Right now breakpoints can only be set/cleared by using a context menu on a line in the editor. I discovered this entirely by reading through the bug database, as right-click doesn't work on OS X (bpo-24801).

Some other tools use an indicator (e.g. stop sign) in the left margin, which can be toggled on and off by a simple click. This could exist in conjunction with line numbering (bpo-17535)

bpo-24801 needs to be fixed so we can depend on right clicking. I think SET and CLEAR should be replace by TOGGLE (bpo-22083). The patch for bpo-17535 already includes marking breakpoints in the margin. I am opposed to a putting a symbol on every line. Too noisy and too confusing to beginners for an advanced feature. There are other things that could be added to a line-number context menu, such as cutting or copying a line without having to drag select it (which is too easy to mess up).

oh agree, definitely don't want a symbol on every line. i was already thinking implementation where you'd probably have an object matching the background for hit detection! :-)

but yes, visually nothing there but empty space when there isn't a breakpoint, and a symbol there when the breakpoint is set

I believe one of Saimadhav's original patches used a symbol. I suggested color highlighting instead, and it seems to work better. In any case, debating such details is part of an issue.