This article introduces you to the 6 top Python IDEs in 2024. Python is a dynamic and constantly evolving language, and the best Python IDEs can greatly enhance your coding experience.
No matter if you are a developer or a complete novice, the best Python IDEs can improve your efficiency, simplify your workflow, and make your coding more fun.!
We’ll review Python IDEs that cater to different preferences, whether you are looking for a smooth debugging experience, advanced code completion, or extensive plugin support.
What Are IDEs & Code Editors?
Whether you are a beginner or an expert in Python, you need an IDE or a code editor to work with code effectively.
IDE? - An integrated development environment (IDE) is a software application that makes software development easier. It’s where you create your Python projects! It boosts developer productivity by integrating common developer tools such as software editing, building, testing, debugging, and packaging in one user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI). Other useful features include code refactoring, code search, code auto-completion, and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD).
No matter what programming language or software development type you prefer, an IDE will be one of your essential tools.
Next, let’s talk about the code editor.
Code editors are often confused with IDEs, but the main difference is that IDEs offer more powerful tools to streamline the coding process. However, some code editors like Visual Studio Code have become so feature-rich that it’s hard to tell them apart from IDEs!
So, to avoid confusion, we’ll consider both types of coding environments in this article.
>Python IDEs & Code Editors for Python Programming
In this article, I present a comprehensive guide to the best Python IDEs and code editors, selected after thorough research. My criteria included their popularity, features, user base, and feedback.
The list contains tools perfect for both beginners and experts interested in Python.
Moreover, each IDE and editor has been reviewed on a variety of operating systems: Windows, macOS, and Linux.
The goal was to ensure that each tool is capable, whether it's for helping new developers or enabling professionals to enhance their coding skills.
1. PyCharm
OS Supported: Linux/macOS/Windows
Official website: JetBrains PyCharm
Type: IDE
JetBrains' PyCharm is a top-rated Python IDE, which is why it's the primary choice for our course, "Python with Dr. Johns." PyCharm distinguishes itself with features like efficient and secure code refactoring.
There are three editions of PyCharm: the Apache-licensed Community version, the Educational (Edu) version, and the proprietary Professional version. The first two are open source and free, while the Professional version is paid.
Our analysis shows that the free Community version is particularly valuable for beginners, offering features such as syntax highlighting, auto-completion, and real-time code verification.
The Professional version, though paid, brings advanced capabilities like comprehensive database management, specialized frameworks, web development tools, and a new AI coding assistant extension.
Pros of PyCharm:
- Strong community support.
- A wide range of helpful plugins and productivity-enhancing shortcuts.
- Ability to execute, edit, and debug Python code seamlessly without needing external tools.
Cons of PyCharm:
- The Professional version comes with a high price tag.
- The free version has limited functionality compared to the paid versions.
- The Community version is exclusive to Python, not support other programming languages.
2. Visual Studio Code (VS Code)
OS Supported: Linux/macOS/Windows
Official website: VS Code
Type: Code Editor
Developed by Microsoft, Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is a versatile and free code editor for Windows, Linux, and macOS. It's important not to confuse it with Visual Studio. As an open-source tool under the MIT license, VS Code supports a variety of programming languages, including Python and frameworks like Flask.
VS Code stands out for being relatively lightweight while offering robust features such as syntax highlighting, code auto-completion, Git integration, and advanced debugging tools.
If you're in search of a fast, lightweight, and customizable Python code editor, VS Code is an excellent choice. Its popularity among developers is bolstered by compatibility with AI coding assistants like GitHub Copilot and Amazon CodeWhisperer.
A key strength of VS Code is its extension-based architecture. This design keeps the core editor lightweight, allowing you to add only the extensions you need.
Pros of VS Code:
- Extensive customization possibilities with over 30,000 extensions available.
- Powerful code management capabilities.
- Option to import keyboard shortcuts from other Python editors, such as Sublime Text or Atom.
Cons of VS Code:
- The vast array of extensions can make initial customization a bit overwhelming or challenging.
