ipython is an interactive shell built with python.
From the project website:
IPython provides a rich toolkit to help you make the most out of using Python, with:
- Powerful Python shells (terminal and Qt-based).
- A web-based notebook with the same core features but support for code, text, mathematical expressions, inline plots and other rich media.
- Support for interactive data visualization and use of GUI toolkits.
- Flexible, embeddable interpreters to load into your own projects.
- Easy to use, high performance tools for parallel computing.
Note that the first 2 lines tell you it helps you make the most of using Python. Thus, you don’t need to alter your code, the IPython shell runs your python code just like the normal python shell does, only with more features.
I recommend reading the IPython tutorial to get a sense of what features you gain when using IPython.