[FIXED] What is the difference between xeus-python and ipython?

Issue

JupyterLab 3.0 comes with a full-fledged visual debugger. But using it is only posssible if you're running a xeus-python kernel. Other sources report that there are a few differences between xeus-python and ipython, but that the list of features that differ between the two is shrinking. So that's not really what I'm asking for here. Rather, what is it that distinguishes xeus-python from ipython that makes it suitable for a visual debugger as the one featured by JupyterLab 3.0?

Solution

Rather, what is it that distinguishes xeus-python from ipython that makes it suitable for a visual debugger as the one featured by JupyterLab 3.0?

It's nothing particularly deep or interesting. Jupyter defines a debugger protocol that's a straightforward wrapper around the Debug Adapter Protocol. Kernels have to support this protocol to be usable with the JupyterLab debugger.

xeus-python supports this protocol. The IPython kernel does not. They're working on it; I think it's planned for IPython kernel 6.0 (not to be confused with IPython 6.0, which came out a while ago).

Answered By - user2357112