GETTING STARTED

Desktop workspace

Open Python files, convert them together, inspect any errors, and save the generated C.

Keyboard shortcuts · Fixing conversion errors

Launch

pycforge-workspace

You can also run python -m pycforge.ide.

Opening the workspace

The startup progress dialog checks application resources, offline Help, and Ting review files before opening the workspace. If a check fails, read the displayed error and record it with your installed version. Cancel stops startup at the next completed step.

Open, edit, and convert

Choose Open Python to select files, or New Module to start one. The first file becomes the primary module automatically.
Add any source files needed by function imports. Each included module needs a supported function; remove unused empty tabs.
Edit the Python source and save it using Save Python or Save Python As.
Choose Transpile Source Bundle (Ctrl+Return). It converts all open modules together.
On success, review Generated C. Choose Set C Destination, then Save Generated C.

Generated C is read-only in the workspace. Make changes in Python and convert again. You can close any module tab, including the last one; the workspace may be empty.

Click the Python gutter fold marker to collapse or expand a function. The Edit menu and source header also provide Fold All and Unfold All. Large files may take a moment to analyze before folding becomes available.

Understand conversion state

State	Meaning	Next action
Current	The C matches the latest converted source and settings.	Inspect or save it.
Stale	Source or settings changed after conversion.	Convert again before saving C.
Rejected	One or more source forms could not convert.	Select a diagnostic and correct the source.
Cancelled	Conversion was stopped.	Start a new conversion when ready.

Inspect a conversion

Open Transpilation Details to see diagnostics and conversion details. Selecting a diagnostic highlights the affected Python. Source mappings and ForgeLens highlighting help you find the corresponding C without changing either file.

The status-bar Ting control opens additional review feedback. See Understanding Ting feedback for what its findings and missing checks mean.

Make the editor comfortable

Use View → Code & Editor Settings to set Python and C text sizes independently. Python starts at 14 pt and generated C at 12 pt; both allow 8–48 pt. The View menu also has Increase, Decrease, and Reset Python Text Size commands.

You can resize panes and show or hide Generated C, Source Bundle, Outline, and Transpilation Details. The application remembers layout and editor preferences. Help has its own readable text size.

Returning to your files

Saved files left open at exit reopen in their previous order, with the previous saved active file selected. Unsaved text is not restored, so save your work before closing. If a file cannot be reopened, the restoration report explains why.

File → Open Recent → Clear Recent Files clears the recent-file list without closing your current tabs. Closing the last tab leaves an empty workspace on the next launch.

Moving and resizing dialogs

Drag a dialog by its titlebar. Resizable dialogs can be resized at the edges and maximized or restored with their titlebar controls.

Before saving C

Review the conversion result, ensure all intended files were included, and check that the result is current. Save the Python alongside the C. Follow the conversion checklist to compile and test the result.