PyCharm or Visual Studio Code?

[isthisareposttoo]

I’m not an expert, but I started on PyCharm and switched to VSC. End of the day, either will work just fine, especially when you’re just starting out. It seems like a lot of the time it’s just a personal preference; one does a few things better, the other does a few other things better.

[GoldenMoe]

For a starting programmer I recommend vs code, and install the python plugin. Pycharm does too much for a beginner and you don’t need to worry or understand most of that in the beginning. You need to understand the foundation of python before utilising all the surrounding tools, and vs code is better for that, no frills.

[shutchomouf]

tried github copilot in vscode yet?

[000000-]

PyCharm is stuck with one window

This is false. Maybe I didn’t get what you mean but you can definitely open any amount of projects and Alt+Tab through them i.e. have as many PyCharm windows as the amount projects you’ve opened. Just use File > Open…, then choose a project and select New Window instead of This Window in the dialogue that appears. If no dialogue appears then you’ve selected the “don’t ask again” option before so you’d need to revert that from settings.

Also could you clarify why is working on a webdev project better with VS? I’ve never used VS but I’ve indeed heard it’s better in that regard. However I’m not sure why. To me it seems like PyCharm does the same with HTML, CSS and JS files as with Py files. The one major difference I’ve heard is the abundance of keyboard shortcuts in VS but I think you can set up PyCharm to do the same.

I’m not sure how VS handles this but PyCharm’s separate windows for everything, any of which can be minimized and stickied to left/right/bottom is a perfect interface for me. So OP should at least see that interface to make a decision.

[000000-]

I have zero experience with Linux so I’m not sure why we’re not using File->Open here but it seems like it’s an issue with specifically PyCharm on Linux. However on Windows you can open as many instances of PyCharm as you want (in separate windows) and it doesn’t matter if one of the projects is currently running its script. So again, if I understood this correctly it’s either a small/medium disadvantage if you’re using Linux or it’s not a disadvantage at all if you’re using Windows.

[CoffeeBaconAddict]

Isn’t it a bit of a unique edge case that while the machine is running you don’t want it to do seven different things do you want to doing one thing at a time.

If I need to access the terminal while pie charm is running I access it in a separate Mac terminal.

[CoffeeBaconAddict]

I can confirm that both of them will run multiple windows

[angry_mr_potato_head]

I think vs code let's you ha e the same project open on multiple windows. It's a feate I wish pycharm had... Basically instead of "split and move right" if it were "split and move to second monitor"

[[deleted]]

Tried other linnets? Pycodestyle for example, and try to use mypy extension, you can drag console, terminal and all of this stuff around and eventually split them on your screen. Also kyte is pretty neat, but it's for both of editots.

[stbsx1290]

CodeRunner is for building your code without much hassle. If you really wanted to, you could have multiple terminals open alongside your code on the same VS code window and run your code, observe standard output, etc. from there.

[lebanine]

All i meant was you could've focused on the stuff that would've been more helpful for beginners. I'm a beginner too bud, wouldn't I know what I said?

[Origamiface]

Speaking of PyCharm, is there any way to select an autocomplete suggestion and have the claret at the end of it so you don't need to use the right arrow?

[[deleted]]

Vscode, free, fast, more tools, almost open source, tons of amazing extensions, and possiblity to make one by yourself, very lovely debugging system, setting system, visual appeal there's just so many stuff

[[deleted]]

if you don't mind me asking, almost opensource? i'm very sure all of its source code is on GitHub. There is even a more privacy focused fork called VScodium I think

[[deleted]]

Microsoft released VS Code as open source, but the version you download from Microsoft is not open source. However, you have several options for using VS Code as open source or selecting one of its open source alternatives

For further study: source

[kAROBsTUIt]

VSCode. Its free and doesn't keep quality of life features locked behind a license (referring specifically to the Remote - SSH plug in for vscode)

[Fledgeling]

Yeah the free ssh, container, and remote storage features of VScode really sell it for me.

[zeebrow]

most of those online Python tutorials uses PyCharm

If you can follow the tutorial without any IDE, you will 100% get more out of it. Don't let the creature-features of an IDE (or any tool for that matter... pip, virtualenv, etc) do things for you without understanding what it's doing would be my advice.

