Python editor IntelliSense and script checking

IntelliSense provides an array of options that make language references easily accessible. When coding, you do not need to leave the code editor to perform searches on language elements. You can keep your context, find the information you need, insert language elements directly into your code, and even have IntelliSense complete your typing for you.

The implementation of IntelliSense for Python supports the following features:

• Declarative Language features supported: syntax highlighting, snippet completion, bracket matching, bracket auto closing, bracket auto surrounding, comment toggling, auto indentation, and folding (by markers).

• Programmatic Language features:

  • Supported: hover information, auto completion, error checking, and formatting (change tabs to four spaces).

  • Not supported: jump to definition, refactoring, and folding.

Code Completion

The Python worksheet code completion works for any module that is already available in the Python distribution (Python Standard Library) and for manually installed packages. You can navigate the menu and use Enter or Tab to complete the element.

Examples:

• Functions, classes, and variables in the Python distribution:

  

• Functions, classes, and variables in a module that has been imported into the worksheet. In this example, import math appears before this math module code completion:

  

• Functions, classes, and variables with global scope:

  

• HMI module functions:

  

HMI Function Quick Info

The Quick Info option displays tooltips with the information about the functions from the Built-in Scripting Language. The information includes the parameters supported by this function:

Script Checking

As you type, you will see red and yellow underlining that will often disappear after the line has been typed correctly. You can hover the mouse over the underlined text to see error information:

You can also right click underlined text to open a context menu (see next section). Selecting Check Script on the menu, will open a dialog with more information on the error:

Format Document

You can write your Python code in an external text editor and copy it into any of the Python interfaces (worksheets). If you do this, right-click anywhere in the Python script (Global or Task Python scripting worksheets) and select Format Document on the context menu. This will convert Tab characters to four spaces.