Why do professionals need a Python IDE when they have so many Python Code Editors available? Well, the answer is simple. Convenience!
The entire package you get in a Python IDE is unlike the combination of Python Code Editors and other auxiliaries paired. Everything you need to complete your tasks using Python is available inside these Python IDEs. It reduces your time and allows you to focus more on your core job at hand. But what is Python IDE? So without further ado, let's dive right in!
What is IDE?
An IDE is a software where common utilities/tools are found together in a graphical user interface (GUI) that will simplify your task. A Python IDE automates the task of editing, compiling, testing code, etc., which makes it a convenient and favorable option to initiate and develop a project using Python.
IDE helps developers start programming quickly without worrying about the integration problems or configuration of various tools to achieve the right setup. As a result, developers need to spend less time learning various tools or utilities and how to extract the maximum efficiency. Plus, it will help the newly joining developers to get up to speed with the team's standard tools and workflows within no time.
So now we know what Python IDE is and how convenient they are in reducing manual efforts, let's explore the features of an IDE.
Features of an IDE
Let's look at some of the major features of IDE:
- Source Code Editor: This is where you write your lines of code. IDE brings features like syntax highlighting for better visibility, code auto-completion, real-time bug checking, etc.
[alt_text: Coding using Code Editor and IDE]
- Automation Utilities: Utilities like these will help you reduce repetitive, redundant tasks. For example, compiling source code into binary code or running automated tests. This saves a huge chunk of time, which is the need of the hour!
- Debugger: A tool used to detect a bug and then debug it! IDE packages a debugger inside, which amps up its functionality even more.
Now we learned the features of IDE. Next, we will be looking at the top 10 Python IDEs.
Top 10 Python IDE
It’s essential to know that all of these Python IDEs are best in their own aspects. So, we will be discussing their features which will help you understand them better.
1. PyCharm
[alt_text: PyCharm IDE logo]
- PyCharm IDE is one of the most popular IDEs.
- It perfectly suits large projects. And also supports CSS, JavaScript, TypeScript, and AngularJS.
[alt_text: PyCharm IDE for Python]
- Platform: Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Version and Pricing: PyCharm comes in three versions; Educational and Community (Free), and Professional (Paid).
- Notable Features: Live code verification, smart code navigation, a function for quick refactoring, and syntax highlighting. Plus, the paid version has features like complete database management, and important frameworks like Google App Engine, Django, and Flask, among many others.
2. Spyder
[alt_text: Spyder IDE logo]
- Spyder is one of the best IDE for Python but is majorly used for scientific development.
[alt_text: Spyder IDE]
- Spyder is developed by and for scientists. It can easily integrate with SciPy, NumPy, Matplotlib, Pandas, and other Data Science libraries.
- Platforms: Spyder IDE is available through the Anaconda distro on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Version and Pricing: It's offered as a free version.
- Notable Features: Its integration with Data Science libraries is best used for Machine Learning related tasks. It allows you to run Python code by cell, file, or line. Supports auto code completion, splitting, plotting various chart types, and data manipulation.
3. Eclipse IDE + PyDev
[alt_text: PyDev IDE logo]
- Eclipse IDE is designed for Java.
- Eclipse IDE + PyDev plugin makes it an IDE for Python and makes it developer-friendly.
[alt_text: PyDev IDE]
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, and Solaris
- Version and Pricing: The whole package is offered as a free version.
- Notable features: Easy to learn, offers best integrity with Eclipse universe, Django, Code Coverage, Syntax highlighting, etc. Features and functionalities like these make it one of the best Python IDE and the best Python coder.
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4. IDLE
[alt_text: IDLE logo]
- IDLE or Integrated Development and Learning Environment, is a default editor that comes with Python.
- It's simple and best suited for beginner-level developers.
[alt_text: IDLE IDE; Best Python IDE for beginners]
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, and Linux. But for some Linux distro, IDLE doesn't come by default.