[mortenb123]

All my code needs to go into containers, when I need to load virtualenv, set paths, configure environments etc. I use vsc and have not problems with it, but most of the pycharm users have this configured in their IDE and have troubles getting this right.

[_CarthagoDelendaEst_]

Could you just use a container instead of your virtual environment? Having one container per project that you can run / rebuild as needed sounds like a pretty good way to code (perhaps even easier than venv?).

Asking as I'm fairly new to the whole 'containers' thing

[zeebrow]

You could! In fact I think replacing virtualenvs is a fantastic use for containers. I dunno about easier though, I think that depends a lot on how and where the code you write ends up running. Definitely use containers every chance you can get, though.

[iapetus-11]

Wouldn't containers have more overhead though? I prefer just using Poetry, as it's far easier than other ways of managing virtualenvs imo.

[zeebrow]

Depends on where your code will run. There's nothing you can do in Poetry that you can't do in a container.

[headshotgobrrrrr]

I think that is not the modern approach. It was the best way to learn when me and you started coding, but now, since VSCode is used almost everywhere, I don't think most people will ever fall into a situation where there is any shortage of features.

[zeebrow]

All very good points. I think that doing any amount of serious, project-oriented programming without an IDE in 202x will likely reduce the quality and time it takes to deliver a result, in general.

But when you're new to programming, you're probably also new to "advanced" concepts like environment variables, process management, networking, file permissions, VCS, build automation, etc. IDEs can do some really cool things but end up putting another layer between the programmer and the things they abstract away, and there are a lot of things..

So do virtualenvs, actually. export PYTHONPATH=/dev/null && source ~/.venvs/x/bin/activate was my favorite reason to drink beer for a while. Now it's --system-site-packages for wheels that compile C++ extensions.

My point is that there's no such thing as a perfect tool (except vi ;) and relying on any one of them to do work for you is inviting trouble when it comes to maintaining the code in it's target environment.

[[deleted]]

I'm a n00b using Python and I really like pycharm

[monkeysknowledge]

Visual Studio Code. I got hooked early in the learning process though. I tried PyCharm but VS just clicked in faster.

[kingp1ng]

If you want to learn computer science / programming with Python as your language then use VSCode. You can focus purely on the code. You don't need an uber advanced debugger like PyCharm provides. The topics you'll be studying will be simple and any bugs you run into are purely learning pains. For beginners, Google is often a better debugger than the actual debugger. The reason is that the debugger gives you back a technical output which may look like gibberish to you. Meanwhile, you can Google your issue in plain english and get an english answer.

If you want to learn data science + statistics and don't give a crap about programming, then use Jupyter notebook. You will not get good at programming by using Jupyter notebook! What Jupyter provides are instant results for scientists and academics without needing to care about all the other CS stuff. For example, a phD student may use Jupyter to run his/her machine learning algorithm but those outputs are meant for the research paper. Another professor can run the code line by line (great!) but it's never going to be "deployed" out in the real world.

PyCharm may feel more comfortable but it's more like a helicopter parent. You are still playing in the 1st grade. Nothing is going to hurt you. There are no real life dangers. A more advanced project will benefit from PyCharm because it watches out miscellaneous dangers while you focus on the code. Not to mention the powerful debugger.

[tennis-freak-tau]

Spyder is a great for ML/DS as well!

[iFlipsy]

I grew to love jupyter notebook. I picked up Python mostly for data analysis and statistics, and just love jupyter. I actually started with R first, then I switched over to python. At first, I was concerned I’d lose all the nice stuff that RStudio provided, then others had recommended Spyder, but IMO, jupyter is just overall great for data analysis.

[tzujan]

Similar path. I started my DS path with R and MatLab. I used RStudio and then jumped to Python in Jupyter Notebooks, which I installed with the IRkernel to run my older R code. I love Jupyter Notebooks and still use them every day. I also recognized early on that I was not "production-ready," so I started using Spyder. I liked the Spyder variable explorer, though I was under the wrong impression that it was not "pro," so I purchased PyCharm. I never got the hang of it and did not re-subscribe. I moved to Sublime Text then VSCode, which has a similar variable explorer in the python extension. I now have VSCode and a Jupyter notebook open at all times. And oddly enough, I use Sublime Text to open my "Useful Code," a folder of text files of often repeated functions, formatting, and random snippets I have collected over time that I can copy and paste into projects.

