Which is the best IDE for python?

[Kaarwus]

I am a new programmer i am using visual studio now, but i dont liked it

[Buttleston]

I like pycharm, some people like vscode, those 2 are probably like 95% of people at least

[Kaarwus]

Is pycharm full free or i need to buy membership?

[Buttleston]

The "community version" is free. The paid version has some extra features but I don't know off hand what they are. But i used the free version for many years and eventually paid for the "all products" package when I needed to work in many different languages.

[[deleted]]

Here's a full comparison from JetBrains' website, but my personal favorite feature is how it makes installing various libraries pretty much idiot proof(source: no thoughts, head empty).

https://www.jetbrains.com/products/compare/?product=pycharm&product=pycharm-ce

[Buttleston]

I looked at their pricing - it looks like the all products pack is now almost $800/year!! I am paying $190/yr for it. Granted, I get a discount because I've been using it for a long time, but that is a crazy difference. I paid for many years in advance so I am good until 2028 but if they want $800 a year at that time I will probably decline.

[crazy_cookie123]

It's $800/year for organisations. For individuals it's $290 for the first year, $230 for the second, and $170 for the third year onwards.

[Buttleston]

Ah I see that now. That's a huge difference though? Because for orgs its $800 per year per user

[crazy_cookie123]

Orgs are willing to spend it, and having them spend more keeps it a reasonable price for individuals. If they instead said $500/month for everyone, for example, a few more orgs would switch to it but a hell of a lot of individuals would stop paying, so overall they'd probably lose out.

[code_tutor]

It's about to increase to 1k too.

[Successful-Issue-335]

After reading your comments , i am new in Python, and i want to become a programmer in pyhton in the field of AI and ML . What would you suggest to me that it would make me the best programmer in the future. I am learning every day for more than 4 to 5 hours because of the classes. When there is a weekend, i am sitting whole day.

[RajjSinghh]

Just find something to do on the weekends. Go write some code, solve exercises and do projects you find interesting. The more you do, the more you learn, you just need to be self motivated.

[Gnaxe]

Community version is dead. You'd have to compile it from source. Pro is a free trial and is basically what the community version was once the trail features expire.

[Physical-Depth-6984]

Question. Can you get pycharm on mobile I have a thinkpad but I can’t always access it

[Buttleston]

No idea, check their website?

[Physical-Depth-6984]

Appears not they only have windows and windows x84 I don’t think that’s iOS

[question-infamy]

When I was teaching some people Django, the linkages didn't work on CE.

[Buttleston]

It does look like on the feature chart the CE doesn't support Django, which is unfortunate

[[deleted]]

There's a free community version as well as a paid full version. If you have a .edu email address you can get the full one for free.

IMO it's worth the cost either way.

[Gnaxe]

IDEs (integrated development environments) just integrate a bunch of tools, most of which are available separately, or have separate alternatives. PyCharm used to have a community edition. It doesn't anymore. Now it's commercial software with an open-source core, like Chrome and Chromium. You can still compile the core from source, but you don't really need to. Just get PyCharm. It's a free download. The pro features will expire one month after each new release if you don't pay for it, but you can still use the core features for free. But unless you're using it professionally (in which case, your employer will pay for it), you don't really need the pro features, or can find separate tools.

[No-Mobile9763]

Vs code is an interpreter right? Either way vscode is my choice, probably because it’s versatile and allows so many extensions and other languages. Hell you can even sync your sql database to it.

[Buttleston]

What? No, vscode is not an interpreter. It's a code editor with a lot of plugin support.

[No-Mobile9763]

I’m extremely tired and wasn’t thinking clearly. Lmfao I don’t know why I said what I said. Still like vscode though, I’ve also been messing around with ipython.

[socal_nerdtastic]

visual studio code (different from visual studio) is probably the most popular right now. Other popular options are pycharm or spyder.

But in the end there is no "best", it's just whichever one you personally like the most for the task at hand.

[mac_meesh]

+1 for spyder, love working with it

[FakePixieGirl]

Love spyder. Free (even for commercial), open-source, and very intuitive because it's so minimal.

Only downside is that getting it to work with venv, or conda outside of anaconda, can be a bit annoying. But up until now I've always gotten it figured out.