- Version and Pricing: IDLE comes in a free version form.
- Notable features: It comes with auto-completion, syntax completion, smart indent, a debugger with breakpoint, and stepping.
5. Visual Studio
[alt_text: Microsoft Visual Studio logo]
- Microsoft's Visual Studio IDE is one the best Python IDE for Python development and debugging.
- Visual Studio packs in one of the best-looking user interfaces for an IDE.
[alt_text: Microsoft Visual Studio IDE]
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Version and Pricing: It comes in 3 versions; Community (Free), Professional, and Enterprise version (Paid).
- Notable features: Allows debugging from code editors, smart code completion, and you can work with Git and other SCM providers.
6. Jupyter Notebook
[alt_text: Jupyter Notebook IDE logo]
- Jupyter Notebook is a highly recommended IDE for those inclined toward learning Data Science, Machine Learning, etc.
- It is ideal for Data Science beginners and allows easy coding and editing works.
[alt_text: Jupyter Notebook IDE; one of the best IDE for Python for Data Science]
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Version and Pricing: It's a free Python IDE.
- Notable Features: You can use libraries to showcase graphs and visual elements between coding, with the functionality of exporting work in multiple formats.
7. Wing
[alt_text: Wing Python IDE logo]
- The Wing is a lightweight Python IDE aimed at improving product development experience.
- It supports various frameworks like pytest, Django testing, unittest, etc.
[alt_text: Wing Python IDE]
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Version and Pricing: Wing Pro Trial version is free, and Wing Personal and 101 are paid.
- Notable Features: Remove errors quickly and write better Python codes quickly with immediate feedback.
8. Rodeo
[alt_text: Rodeo IDE logo]
- Rodeo is again one of the most used IDE for Data Science tasks.
- It's ideal for Data Science, Machine Learning and packs in features like comparing data, inspecting it, interacting, and plotting.
[alt_text: Rodeo IDE for Python]
- Platform: Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Version and Pricing: It's an open-source IDE, so it is free.
- Notable Features: Programmers use it to code faster, and it comes with in-built support for iPython.
9. Eric Python
[alt_text: Eric Python IDE]
- Eric Python is designed using QToolkit, which is integrated with Scintilla Editor, along with a host of plugins that make it suitable for IDE.
- It supports advanced project management capability, version controls, and a class browser.
[alt_text: Eric Python IDE]
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Version and Pricing: It's open source, and this is free.
- Notable features: It has a built-in debugger, spells check the library to tackle errors, code coverage, and task management support.
10. Thonny
[alt_text: Thonny IDE]
- Thonny is another IDE for Python development.
- It's very beginner-friendly, having all the basic features to get started.
[alt_text: Thonny IDE for Python]
- Platform: Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Version and Pricing: It's open source IDE, so it is free.
- Notable features: It has auto-code completion, a user-friendly IDE, a good user interface, and highlights errors.
Which is the best IDE for Python?
Here are three criteria based on which you could select the best IDE for Python:
1. Depending on your knowledge level
Beginner: IDLE and Thonny.
Intermediate: PyCharm and Visual Studio
Expert: PyCharm, Visual Studio, Wing.
2. Depending on your end goal
Data Science: Jupyter Notebook, Spyder, PyCharm Professional
Web Development: Visual Studio and PyCharm Professional
QA: Jupyter Notebook, PyCharm Community
Scripting: Eclipse + PyDev, PyCharm Community
3. Depending on the Hardware you possess
Good: PyCharm, Visual Studio, Eclipse + PyDev
Not so good: IDLE, online IDEs
Conclusion
This article gave you brief and insightful features that will help you decide which Python IDE to select and get started depending on your knowledge level, available hardware, and end goal. If you are seeking the best way to master Python, look no further than this Python Programming Course, as it will help you learn Python end-to-end with certification to validate your expertise.
If you have any queries or doubts regarding the best IDE, feel free to reach out to us in the comment section. Our experts will get back to you soon!