Working Method with Notebooks

With notebooks, you work on computational problems in pieces or cells that you can run independently. All variables declared and functions defined in an already run cell are kept in memory so that subsequent cells can use them. Taking the approach of working on problems in pieces or cells enables you to run sections of code separately without breakpoints, because each cell is run independently and shows its output. This way, you can edit and run each cell as many times as you want until you get the expected output.

To clear the output generated by a previous execution of a notebook cells, you must restart the associated kernel with the button in the toolbar.

Edit Mode and Command Mode

Notebooks have two different modes:

In edit mode, the analyst can edit or run the content of the selected cell identified by a purple border.
In command mode, the analyst can add cells, delete them, or change their order.
To enter command mode, press ESC or click anywhere outside the cell.
To enter edit mode, click the text box of the cell you want to edit, or use the arrow keys to navigate to the cell and press Enter.
When you click an icon in the notebook toolbar, you enter command mode automatically.

Select a Cell in the Notebook

To select a cell in command mode: Use the arrow keys. You can also use k and j.
To select a cell in edit mode: Click the cell text box.
To select multiple consecutive cells in command mode: Use the Shift + Arrow keys, or Shift + k and Shift + j, or click the first cell, press Shift and click the last cell.

Add a Cell to the Notebook

Select a cell. In the notebook toolbar, click the icon. A new code type cell is created below the selected cell.

To control where the cell is inserted:

To create a cell above the selected cell: In command mode, press A or click the icon.
To create a cell below the selected cell: In command mode, press B or click the icon.

Change the Cell Type of a Notebook Cell

Select one or multiple cells. In the notebook toolbar, click the drop-down menu.

To change the cell type using the keyboard, select the cell in command mode and press these keys:

To change the cell to code: Y.
To change the cell to Markdown: M.

Delete a Notebook Cell

In command mode, use the arrow keys to select the cell you want to delete. Press the d key twice. The cell is deleted, along with its output, if any.

You can also delete a cell by clicking the cell icon.

Run a Notebook Cell

Select a cell. In the notebook toolbar, click the icon. The cell runs and shows its output.

To run a cell using the keyboard:

To run a cell with the keyboard: Select the cell and press Ctrl + Enter.
To run a cell with the keyboard and move to the next cell: Press Shift + Enter. This is useful if you want to run a series of consecutive cells individually without needing to select them independently.
To run a cell with the keyboard and insert a new cell immediately below it: Press Alt + Enter. This is useful if you want to quickly add new code or notes to your notebook.

Run all Notebook Cells

In the notebook toolbar, click the icon. The notebook shows each cell output below the cell. The cell code is not hidden.

Run All Notebook Cells in Presentation Mode

In the notebook toolbar, click the icon. The notebook enters presentation mode, hiding code sections.

Sort the Notebook Cells

Select a cell. In the toolbar, click the and icons.
Click the cell and icons.
Click the sequence number for the cell you want to move. Drag it to a new position.

Save a Notebook

In the notebook toolbar, click the icon.
In command mode, press Ctrl + s.

Stop and Restart Kernel Execution

To clear cell output, or if the kernel gets stuck in an infinite loop, we recommend that you restart the kernel.

To restart the kernel: In the notebook toolbar, click the icon.
To interrupt the kernel in command mode: Press i and i.
To restart the kernel in command mode: Press 0 and 0.

Copy, Cut, and Paste Cells

To copy one or more cells using the toolbar: Select the cells. Click .
To copy one or more cells using the keyboard: Select the cells in command mode. Press c.
To cut one or more cells using the toolbar: Select the cells. Click .
To cut one or more cells using the keyboard: Select them in command mode. Press x.
To paste one or more cells below an existing cell using the toolbar: Select the cell. Click .
To paste one or more cells above an existing cell using the keyboard: Select the cell in command mode. Press Shift + v.
To paste one or more cells below an existing cell using the keyboard: Select the cell in command mode. Press v.
To duplicate a cell: Click the cell icon. A copy of the cell is created below it.

Merge Cells

To merge two consecutive cells of the same type in command mode, press Shift + m.

Enable Code Autocomplete and Get Help

To get completion suggestions for your code as you type: Press Tab.
To call help for a function: Press Shift + Tab.

Move Cursor Within a Cell

To move the cursor to the start of the cell: Press Ctrl + Home.
To move the cursor to the end of the cell: Press Ctrl + End.
To move the cursor one word right: Press Ctrl + Right.
To move the cursor one word left: Press Ctrl + Left.

Other Operations

To hide code using the keyboard in command mode: Press O.
To hide code using the toolbar: Click .
To show or hide line numbers within cells: In command mode, press l.
To show a list of keyboard shortcuts: In command mode, press h.
To merge two consecutive cells of the same type: In command mode, press Shift + m.