"
  }

  • Important: Change "C:/Python39/python.exe" to the actual path of your Python executable. On Windows, it might be C:\Users\YourUser\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python39\python.exe. On Mac/Linux, it's often /usr/bin/python3 or /usr/bin/python.
• Save the file as Python.sublime-build in the default location.
• Now, go to Tools > Build System and select your new Python build system.

Method 2: Using SublimeREPL

1. Install the SublimeREPL package.
2. Open your Python file.
3. Open the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P).
4. Type SublimeREPL: Python - RUN current file and press Enter.
5. A new interactive terminal will open at the bottom of the screen, and your script will run in it.

Useful Tips and Tricks

• Go to Definition: With the Anaconda package installed, Ctrl+Click (or Cmd+Click) on a function or variable to jump to its definition.
• Multiple Cursors: Hold Ctrl and click to place multiple cursors. Or, select a word with Ctrl+D, then continue pressing Ctrl+D to select the next occurrence.
• Column Selection: Hold Shift+Alt and drag your mouse to select a vertical block of text.
• Command Palette is Your Best Friend: Almost every action can be accessed via Ctrl+Shift+P. Don't try to memorize all the menus.
• Snippets: Create your own code snippets for things you type often (like for loops, if __name__ == "__main__":, etc.). Go to Tools > Developer > New Snippet... to get started.
• Customize Theme and Color Scheme: Go to Preferences > Color Scheme or Preferences > Theme to change the look and feel. There are thousands available via Package Control.

Sublime Text vs. VS Code

This is a common comparison. Here's a quick breakdown to help you choose.

Conclusion:

• Choose Sublime Text if: You prioritize raw speed, a minimal interface, and love to tinker and customize your tools from the ground up. It's a "programmer's editor" in the purest sense.
• Choose VS Code if: You want a more "out-of-the-box" experience with excellent built-in features like a debugger, integrated terminal, and a massive extension library with easy-to-use graphical configuration.