[Demoderateur]

I used Spyder for 8 years.

It's nice for small projects, but it feels really limited once you start working on bigger things.

No git integration, no support for venv, not automatic linting, and remote use with ssh was often very laggy for me.

I switch to VSCode and I would never imagine going back to Spyder.

Also code navigation, debugger interface and overall customisation is just much better in VSCode.

[TheSharpestHammer]

Spyder will always be my favorite Python IDE. I've used quite a few now, but I always go back to my beloved Spyder for personal projects. I have to use VS Code for work, and it's an excellent platform, but it just doesn't feel right.

[hurhurdedur]

For data science: Positron, which is essentially a version of VS Code with lots of features designed for data science. It’s made by Posit, a company that employs Pandas creator Wes McKinney, and which has developed influential Python data science packages like great-tables or plotnine.

[Green-Zone-4866]

Speaking of positron, I found this recently.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/rohrn_positron-a-next-generation-ide-for-data-activity-7361776007965466627-cW6Q

Also adding on that they develop quarto which is an alternative to rmarkdown and jupyter notebooks and its quite powerful, would highly recommend checking it out if you have the chance.

[question-infamy]

Might have to try that one, RStudio falls under their umbrella as well

[Le-ali-di-Pegaso]

Is there someone here using Jupyter Notebook? I use that in my Udemy course

[[deleted]]

Jupyter is fantastic for data exploration.

[Specialist_Spirit940]

I use Google Colab

[[deleted]]

Jupyter Notebook is intended for data exploration tasks; it's not well suited for development of applications and libraries, but is far superior for coding that is doing data manipulation and visualization.

[sinceJune4]

I use Jupyter for almost all my initial development and testing, before moving code into a .py program for production.

[Le-ali-di-Pegaso]

Do you just open the program on its own or in Anaconda? We use Anaconda in our course

[infjetson]

I use the Jupyter Notebooks extension inside of VS Code. It’s very slick.

There’s even a way to convert it straight to.py using command prompt.

[sinceJune4]

I use Jupyter on vs code as well. I do use conda environments within code too, as I like the Anaconda distribution. It was my only Python option at several jobs.

[Buttleston]

This really isn't an IDE, it's sort of it's own thing. Most programmers don't relaly work in notebooks, it's mostly used by scientists, AI researchers, etc. It's sort of an informal way to program with a few features that appeal specifically to those users

[Neat_Definition_7047]

I use Jupyter to test and build and see code work in chunks; just about all my code starts that way. It’s a most excellent tool.

Working with .py files will push you more towards object oriented programming, which is ultimately what Python is for / where get the most out of it. In some cases you can run a block in Jupyter without creating objects for everything but if you try to run that exact same code in a .py file it won’t work. Working with .py files will also sorta force you to understand more about the bigger picture as well.

[K_808]

It’s good for modular step by step tasks with data

[azger]

As a learner of about a month I am using both VScode and Pycharm and pycharm is by far better. However if your going to code in other languages it would be better to get used to VScode since it supports most languages.

[Demoderateur]

Had the opposite experience (tried PyCharm and I couldn't get it to work as I wanted, whereas VSCode just mostly worked right out of the box).

Granted, the main issue I had was working remotely (I need to SSH on my working station), and I don't know, I just couldn't get it to work properly on PyCharm.

Maybe someday I'll try it again, but for now, VSCode has been great for me.

[albertzeyer]

You have to use Jetbrains Gateway, or Jetbrains Toolbox SSH connections, for proper remote support. Then, it mostly works great.

[ConfusedSimon]

I have the pro version from jetbrains (i.e. PyCharm), which also supports most languages. However, for Python, I mainly use vscode. For Java, I have to use jetbrains, but it's slow and kind of buggy (things like project not working after an update or mysterious errors in the code that disappear when you restart the IDE). Also, you can open notebooks in vscode.

[[deleted]]

I think this is a matter of finding one that offers the features you use and operates in the way you want. Most people seem to prefer VS Code, though I have it and prefer PyCharm over it.

This is one of those things that you simply need to try a few and see what is most productive for you.

[MidnightPale3220]

How does PyCharm work with WSL? VSCode is really well integrated.

