Distinguishing Python version when using IDLE with ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS 10.x for Desktop architecture?

This is not exactly what you asked for, but a workaround could be to add both IDLE instances to your Send To context menu option.

  • open %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\SendTo
  • choose > New > Shortcut
  • specify the path and command for IDLE, eg C:\Python27\ArcGIS10.2\pythonw.exe "C:\Python27\ArcGIS10.2\Lib\idlelib\idle.pyw"
  • repeat for the other IDLE version

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Now when you right-click on a Python script you'll have to the option to Send To either IDLE version:

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That's all controlled from the registry.

You could open the registry and find HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\\Python.File\\shell\\Edit with Idle and re-name that folder to something like Edit with Idle 2.7

You could then add a new reg key (for example copy this into notepad and save as "Idle3.4.reg", then double click to install the reg key)

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Python.File\shell\Edit with IDLE 3.4\command]
@="\"C:\\Python34\\pythonw.exe\" \"C:\\Python34\\Lib\\idlelib\\idle.pyw\" -e \"%1\""

It goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway - don't play in your registry unless you're comfortable that you might break something and have trouble putting it back together again.


My configuration is now using ArcGIS 10.4.1 for Desktop and ArcGIS Pro 1.3.

It looks like the installs of those two architectures now takes better care because when I right-click on a *.py file I am offered the choice to Edit with IDLE or to Edit with IDLE (ArcGIS Pro).

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Edit with IDLE opens with Python 2.7.10:

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Edit with IDLE (ArcGIS Pro) opens with Python 3.4.4:

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