In python.el there is a command (python-shell-switch-to-shell) that opens an ipython shell.
Problem is, it first asks me where to start the REPL and then whether to make a dedicated process. I always answer <RET> and y. Is there a way to send these signals to emacs automatically?
(I know there are other workarounds, but modifying the python layer in spacemacs is probably too much of a bother.)
I don't get this behavior when I tried running this, but a simple thing to try is C-x ( or kmacro-start-macro. Then enter the three commands, (python-shell-switch-to-shell) <RET>, and y and finish up with C-x ) or kmacro-end-macro.
In the future you can run C-x e to redo that key sequence.
If all that works, then you may want ot go one step further and M-x name-last-kbd-macro will assign a name it, and write it out.
See http://www.gnu.org/software/emacs/manual/html_node/emacs/Basic-Keyboard-Macro.html
