Python is one of the most popular programming languages today. Thanks to its simple syntax, multi-platform support, and active community, Python has become the go-to programming language for data science, artificial intelligence, and more.
Choosing the right Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for Python development can make a big difference in how efficiently and effectively you write and manage your code.
With features like syntax highlighting, code completion, and git integration, working with the right IDE will boost your productivity, letting you focus on what matters most: coding your programs.
Comparing the Best Python IDEs for Code Development
There are many different options to choose from when it comes to Python IDEs. Whether you are a beginner or an expert programmer, there’s an Integrated Development Environment that can help you take your code to the next level.
In this article, we will take a look at some of the best Python IDEs and discuss their features and capabilities.
PyCharm
PyCharm is one of the most widely used Python IDEs. It was developed by JetBrains, who are also behind popular IDEs like IntelliJ Idea and Rider.
PyCharm is a full-featured Python IDE that offers powerful syntax highlighting, an integrated debugger, testing tools, integration with many languages supported, and much more.
It also includes features that can significantly increase your productivity, such as smart code completion, a code refactoring tool, and support for version control systems, like Git.
One of my favorite features of PyCharm is its powerful integrated debugger. This debugger allows you to step through your code line by line, set breakpoints, and inspect the values of your variables.
This valuable tool for troubleshooting can save you a lot of time and effort.
PyCharm is available in two versions: the free and open-source IDE, Community Edition, and the paid Professional Edition, which offers additional features and tools.
Even in its free version, PyCharm is one of the most complete IDEs available for Python. It is available for Windows, Linux, and Mac, and its considered by many as the best IDE for Python development.
Spyder
Another popular Python IDE is Spyder. Developed by a team of scientific Python developers , Spyder is an open source IDE specifically designed for scientific and data-driven development.
Due to its data science approach, Spyder is more similar to tools like Matlab, than code editors like VS Code. It includes features like a variable explorer, seamless integration with Matplotlib for data visualization, debugging and testing tools, as well as a powerful code editor.
But the cherry on top for Spyder is its built in support for IPython.
IPython is an interactive console that greatly expands on the regular Python console, with features such as intelligent code completion, display of generated graphics, running specialized consoles, and more.
Spyder can be downloaded as part of the Anaconda distribution, or as a stand-alone program. It is available as a free and open-source download for Windows, Linux, and macOS.
IDLE
IDLE is one more option for Python programming.
IDLE is an easy-to-use, beginner-friendly IDE for Python. While other options like PyCharm and Spyder have a long list of features, IDLE is on the extreme opposite.
IDLE is Python’s Integrated Development and Learning Environment. It is bundled with Python in most operating systems, so you don’t have to install anything to start using it.
IDLE is a great option for beginners, since it has a very simple and friendly graphical user interface, consisting of only a code editor, and an interactive interpreter.
IDLE was built using only Tkinter and the Python Standard Library, and includes helpful features useful for learning to write Python code, like syntax highlighting and automatic code completion.
It also includes a debugger, and an object inspector, which can be useful as you become more comfortable with Python.
Overall, IDLE is a great choice for anyone looking to learn and experiment with Python.
Visual Studio Code
Visual Studio Code is a popular and powerful code editor developed by Microsoft. VS Code supports many programming languages, and it also has support for Python.
VS Code offers a number of useful features for Python developers, such as an integrated debugger, support for version control systems, and code refactoring tools.
One of the main advantages of Visual Studio Code is its extensive extension ecosystem. With a wide range of plugins and extensions available, you can add even more functionality to the editor and customize it to fit your needs.
While being one of the most powerful code editors out there, Visual Studio Code is also completely free.
VS Code also has support for git and other version control systems, so you can easily manage your code and collaborate with others.
VS Code is a great choice for Python development. Its powerful features, flexibility, and extension ecosystem make it a very effective option for Python developers.
Sublime text 3
Sublime Text 3 is one of the most widely used code editors with support for many programming languages, including Python. It is well known for its fast and lightweight code editor, minimalist user interface, and powerful customization features.
Sublime Text 3 offers all the features you would expect from a code editor, such as syntax highlighting, autocompletion, code folding, and more.
Now in its fourth release, Sublime Text 3 is a great option for Python development. With its lightning fast performance and a very responsive interface, it can handle large files and projects with ease.
Another reason developers love Sublime Text is its extensive plugin ecosystem. There are hundreds of plugins available that can help you customize and extend the functionality of the editor.
Sublime Text is a paid editor, but it can be used for free with limited features. It is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Overall, Sublime Text is a great choice if you need a lightweight and fast code editor, with powerful customization options. Its combination of speed, plugins, and multiple selection capabilities make it an excellent choice for maximizing productivity.
Thonny
Thonny is an IDE designed with new programmers in mind. Its focus is on Python development and learning, making it one of the best options for beginners.
Thonny includes many visual features to help beginners learn more about coding, inlcuding a friendly user interface, an integrated simple debugger, a variable explorer, and a step-by-step code execution feature, among others.