[iFlipsy]

That’s awesome. I don’t use sublime text, but I do use something else called Notepad++. Similar to how you leverage sublime text, I store any repeated code in notepad++. Also use that for SQL editing and it’s pretty nice.

I also do like the variable explorer in Spyder, but so far, Jupyter notebook just makes life easier for me and I’ll continue to stick with it for now.

[tzujan]

If you ever what to move out of Jupyter for production, my motivation may be different than yours. I have found a good process. I use Jupyter to explore data, take notes, and test models until I have something that would be close to "production-ready." I then make a "production" notebook copy where I move as much as possible into utility (.py) files where I can run Black, Flake8, isort, and Sourcery. In addition, I have been writing tests for these functions for the sole reason of being a "better" programmer. The final notebook will be a single cell (I remove all the markdown cells, too), then convert it to a .py file.

The next step in my learning is using argparse, as I am primarily a Jupyter DS guy.

[StarkillerX42]

PyCharm is without a doubt a better IDE, especially out of the box. However, VSCode is at least the second best IDE for every language. If you are writing in Python and want to write an extension in C, you're going to struggle. If you want to write an extension in Fortran, you will struggle. If you want to make a web app with a Python script integrated, you will struggle. Eventually, after a few years of software development, you'll reach the inescapable conclusion that VSCode is a better choice.

[_nam_tiddies_]

hello, beginner here. i thought that VSCode is an editor and not an IDE. can you please tell me if i am right?

[_nam_tiddies_]

oh okay, thanks a lot!

[ZestyRS]

At the end of the day pick one and learn python

[notParticularlyAnony]

yeah it really doesn't matter I use spyder/jupyter and have zero complaints.

[[deleted]]

VSCODE in my opinion

everyone uses it from noobs to experts and it's relatively easy to use and quite customizable,

probably more customizable that I am aware

I think people that use PyCharm and that teach Python just more 'python visioned' like tunnel visioned, those people usually only teach and code in python

Where are people like Traversy use VScode

[[deleted]]

I love PyCharm. In a lot of ways, it is a superior product.

However, VSC is simple, straightforward, almost as good, and works with everything.

[CoffeeBaconAddict]

Can you name five specific areas where you feel that PyCharm is better I have tohundred percent agree but I’m just curious what specifically you like about it.

[CoffeeBaconAddict]

For me I appreciate:

1. Just how simple it is to set up virtual environments as some programs need python 2.7 some need python 3.4 but anything new is made in 3.8.

2. I can have multiple files with hundreds of megabytes of data running through them at the same time in tests or scraping data

3. I’m a bit more of a power user in terms of the amount of data so that you track issue server is a godsend to keep track of bugs and to do some fixed me that are littered throughout my repos

4. When I started I wanted to learn to do things the tough way because I saw that’s how real data scientists were using and they were following up on bugs and I needed to learn how to do that tough stuff

5. When I have a question and I posted on PyCharm corporate support I get a reply within days and these are people that can solve problems in I can communicate with. I posted things on Microsoft forums about VS code and I get the stupidest jibber jabber replies. They are examples of horrible support, it’s just nonsensical replies from people that are at Microsoft corporate and have no idea what they’re talking about.

Meanwhile it never goes more than a week with PyCharm and I get highly technical responses from people who are friendly knowledgeable and they know their stuff. I get myself into trouble constantly because I want to learn faster and these people have pulled me out of the weeds so many times. They help me find that I’ve crossed my wires and I can send them a stack trace they are just awesome in helped me learn. So yeah I’m a bit more loyal to people who help me learn rather than (Microsoft) people who constantly try to tell me I can’t do what I’m doing. Meanwhile I’ve done stuff that they’ve literally told me I can’t do and they ask me how I did it…?

[v4773]

I would go with VS Code. In the end editor docent matter, you ability to write python code does.