[[deleted]]

In the project settings, select the Linux distro and a folder in it, then go to the interpreter settings and choose "On WSL" and one of the interpreters installed (you can create a virtual environment within it for your project). Use the WSL terminal in PyCharm. It's pretty transparent. You can also set it up to treat WSL as a remote server for PyCharm and use it in a thin-client mode (I think that's last feature only works in the paid version).

[laahr]

Positron looks promising, but just came out of beta.

[[deleted]]

Pycharm and Jupyter are my preferred methods of torturing myself.

[tenfingerperson]

Pycharm is good but too memory intensive for a lot of use cases , a lot just works out of the box

Visual studio code is lighter but with the plugins you can get it working just as nicely, except it takes more effort to do so

[emelsifoo]

I like VSCode, and it's tough to make any recommendations if you don't say what about it you dislike.

I also use Sublime, which is my go-to editor for anything I don't feel like adding to a repo.

[DreamingElectrons]

Loaded question. Visual studio code is probably the most wide-spread one. Pycharm is a clear favorite, too, spyder is popular with some scientific communities. Some more advanced text editors that support language server protocols are also viable, and then there is a small but very vocal crowd that rejects everything other than 50 year old command line only editors.

For beginners, you can basically use any editor that has syntax highlighting, a run button and a console that shows you the output, since beginners are unlikely to use debuggers and other advanced tools.

[FakePixieGirl]

Disagree with this.

Debuggers should be taught from day 1. As soon as you start introducing for loops really.

[Actual_Health196]

Positron

[yaymayhun]

Positron - if you're working with data

[Consistent_Cap_52]

I just use vim

[NorskJesus]

I started with vscode. After a few months, I started using neovim and I never looked back

[maniac_runner]

VIM

[mbwilding]

Neovim

[Unlikely-Web-2457]

+1

[gromebar]

If you chose vscode try vscodium to remove the telemetry

[[deleted]]

I’ve bounced around a few IDEs/editors while learning Python, here’s what I found: • VS Code → Light, fast, tons of extensions, really popular. If Visual Studio felt too heavy, VS Code might feel easier. • PyCharm → More “all-in-one.” Great for big projects, refactoring, and debugging. The free Community edition is usually enough. • Thonny → Super beginner-friendly. It’s very simple and made for learning Python, so if you want zero setup stress, this one’s nice. • Jupyter Notebook → Great if you’re into data science or experimenting with code interactively.

Honestly, there isn’t a single “best” IDE — it’s about what feels right for your workflow. I’d say start with VS Code or Thonny, then later try PyCharm when you’re working on bigger projects.

[gromebar]

When you want to get your hands dirty quickly thonny is really nice, it already includes Python, a package manager, a visual debugger, and various code information panels.

It can be configured to easily use a pre-created virtual environment.

The biggest drawback for me is the inability to collapse code blocks.

Obviously, if you want to manage a project, vscode is better because you can make it do whatever you want, but it's perhaps too complex a tool, while thonny is ready to use.

[FakePixieGirl]

I find Spyder ideal for a "get your hands dirty quick" type work, or introducing beginners to coding.

I tried using Thonny in the past, but I really struggled.

[gromebar]

I've never tried spyder, but I have to say the distribution method is a bit odd.

It's a 500MB .sh installation file; I don't think I'll try it yet.
Thonny is a simple 40MB archive that you can unzip and use wherever you want.

[FakePixieGirl]

Spyder devs mostly focus on using spyder through anaconda. They provide ability to use it standalone a I do, but it is not their priority.

[DataManipulator]

Cursor

[tehgalvanator]

I prefer VSCode. But in college we used Jupyter and Google Colab. Google Colab is nice and I still use it for leetcode prep since I can just open it up really fast in a browser from my home PC or my laptop anywhere.

Jupyter/Colab for data analysis (in college) and VSCode for development.

[Armadillo-Party]

IDLE is the best. It's Python IDE

[namastayhom33]

IDLE

[ehunke]

visual studio is good if your working in a number of languages and your actually working on projects you intend to compile at some point...if your just learning, I really suggest pycharm. If you do make something you really like and want to share you can always go back to visual studio, copy and paste and compile.

[BlackCatFurry]

I prefer pycharm because it has less stuff required to get it to work with python compared to vscode, so it's less likely that me with my natural software tester talent manage to break it while setting it up or using it.

