pdScript IDE Lite vs Full IDE: Which One Fits Your Workflow?

Getting Started with pdScript IDE Lite: A Beginner’s GuidepdScript IDE Lite is a compact, beginner-friendly environment for writing, testing, and debugging pdScript — a scripting language designed for automating workflows and building simple applications. This guide walks you through installation, first project setup, basic editing and debugging features, useful extensions, and best practices to help you become productive quickly.

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What is pdScript IDE Lite?

pdScript IDE Lite is a stripped-down version of the full pdScript IDE focused on speed and simplicity. It provides essential tools — a code editor, project navigator, a lightweight debugger, and integrated terminal — without the extra complexity of enterprise features. It’s ideal for learners, hobbyists, and developers who prefer a minimal setup.

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System requirements and installation

1. Check system compatibility:

   • Supported OS: Windows 10+, macOS 10.14+, Linux (modern distributions).
   • Minimum RAM: 2 GB (4 GB recommended).
   • Disk: ~200 MB for the application and additional space for projects.

2. Download:

   • Get the installer or archive for your OS from the official pdScript site or trusted distribution channels.

3. Install:

   • Windows: run the installer and follow prompts.
   • macOS: open the DMG, drag the app to Applications.
   • Linux: extract the tarball or use your package manager if available; ensure the binary is executable.

4. First launch:

   • On first run, the IDE may ask to configure your workspace directory and code formatter preferences. Accept defaults or pick your preferred folders.

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Creating your first project

1. Open pdScript IDE Lite.
2. Choose File → New Project → pdScript Project.
3. Name your project (e.g., “hello-pdscript”) and select a workspace folder.
4. The IDE creates a basic project skeleton: a main script (main.pd), a config file (pdconfig.json), and a README.

Example main.pd content (auto-generated):

// main.pd print("Hello, pdScript!") 

1. Save and confirm the project appears in the Explorer panel.

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Editor basics

• Syntax highlighting: pdScript keywords, strings, and comments are colorized.
• Autocomplete: suggestions for functions, variables, and standard library items appear as you type.
• Code snippets: type a snippet trigger (e.g., fn) and press Tab to expand common constructs such as functions and loops.
• Multi-cursor and selection: use Ctrl/Cmd + click to add cursors, Shift + Alt + arrows for column selection.

Keyboard shortcuts (common):

• Save: Ctrl/Cmd + S
• Open file: Ctrl/Cmd + O
• Find: Ctrl/Cmd + F
• Toggle terminal: Ctrl/Cmd + `

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Running and debugging

1. Run:

   • Use the Run button or press F5 to execute the current script in the integrated terminal.
   • Output and runtime errors appear in the terminal with line references.

2. Debug:

   • Set breakpoints by clicking the gutter next to line numbers.
   • Start the debugger (Run → Start Debugging or F5).
   • Use Step Over (F10), Step Into (F11), and Continue (F5).
   • Inspect variables in the Debug panel; hover over variables to see their values inline.

3. Logging:

   • Use print() for simple output; configure log verbosity in pdconfig.json.

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Project configuration and packages

• pdconfig.json: central place for project settings such as runtime options, include paths, and linter rules.
• Packages: pdScript has a package manager (pdpm). Use the integrated terminal to install packages:

  
  pdpm install neat-io 

• Import packages in your scripts:

  
  import neat_io 

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Useful extensions and integrations

Though Lite is minimal, it supports a few lightweight plugins:

• Formatter: enforces code style on save.
• Linter: highlights syntax and simple semantic issues.
• Git integration: basic commit, push, pull operations from the Source Control panel.

Install or enable extensions from the Extensions view.

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Common beginner tasks — examples

1. Read a file and print contents:

   file = open("notes.txt", "r") text = file.read() file.close() print(text) 

2. Simple HTTP request (with a package): “`pdscript import http_client

resp = http_client.get(”https://api.example.com/data”) print(resp.body)

3. Loop and conditional: ```pdscript for i in range(5):     if i % 2 == 0:         print(i, "is even")     else:         print(i, "is odd") 

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Best practices

• Keep functions small and focused.
• Use the built-in formatter to maintain consistent style.
• Add comments and update README with project-specific instructions.
• Use version control (Git) early — commit often with clear messages.
• Write small tests for critical logic and run them before major changes.

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Troubleshooting tips

• If the IDE won’t start: check permissions and ensure the binary is executable (Linux/macOS).
• Missing packages: run pdpm install from the project root.
• Debugger won’t attach: confirm the script was started in debug mode and no other process is using the debug port.

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Where to go next

• Explore the full pdScript IDE when you need advanced profiling, GUI builders, or team collaboration features.
• Read the pdScript language reference and standard library docs for deeper understanding.
• Join community forums or chat channels to ask questions and share examples.

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pdScript IDE Lite gives you the essentials to write, run, and debug pdScript quickly. Start with small projects, learn the shortcuts, and gradually incorporate linters, formatters, and version control for a smooth workflow.