- Some extensions may lack reliability or consistency in performance.
3. Jupyter Notebook
OS Supported: Linux/macOS/Windows
Official website: Jupyter.org
Type: IDE
Jupyter Notebook is a distinctive, web-based IDE that is both free and open-source, primarily used for creating Jupyter documents. Its web-based nature facilitates easy sharing of work directly from the browser.
It enjoys widespread popularity among data scientists, being particularly effective for tasks like machine learning, simulations, data visualization, data analysis, and presenting findings.
Jupyter is designed for immediate use with minimal setup, making it ideal for quick Python scripting and experimentation.
Pros of Jupyter Notebook:
- User-friendly and easy to learn.
- Supports over 40 different programming languages.
- Simplifies sharing and collaboration on projects.
Cons of Jupyter Notebook:
- Primarily tailored for data and scientific computing, which may limit its applicability in other fields.
- Does not possess some of the more advanced features found in other IDEs.
- Managing code in independent cells can become challenging as the number of cells increases.
4. Pydev (Eclipse)
OS Supported: GNU/Linux/macOS/Windows/Solaris
Official website: Eclipse.org; PyDev.org
Type: IDE
PyDev is a popular Python IDE and often the go-to option for many Python developers who have a background in Java. Originally designed for Java, Eclipse has evolved into a versatile IDE that supports various programming languages, including Python, thanks to its flexible plugin system.
To utilize Eclipse for Python development, the Pydev plugin is essential. It enables development in Python, Jython, and IronPython. Pydev enhances Eclipse with advanced features like auto-completion and code analysis, leveraging sophisticated inference techniques.
Recognized as one of the best IDEs for Python, Eclipse offers a suite of features including a debugger, Django support, an interactive console, basic syntax highlighting, code coverage, and more.
Pros of Eclipse:
- User-friendly and rich in features.
- Boasts a large and engaged community.
Cons of Eclipse:
- The user interface is somewhat outdated compared to more modern alternatives.
- Some plugins, including those for Python, can occasionally be unstable.
5. IDLE
OS Supported: Linux/macOS/Windows
Official website: Python Official Docs
Type: IDE
IDLE, short for Integrated Development and Learning Environment, is a free IDE included with every Python installation. It's particularly noted for providing an interactive interpreter experience.
IDLE is ideal for those new to Python, thanks to its straightforward Python shell and code editor setup. This simplicity makes it an excellent choice for beginners to edit, run, and debug Python code.
Being cross-platform, IDLE is accessible on Windows, Linux, and MacOS. It features a multi-window text editor equipped with syntax highlighting and an integrated debugger. The debugger provides functionality like stepping, persistent breakpoints, and visibility of the call stack.
Pros of IDLE:
- Beginner-friendly interface.
- Includes useful features such as syntax highlighting, search, auto-completion, and smart indent.
- Comes with an integrated debugger that offers stepping and breakpoint capabilities.
Cons of IDLE:
- Its simplicity may not be sufficient for some users.
- Not the best choice for handling large-scale projects.
- Lacks the advanced features that are available in more sophisticated IDEs.
6. Sublime Text
OS Supported: Linux/macOS/Windows
Official website: Sublime Text
Type: Code Editor
Originally developed as an extension for Vim, Sublime Text has evolved into a versatile text editor, utilizing C++ and Python in its development. With the release of version 2.0, it now supports 44 major programming languages, including Python. Although Sublime Text requires a paid license, it does offer a free evaluation period.
Sublime Text becomes a high-quality, powerful tool for development when equipped with its various plugins and packages. It also includes many features typical of a basic Python IDE, such as customizable syntax highlighting.
Pros of Sublime Text:
- Known for its speed and minimal bugs, offering a smooth user experience.
- Provides extensive customization options through a wide range of plugins.
- Supports a multitude of programming languages.
Cons of Sublime Text:
- Requires a paid license for full use.
- Installation and management of plugins can be complex and challenging.
- The learning curve can be steep for new users