ipython-cells

IPython extension for executing cells Jupyter-style in .py files. Supports Jupyter and Spyder cell syntax.

Brings the advantages of linear, selective-execution during development to IPython without the bloat of Jupyter.

Example

We can execute the invidual cells in a .py file just like a Jupyter notebook.

example.py

# %% cell1
a = 10
print(a)

# %% cell2
a += 1
print(a)

In IPython:

# load the extension and a .py file
%load_ext ipython_cells
%load_file example.py

# run some cells
%cell_run cell1
10
%cell_run cell2
11

# list available cells for running
%list_cells
['__first', 'cell1', 'cell2']

Installation

pip install ipython-cells

Optionally, automatically load ipython-cells when IPython starts

~/.ipython/profile_default/ipython_config.py

c.InteractiveShellApp.extensions = [
    'ipython_cells'
]

Execute a range of cells

%load_file example.py

# run all cells from beginning of file to cell2 (inclusive)
%cell_run ^cell2
10
11

# run all cells from cell1 (inclusive) to end of file
%cell_run cell1$
12
13

Autoreloading

# load example.py with autoreloading
%load_file example.py --autoreload

%cell_run cell1
10
# example.py is modified by an external editor (e.g. `a = 10`  ->  `a = 20`)
# File change is detected and automatically reloaded
%cell_run cell1
20

Cell Delimiter Syntax

Cells are delimited by special comments. Both Jupyter and Spyder style cells are supported.

Examples

• # %% foobar_cell
• # In[foobar_cell]
• # %% foobar_cell some extra text
• # In[foobar_cell] some extra text