syntax highlighting in ipython console

Question

I am using ipython both in qtconsole and in the terminal

In ipython-qtconsole, when I type import pandas as pd the

Answer 1

Yes, if you use IPython 5.0 or above, It makes uses of Python Prompt Toolkit which does highlight code as you type, as well as support real, and sane multi-line edition.

To upgrade use :

pip install  ipython --upgrade

This is based on the work of Jonathan Slenders on ptpython:

python -m pip install ptpython

which provide 2 commands: ptpython and ptipython which should syntax highlight in your terminal. ptipython is a proof of concept so will likely miss some functionality of IPython, but push the interface a bit further.

Note that jupyter-console, which can connect to IPython as a kernel will also make use of prompt toolkit and highlight code as you type.