Is there a tool similar to jupyter notebook but not dependent on python

Yes, there are several tools similar to Jupyter Notebook that are not dependent on Python. In this article, we will explore three different options for using a Jupyter-like environment with Julia.

Option 1: Pluto.jl

Pluto.jl is a reactive notebook for Julia that allows you to write and run code in a web-based interface. It is similar to Jupyter Notebook in terms of functionality, but it is specifically designed for Julia. To use Pluto.jl, you need to install it by running the following code:

using Pkg
Pkg.add("Pluto")

Once Pluto.jl is installed, you can start it by running the following code:

using Pluto
Pluto.run()

This will open a web browser with the Pluto.jl interface, where you can create new notebooks and write Julia code. Pluto.jl provides a reactive programming model, which means that code cells can depend on each other and update automatically when their dependencies change. This makes it easy to explore and experiment with your code.

Option 2: IJulia with JupyterLab

If you prefer to use Jupyter Notebook or JupyterLab, you can still use Julia by installing the IJulia package. To do this, run the following code:

using Pkg
Pkg.add("IJulia")

Once IJulia is installed, you can start JupyterLab by running the following code:

using IJulia
notebook()

This will open JupyterLab in your web browser. From there, you can create a new Julia notebook and start writing code. IJulia provides a seamless integration between Julia and Jupyter, allowing you to take advantage of Jupyter’s rich ecosystem of extensions and tools.

Option 3: VS Code with the Julia extension

If you prefer to use a full-featured integrated development environment (IDE), you can use Visual Studio Code (VS Code) with the Julia extension. To get started, follow these steps:

1. Install VS Code from the official website: https://code.visualstudio.com/
2. Open VS Code and go to the Extensions view (click on the square icon on the left sidebar).
3. Search for “Julia” and install the Julia extension by the Julia Computing organization.
4. Once the extension is installed, you can create a new Julia file (.jl) and start writing code.

The Julia extension for VS Code provides features such as code completion, linting, debugging, and integrated terminal. It also supports Jupyter notebooks, allowing you to run code cells and visualize the output directly in the editor.

After exploring these three options, it is clear that the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prefer a notebook-like interface with reactive programming capabilities, Pluto.jl is a great choice. If you are already familiar with Jupyter and want to leverage its ecosystem, IJulia with JupyterLab is a good option. Finally, if you prefer a full-featured IDE with Jupyter notebook support, VS Code with the Julia extension is the way to go.