Unlock the Power of Python Development: Choosing the Right IDE
Get Started with Python Development
When it comes to writing and editing code, a code editor is an essential tool. Lightweight and easy to use, code editors are perfect for learning the ropes. However, as your program grows, you’ll need more advanced features to test, debug, and optimize your code. That’s where Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) come in.
What to Look for in a Python IDE
A good IDE should provide features like build automation, code linting, testing, and debugging to speed up your work. However, with so many options available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. To make things easier, we’ve put together a guide to help you find the perfect Python IDE for your needs.
Top Picks for Learning and Development
Whether you’re just starting out or already an experienced developer, here are our top picks for Python IDEs:
Online Compiler from Programiz
Get started with Python coding without setting up a development environment. Our online compiler is free, easy to use, and requires only an internet connection and a browser.
IDLE
IDLE comes bundled with Python and offers a range of features like auto-completion, syntax highlighting, and a basic debugger. It’s perfect for learning Python, but may not be ideal for larger projects.
Sublime Text 3
This popular code editor supports many languages, including Python. Fast, customizable, and with a huge community, Sublime Text can be tailored to meet your development needs.
Atom
Another open-source code editor, Atom offers similar features to Sublime Text. Highly customizable, it’s perfect for Python development.
Thonny
A Python-dedicated IDE, Thonny is great for beginners. With features like syntax error highlighting, debugging, and code completion, it’s also suitable for full-fledged development.
PyCharm
A professional IDE created by JetBrains, PyCharm offers advanced features like code completion, inspections, and debugging. It’s our top pick for Python development.
Visual Studio Code
This free and open-source IDE offers intelligent code completion, linting, debugging, and more. Lightweight and packed with features, it’s becoming increasingly popular among Python developers.
Vim
A text editor pre-installed on macOS and UNIX systems, Vim can be a great tool for Python development. With plugins for syntax highlighting, code completion, and debugging, it’s highly customizable.
Spyder
An open-source IDE usually used for scientific development, Spyder offers features like autocompletion, debugging, and an iPython shell. It’s a great choice for data science and machine learning projects.
Honorable Mentions
- Jupyter Notebook: open-source software for creating and sharing live code, visualizations, and more.
- Eclipse + PyDev: a popular IDE that can be used for Python development using the PyDev plugin.
Recommended Reading
What IDE to use for Python? Check out our guide to find out more.