Use VIM to step debug python like Eclipse and PyDev

Question

Is there a way to use vim to debug python programs and have it look/act somewhat like Eclipse with the PyDev plugin?

What I mean by that is:

• have it be able to step debug (is that the right term?)
• see the state all of all variables as the program executes
• be able to see where in the program the debug process is - maybe line highlighting?

I'm aware that Eclipse is a full featured IDE while VIM is a lightweight generic text editor (and that each comes with its own set of features) but I like being able to work in a console because I have a Windows 7 machine and typically use an Ubuntu Virtualbox to learn and work in python.

I have done some research and found the following things, but none of them seem to do all of what I want to above:

1. in a python program say import pdb then set a breakpoint in the code. This was line by line and didn't let me see the state of variables
2. gdb and Clewn. I couldn't get this setup, so if this is my answer just let me know and I'll dig deeper

If I misread the docs on either of the above also let me know and I'll dig back in.

Thanks!

Answer 1

pyclewn is a variation of clewn, which was suggested by user sehe.

From the webpage:

Pyclewn allows using vim as a front end to a debugger. Pyclewn currently supports gdb and pdb.

Answer 2

My vote is for clewn, allthough I admit I haven't used it for python code. Just C, C++ code, but yes it worked like a charm.

If I remember correctly I even got this working, to a degree, on AIX 5.3 with dbx.