MD Python — LabDeck Python Environment

What Is MD Python?

MD Python is not a separate open-source pip package — it is the Python mode inside LabDeck (MatDeck). It gives you a classical Python IDE that runs standard .py files and uses normal libraries (tkinter, NumPy, Kivy, PySide2, Flet, etc.), but embeds that workflow inside LabDeck's document system alongside GUI designers, plotting, and MatDeck Script.

Think of it as Python + visual tools in one product, aimed at users who build GUIs, scripts, and technical documents without switching between many separate applications.

MD Python vs MD Python Designer

MD Python is the language/IDE layer. MD Python Designer is the subscription product that unlocks full drag-and-drop GUI builders and specialized IDEs. Lite MD Python Designer includes limited access; the full suite adds unlimited widgets and all designer modes.

What you get

Standard Python — run .py files; import any library you install or bundle with LabDeck.
Visual GUI designers — generate Tkinter, CustomTkinter, Kivy, PySide2, Flet, or MD Script UIs from a canvas.
Combined documents — mix Python, GUI projects, MatDeck Script, and notes in one .md document.
Copy/paste between modes — move GUI layouts between framework designers in a few clicks.
Specialized IDEs — tailored editing for Tkinter, PySide2, Kivy, and related stacks (full subscription).

Supported GUI targets from MD Python

Output	Typical use	Guide
Tkinter	Simple desktop tools	Tkinter
Custom Tkinter	Modern desktop UI	CustomTkinter
Kivy	Mobile & touch	Kivy
PySide2	Professional Qt apps	PyQt / PySide
Flet	Flutter / web / mobile	Flet
MatDeck Script	LabDeck-native scripting	—

Typical workflow

Open MD Python Designer or Lite edition from LabDeck.
Design the GUI visually in the designer for your chosen framework.
Export or run generated Python — refine logic in the MD Python IDE.
Optionally combine with MatDeck plots, math, or instrumentation in the same document.
Distribute as ordinary Python (PyInstaller, etc.) — LabDeck is not required at runtime for pure exported .py apps.

concept — exported app runs like normal Python

# After export from MD Python Designer, you run like any project:
python my_app.py

# Or package for end users:
pyinstaller --onefile --windowed my_app.py

Installation & access

MD Python is obtained through LabDeck, not via pip install md-python.

how to start

# 1. Download LabDeck / MD Python Designer from LabDeck
# 2. Lite edition — free, limited widgets (e.g. 5 on canvas)
# 3. Full MD Python Designer — paid year subscription, all designers
# See: https://labdeck.com/products/md-python-designer/

Practical advice

Treat generated code as a starting point — refactor into modules as the app grows.
Learn the underlying framework (Tkinter, Qt, etc.) so you can maintain exports long-term.
PySide2 output may need import updates for PySide6 on new projects.
Use Lite to learn; upgrade when you need unlimited widgets or multiple designers in one workflow.

✓ Strengths

All-in-one: IDE + GUI designers + MatDeck features
Many frameworks from one visual tool
Fast layout for forms and dialogs
Still standard Python under the hood

✗ Weaknesses

Commercial; not in PyPI ecosystem
Smaller community than Qt/tkinter alone
Generated code needs review for large apps
Less suitable if you avoid vendor tooling entirely

Use it when

You want LabDeck's visual GUI designers and a unified document/IDE experience, and you are fine with a commercial toolchain. For free-only stacks, use pip libraries and Qt Designer or PAGE instead.

Visual GUI Designer guide →

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