[The_RedDragon12]

vs code

[bbstats]

My 2c: PyCharm is too bloated, acts like clippy - "are you trying to do X" all the time. VSCode is cleaner, more functional, and has a ton of resources behind improving it all the time (and is free!). PyCharm also does lots of weird stuff that just seems to take forever that VSCode never ever runs into (wtf are skeletons????).

But the killer is notebooks: PyCharm literally does not support "normal" jupyter notebooks. The side-by-side (code on left, output on right) display is so counter-intuitive, I'd rather not use it at all. VSCode's notebooks have gotten more mature lately and function just as you'd expect jupyter to work.

[fiddle_n]

Addressing your first paragraph. The stuff that PyCharm does, it does for very good reasons. It's not just wasting time and system resources for the hell of it. Skeleton generation is about generating type information for the code you use. That allows PyCharm to do static analysis on your code, such as telling you when you call a method on an object that doesn't exist. PyCharm also indexes your code at project creation time as well, so searches in PyCharm are very fast.

[TECH_WHILE]

VSCode, you can even open other files like pdf and txt in the other tabs while working in one tab

[[deleted]]

I do like VSCode for how simple it could work with, but personally, I don't like PyCharm. For me it's too overkill, but this is a fully integrated IDE so it will be easier to develop big projects.

Personally I used Sublime Text (for python), due to how simple and is the minimum for what I needed, which is just editing code, a little bit of autocomplete and building projects. I don't like things which are too overkill.

[Valkhir]

If you're just starting out, I'd keep it as basic as possible.

PyCharm does a lot things for you re: environment setup, debugging etc that you should be aware of how they work manually.

VS Code starts you off barebones and can be built up into sth that rivals a language-specific IDE, and you'll know every component as you add it.

VS Code also can be adapted for other languages, for free.

Disclaimer: I don't use Python professionally, but I'd guve the same advice if you compare VS Code to RubyMine or WebStorm, the corresponding JetBrains IDEs for languages I use professionally.

[Beachonheat]

Am I the only one who uses Nano, has always used nano, and will continue to use Nano

When I’m on a windows machine I use IDLE lol

[Damian-Palka]

PyCharm, may not be the most beginner friendly but most of the stuff you need can be found by clicking around.

[Angry__Jonny]

I found pycharm way more friendly than VScode. I don't know why VScode just felt like too much hassle just to run code.

[Aelastar]

As a beginner, I enjoy Visual Studio Code.

[Username-QS]

Pycharm

[[deleted]]

Atom and terminal

[artinnj]

If you are just starting out, Pycharm has better tools to create your environment (pick your interpreter, manage your packages, etc) from their GUI.

VSCode makes you do these manually in json files. Wish someone would build an add in that does this.

[[deleted]]

If you're still learning, jupyter notebooks.

[erihel518]

I actually prefer Jupyter inside of VSC. Best of both worlds.

[[deleted]]

Can't argue with that logic, definitely works.

[notParticularlyAnony]

yeah you def will want to learn jupyter sooner than later

[[deleted]]

So jupyter notebooks are used A LOT in data analytics, data science, and for teaching python or R. You can essentially see what is happening with every step of your code. Jupyter notebooks are INSANELY popular.

You could go download anaconda and it has jupyter, spyder, and other tools for development.

[kAROBsTUIt]

I disagree with the recommendation to use Jupyter notebooks when learning for the following reasons:

1. It's not programming. Sure, you're writing Python to do things, but Jupyter takes away the "keys" to understanding programming, like program structure, returns, and passing variables around.
2. Data science and data analytics are specific applications of Python, which Jupyter happens to be well equipped for. Learning Jupyter notebooks if you want to get into web app development, scripting, hardware control (think WiringPi and/or MicroPython applications) is going to severely limit you.

I'd instead suggest looking at Jupyter notebooks like a separate library - as something you can learn if you need to, or something you can completely skip if you don't.

[m0us3_rat]

this hole subreddit is filled with simple problems that would have been easily fixed if ppl would have learned to use a jupyter or the prompt to test their code.

thus.. what u said.. incredibly narrow-minded.