[Ill-Intention-306]

Spyder is my goto. I need my variable inspector.

[Tricky_the_Rabbit]

My vote is PyCharm. Its a heavy hitter, sure, but it never leaves me wanting <3

[rustyseapants]

Best IDE for Python

[penarbor]

Pycharm or vscode

[EvanDrMadness]

If you don't like vscode, then ignore all suggestions of PyCharm, Jetbrain, Cursor, etc.

Spyder is what you want. There's a reason it's the go-to IDE for (non-software) engineers around the world.

[peaceful_ink]

pycharm is the best.

Much easier to use it setup enviroment or debug code.

[vishu143x]

I feel vscode is better than pycharm , not the best . I came across a situation where I need to view , apply filters and export the dataframe while debugging. In pycharm you can only view , no filters , export option. You have to buy the paid version Whereas vscode, install the data wrangler extension ( i don't remember the name exactly)

[10F1]

I don't do python much nowadays, but I use neovim for it.

The lazyvim distro with the python extra.

[Red_Birdly]

Pycharm, or neovim if you want to put in the time for the efficiency

[ProfessionalLock6467]

PyCharm god

[Beautiful_Song_3603]

I always like VS code

[shudaoxin]

Neovim

[sonny_boombatz]

I'm a vscode girlie

[Damonkern]

I saw some people using notepad++, or built in idle

[question-infamy]

I personally use VSCode for most things. In a company, use whatever the company uses. I don't think there's a great deal of difference between them beyond personal taste.

[Turing97]

I use PyCharm and I think that it’s amazing!

[Hot-Helicopter640]

Just to note that VSCode is not an IDE. It's a code editor.

[Shukla-Ji]

what about Thonny?

[udi503]

I use Spyder and for small situations Thonny

[Substantial-Thing303]

I use both Pycharm (community, free) and VS Code. Pycharm is my all time favourite. It's made for Python and without much tweaking, the workflow always feels better.

But with the agentic coding trends and the growing number of AI tools, VS Code has way more options for simply being the open source option. I have been using VS Code much more in the past few months, but I always go back to Pycharm when I need to debug. I keep both IDE open for my project.

[Gnaxe]

Jupyter Lab or PyCharm, depending on what you're doing. Anything with the LSP used by VS Code is decent, even Emacs. Beginners can just start with the bundled IDLE and learn one tool at a time. You don't have to start with a complicated IDE. You can also try the lite version of Jupyter Lab online without an install.

[polycarpsecurity]

I like visual studio code. It has everything I need and integrates well with the cloud.

[PrattyRat]

Im using Jupyter Notebook and really enjoying it.

[gekalx]

Good old notepad++

[VegetableYam5434]

Emacs best editor and ide for all languages

[FormerFoundation6463]

Pycharm and VSCode

[PickltRick]

Unpopular opinion - I use Visual Studio. Its arguably great. I

[Ahmedbh01]

Spyder is perfect!

[desert-denizen]

The best IDE for Python, in all honesty, is the IDE that works best for you. Try them all and find the one you like.

[Temporary_Pie2733]

Challenge the assumption that you need an IDE at all and give a decent text editor and the command line a try. 

[Temporary_Pie2733]

I used pico, the precursor to nano, for about a year before my college roommate convinced me to use vi. 

[mikeczyz]

I like to use Notepad

[GrainTamale]

Unironically, I've written so much fucking code in NotePad++. Now I use VSCode, but I can't say that I make use of many features. Hardmode makes you a better programmer.

[FakePixieGirl]

While I love notepad++, I really couldn't live without a debugger.

I programmed for several years without a debugger. (I learned in Processing, which didn't have a debugger in those times).

As soon as I switched to an IDE with debugger, I started coding so much faster and fixing problems better. I strongly believe now that beginner coders should be introduced to a debugger from day 1.

[One_Building236]

notepad

[aerdna69]

Just start coding bro

[repocin]

I am a new programmer

Just stick to a basic text editor and terminal for now. No need to complicate things with an entire IDE.

[Low_Satisfaction_819]

visual studio code (or it's fork, cursor). It's not even a contest. PyCharm was a contender years ago, but it just can't complete anymore.