start ipython notebook with python file

Question

I am not very familiar with python/ipython but somebody was asking me whether it is possible to start an ipython notebook with a specific python file. It then could be used for debugging. another software then would create a .py-file in the temp folder and would call an ipython notebook with this file. Is it possible or does it make sense at all?

Answer 1

Since the question is quite broad and asking for recommendations, here are my suggestions:

1. cross-platform nbopen, which opens ipynb using command-line or optional explorer integration:

https://github.com/takluyver/nbopen

Please note that I have one open ticket for complete Windows explorer integration:

https://github.com/takluyver/nbopen/issues/12

[copied from github page]

Installation:

pip install nbopen

Usage:

nbopen AwesomeNotebook.ipynb

2. run ipynb without launching the browser interface, with many useful options:

https://github.com/paulgb/runipy

[copied from github page]

Installation:

$ pip install runipy

To run a .ipynb file as a script, run:

$ runipy MyNotebook.ipynb

To save the output of each cell back to the notebook file, run:

$ runipy -o MyNotebook.ipynb

To save the notebook output as a new notebook, run:

$ runipy MyNotebook.ipynb OutputNotebook.ipynb

To run a .ipynb file and generate an HTML report, run:

$ runipy MyNotebook.ipynb --html report.html

Answer 2

If you're talking about launching an iPython notebook server via Python, I use this:

#!/usr/bin/env python
from IPython.terminal.ipapp import launch_new_instance
from IPython.lib import passwd
from socket import gethostname
import warnings
warnings.filterwarnings("ignore", module = "zmq.*")
sys.argv.append("notebook")
sys.argv.append("--IPKernelApp.pylab='inline'")
sys.argv.append("--NotebookApp.ip=" + gethostname())
sys.argv.append("--NotebookApp.open_browser=False")
sys.argv.append("--NotebookApp.password=" + passwd())
launch_new_instance()

Obviously you can change the arguments if you so desire.

At my work we have one use case that does what you're saying--automatically generates a python file, then loads a new ipython server for the user to access it. However, it's a pretty special use case--for normal debugging, I would recommend just starting in iPython and not making your *.py file until the bugs are gone.

OR

If you're talking about actually automatically navigating to the page that corresponds to a python file made available by an ipython notebook server, then (1) make sure you're using ipython 2, and (2) figure out what you're desired url is (it should be deterministic) and (3) use the webbrowser module to navigate to that url.

Answer 3

To start a ipython notebook with a certain notebook directory, use the --notebook-dir command line option:

ipython notebook --notebook-dir=/Users/harold/temp/