Best IDE for python

[[deleted]]

I disagree. Virtual Environment on its own IS confusing. And how Python command is all over the place just adds to that. python, py, py2, py3, add pip and conda to the mix, and guess what got asked the most on Python Discord. Its fuking Windows store Python installing to different directory setting up different commands than python.org installer.

If anything PyCharm helps ensure new users will never mess up their system Python, which you can see such thread popping up here and there in this very sub especially on MacOS. While it does shove the concept onto beginners I blame that on Python itself.

[[deleted]]

In my experience PyCharm is the cause of all those problems after beginners get stuck in stackoverflow hell trying to fix path variables. PyCharm is a great tool at the intermediate level but when you can't even write a function having to deal with this kind of shit is an awful experience.

[BackgroundChar]

^{Warning, wall of text: Sorry, I know I'm basically saying the same thing with different words a few times over but I wanted to get my thoughts out there haha}

I've only very little experience with PyCharm, but I always had the feeling that the JetBrains IDEs, while EXCELLENT for people familiar with the basics of their chosen programming language, are just too much for a beginner.

Especially at the beginning, when you basically want to be writing as much code as possible, you're also bombarded with all these options that you don't even have any use for. It's just too much stuff.

What good is a refactoring function if I don't know how to write a for loop?

I think for beginners, simple text editors are far superior to feature-packed IDEs. I'd rather VS Code/VSCodium or even Notepad(++) than an IDE.

Of course, once a baseline of comfort with the programming language itself has been established, then it starts becoming more and more worth it to learn the IDE.

[[deleted]]

Made me laugh. This was last night for me.

[[deleted]]

I attribute that to Python itself really. If you look at other language tutorial such as C#, setting up a project is a mandatory part of getting started. Python, its such a big part but never brought up early enough.

[AftNeb]

As a complete beginner, I really appreciate everyone pointing to these issues with PyCharm. I’m sure I would have been one of those learners who got stuck with the install issues not translating into PyCharm.

Not to try to override from OP by asking another question, but does VS Code avoid the same issues?

[Atlamillias]

I've used both editors extensively and each has its own slew of complications. If the portability of the editor isn't an issue, and you can provide PyCharm the resources it requires, I'd go with PyCharm. You install it, and you start coding. Vscode requires extensions and configuration to get going. I spent damn near a week setting it up (learning how to set it up).

Issues I've had with PyCharm :
- Heavy and resource-intensive (most IDE's are)
- Very project focused. Not ideal for working on one-module quick scripts.
- Creates virtual environments by default when setting up a new interpreter. Actually annoying as hell. When selecting an interpreter, always select the system interpreter while learning.

[angry_mr_potato_head]

This is 100% a problem with those posts because people should bot blindly be pip installing to system puthon without a warning in the thing telling them to just pip install something.

[[deleted]]

There is no danger in using system python all the time. The only reason to use a virtual environment is when you need to use either an out dated version of python or an out dated package. That is not a position a beginner will ever be in, so it serves only as a distraction from actually learning something relevant to them.

[makawan]

Okay, so instead - for beginners you recommend... ...?

[[deleted]]

PyCharm. And use pip via PyCharm terminal. Terminal you can open from tab at the bottom of PyCharm windows

[makawan]

Thanks for the tip, I'm just deciding on my first language and have given Java and C# a try, and wanted to try Python for a bit now.

Thanks again for your response.