What is the difference between "Python interactive" and "Python 3" kernels When creating a new notebook using the web interface, Jupyter gives me two options: 'Python Interactive' and 'Python 3' (see screenshot).



However, I've been unable to find any indication on what the differences between these two kernels (which I assume they represent) are. Both are python 3.6.7 on my system. The search term jupyter combined with "python interactive" or "python 3", even with quotes, yields only generic descriptions of Jupyter, which is not really surprising. Even the Jupyter kernels list doesn't really help.

So, what is the difference?
Interactive mode gives immediate feedback, i.e. every single line will be executed immediately, without possibility to script it i.e. following warnings: 


  &gt;&gt;&gt; if interactive:
  ...   print("do it")
  ... print("cant you?")
    File "&lt;stdin&gt;", line 3
      print("Done")
          ^
  SyntaxError: invalid syntax


so the fact that they are together confuses him, but if you seperate it


  &gt;&gt;&gt; if interactive:
  ...   print("do it")
  do it
  
  print("cant you?")
  cant you?


So the main point is to seperate, and be carefull with new command lines.

Python 3 is standard scripting python version.

Why differentiate? Interactive to test quick and dirty, Python3 to write scripts