What do you really get out of a Java or Python REPL?
If it’s the simple kind like python in bash, it’s really primitive compared to an IDE where you can inspect things. Why doesn’t a simple project suffice?
> What do you really get out of a Java or Python REPL?
For my part, a REPL helps me think about what I'm doing. There's a design process prior to writing code--sketch things out on paper, do a mind map, assemble pieces, get a general architecture. In the thick of coding, though, it's nice to be able to try out an idea or two in real time, test as you go, and feel out how the code is taking shape.
REPLs are really an invaluable tool for thinking about code in real time. For some people that may not be helpful or necessary, but it's expedient for me.
REPL-driven development is quite common in the LISP communities, and one of the main reasons I love Clojure. Stuart Halloway did a talk on this topic: https://vimeo.com/223309989
For my part, a REPL helps me think about what I'm doing. There's a design process prior to writing code--sketch things out on paper, do a mind map, assemble pieces, get a general architecture. In the thick of coding, though, it's nice to be able to try out an idea or two in real time, test as you go, and feel out how the code is taking shape.
REPLs are really an invaluable tool for thinking about code in real time. For some people that may not be helpful or necessary, but it's expedient for me.