How to specify default directory for saving files in Python IDLE

[JohnJohnUSA]

I am using Python IDLE 2.4.3 on Windows XP. I use File ->New Window to create a new program. In the Save As dialog, it always takes me to the python program directory (where python is installed). Since this is not where I want to save my source file, I have to select the directory I want.

Is there a way that I can have python always bring up the Save As dialog pointing to the directory of my choice? In other words, I would like to specify what I want the default directory for saving files to be.

In addition, is there a way to get IDLE to add the extension .py to the file name in the Save As dialog without my having to type it each time?

Thank you in advance for your help!

 

[dvska]

The fastest solution is to hack IDLE -- edit the IOBinding.py ( in my Python 2.4.3 installation C:\python24\Lib\idlelib\IOBinding.py ):

change lines 181 & 182 to

    filename = ".py"   # old value is "" 
    dirname = "e:\\"   # old value is None; change e:\ to directory of your choice