All these features make it much easier to learn Python, understand the basics of programming, and debug any program you might write.…
Thonny is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux and is completely free. It is a great choice for anyone looking to learn Python or just starting out in programming.
Vim
Vim is one of the most popular code editors among new and experienced programmers. It has support for many languages, including Python.
This IDE and text editor has been around since the early 90s, and has become quite popular due to its powerful features, fast performance, and lightweight interface. After all, Vim has no GUI and instead runs directly from the terminal.
Vim offers a number of features that make it great for Python development, such as syntax highlighting, auto-indentation, debugging, and integration with version control systems.
Some of the biggest advantages of Vim is its lightweight nature. Thanks to this, you can often find it preinstalled in any Unix/Linux system, and is one of the preferred options by programmers and IT professionals to edit files remotely.
Vim is also known for its wide variety of plugins, making it an extremely customizable program that can adjust to every programmer.
Vim is completely free and open source and can be used on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
How to choose the best Python IDE in 2023?
Choosing the right Python IDE for your project is not always an easy task. There are many factors that you have to consider before sticking to a specific IDE to tackle a big project.
At the same time, spending too much time and resources learning to use all the features of an IDE can be detrimental to your productivity.
For example, you must take into account the features of the IDE, your skill level, the size of the project, and even your familiarity with the IDE. You can find many different IDEs for Python, ranging from educational ones, like Thonny and IDLE, to very powerful ones, like Jetbrain’s PyCharm and VS Code.
With so many things to consider, some of the most important aspects of each program that I consider before choosing a Python IDE are:
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Features: If you were to compare IDLE to Pycharm, there is a world of difference between their features. However, both can be appropriate for different kinds of projects. While an IDE with hundreds of features that supports many languages may look more attractive at first, it is easy to get lost in those features while progressing sluggishly on your project. Take this into account before starting your project; sometimes even a simple text editor can be the right tool for the job.
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Community Support: A dedicated userbase can be a big plus for an IDE. Text editors like Visual Studio code get many of their powerful features from community developed plugins, as well as support for different themes. An active community will also probably help you in case you have any questions about the program, or you get stuck trying to make a specific feature work.
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Ease of use: Selecting an IDE that’s easy to use and navigate will help you be more productive when writing Python code. It is easy to think that less features equals easier to use, but that’s not always the case. A well-designed UI and available documentation can vastly improve your experience with software development.
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Cost: Some IDEs are free, some others are paid, and some others have free versions with limited features. As always, it’s important to try IDEs and text editors before committing to purchasing a license or subscription.
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Platform support: While most IDEs support either Windows or Linux, not all of them have versions for Windows, Linux, and MacOs, and feature-parity is not always the case between versions. If you are planning to deploy a cross-platform program, it makes sense to write code on a cross-platform IDE.
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Customizability: Different programmers have different workflows. For example, a software development environment won’t be the same as a data science environment. That’s why it matters to work with an IDE that will adjust to your needs.
At the end of the day, the best Python IDE for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. It’s always helpful to try out a few different IDEs to see which one works best for you.
Visual studio code vs PyCharm
Being one of the most popular code editors out there with support for Python, it is common to find questions online like "Visual studio code vs Pycharm," since the latter is also considered one of the most complete Python IDE in general.
| Feature | Visual Studio Code | PyCharm |
|---|---|---|
| Syntax highlighting | Yes | Yes |
| Code completion | Yes | Yes |
| Debugging | Yes | Yes |
| Testing tools | Yes | Yes |
| Code refactoring | Yes | Yes |
| Version control | Yes | Yes |
| Customizability | High | High |
| Platform support | Windows, Mac, Linux | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| Cost | Free | Free (Community Edition) / Paid (Professional Edition) |
| User community | Large | Large |
| Primary use | Code editor | Full-featured IDE |
| Integrated terminal | Yes | Yes |
| Integrated debugger | Yes | Yes |
| Code profiling tools | Yes | Yes |
| Integration with other languages | Yes | Yes |
| Integrated unit testing | Yes | Yes |
| Support for web development | Yes | Yes |
| Integrated support for version control systems | Yes | Yes |
| Available as a standalone program or as part of a larger development suite | Standalone | Standalone / Part of JetBrains Toolbox |
As you can see above, both programs are very even as a development environment for writing Python code. While VS Code is a lightweight text editor, it can rival PyCharm when installing the right plugins for machine learning, data science, or open source development.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many excellent Python IDEs for software development.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced Python programmer, there is an IDE that can help you take your Python code to the next level.
Some of the best Python IDEs include PyCharm, Spyder, IDLE, and VS Code. Each of these IDEs has its own unique features and capabilities, so it’s important to consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing an IDE.
PyCharm is a full-featured IDE with powerful tools for debugging and testing, with powerful auto completion, code analysis, and unit testing tools. Spyder is a data science-focused free IDE with strong integration with tools like Matplotlib and IPython. IDLE is a beginner-friendly IDE with a simple interface, while Visual Studio Code is a customizable and extensible code editor that supports many languages.
Ultimately, the best IDE for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences as a developer.
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