IDLE3 as default for py files on Ubuntu

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Yes – I know, there are better alternatives to IDLE out there, but I am used to it for quick and dirty changes to python files (I use eclipse + pydev for more serious work). And I am increasingly making the switch to Python 3. So when I double click on a py file, odds are I want to open it with IDLE for Python 3 not Python 2.

Start by making sure you have a desktop file like the following:

gksudo gedit /usr/share/applications/idle-python3.4.desktop

[Desktop Entry]
Name=IDLE (using Python-3.4)
Comment=Integrated Development Environment for Python (using Python-3.4)
Exec=/usr/bin/idle-python3.4
Icon=/usr/share/pixmaps/python3.4.xpm
Terminal=false
Type=Application
Categories=Application;Development;
StartupNotify=true
Then make the desktop entry the default for python files:

gedit ~/.local/share/application/mimeapps.list

[Default Applications]
text/w-python=idle-python3.4.desktop

Note – no trailing semi-colon.

And in Linux Mint:

Linux Mint:

ls /usr/share/applications/

identify appropriate .desktop file

gedit /usr/share/applications/defaults.list

add the appropriate .desktop file reference at the front of the python line as appropriate.