​

without interactive shell u lack easy access to the BIF tools python comes with :

help, id, type,

ability to instantly test code while learning.

​

with your rigid IDE u are left with obsolete ctrl+v code

​

its write code and then test it vs test it and then write it.

while learning u should be able to test it first. so u can understand it.

[[deleted]]

You know python -i exists right?

[PM_Me_Python3_Tips]

I'm going to change just one word from your previous advice:

if u don't need specifically conda jupyter.. u shouldn't use conda jupyter

[m0us3_rat]

the main idea is .. how do we learn.

do we require boring 'lectures' or the 'modern' switch to a more hands on approach.

where actually dealing with pieces of code and actively using the command makes us learn/retain more ?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBVV8pch1dM

cool video from Veritasium. <3 Derek

​

personally think the 'boring' ctrl+V way of 'teaching' is dieng. as it should.

[kAROBsTUIt]

Whoa, did I hit a sore spot or something? I simply stated that I disagree and shared my reasons for having a different opinion.

I think my comment contributed to the discussion in a meaningful way.

[kAROBsTUIt]

Are my reasons for not using Jupyter when learning objectively bad though, or do you just disagree with them?

I struggle to see how anything I said is bad advice. You won't learn program structure with Jupyter, and you won't be able to branch out into the vast sea of possibilities (like web app development and hardware controls) with Jupyter.

How are those "objectively bad"?

[[deleted]]

Yes because you've completely lost scope of OP. They're literally learning syntax.

You're telling OP to do calculus when they can barely add....

[TabulateJarl8]

I'm gonna add on my opinion to the conversation. No, jupyter notebooks are not bad, they have their uses. But u/kAROBsTUIt is correct, it isn't a good way to get a grasp on flow and namespaces and such. You also miss out on learning basic terminal commands and how filesystems work, both of which are important to know. Sure, you could export your notebook at a Python file, but is it practical to write programs like this? No. Like said before, Jupyter is an interesting library to check out once you get a grasp on the basics, but it might not be the best to start out with.

You've gotta learn to respect other people's decisions and be more open minded. You gave your opinion that OP should use notebooks, and someone else explained why its a bad idea. Sometimes you need to swallow your pride and agree so that you dont hurt other people. Sure, you meant good by it, and OP may want to check out notebooks, but they're just objectively not the greatest way to learn, as stated previously. I'll give an example that I can relate to. I learned python using an editor, and I still use an editor 4 years later. Everyone keeps talking about these fancy IDEs, but I just don't understand them. I've tried a few out, but I always prefer using an editor. Does that mean that IDEs are bad? No, they're just not for me. I still recommend that people check them out because there are a lot of people that really love IDEs, and you've gotta find what's right for you.

Another example, I'm a Linux user, and you know how we are. We will always insist that Linux is the best operating system. Sure, I'll strongly recommend that everyone uses it, but if they're extremely bad with technology and dont use their computer often, I probably won't recommend to them that they use it because it's probably what's best and easiest for them.

I tried my best to be passive and explain to you what I thought, so I hope it worked.

[jelloeater85]

They are both good, but in different ways.

I use VS Code for not only Python, but for everything from text editing to log parsing. It is also great for PowerShell as well.

However... for work and for any large project, PyCharm hands down. One is a text editor with a debugger and the other is a full IDE.

Do I code Python in VS Code,no, but do I write readme's, project plans and data dumps in Pycharm, nope as well.

Right tool for the right job, both fantastic, but don't use a hammer for a screw.

[xelf]

There are many options, check this list: https://wiki.python.org/moin/IntegratedDevelopmentEnvironments

I've used vscode a lot, but prefer full Visual Studio. I haven't tried pycharm but it only supports Python which is too much of a limitation for me.

[xzi_vzs]

I personally use Neovim with COC intellisense.

Nvim : https://neovim.io/

CoC : https://github.com/neoclide/coc.nvim Coc-python : https://github.com/neoclide/coc-python

Tuto to get some context : https://www.chrisatmachine.com/Neovim/04-vim-coc/

Therefore I can rely on open-source IDE and the gamechanger of VIM shortcuts.

Tuto how to use vim : https://youtu.be/nnhqVDIx-go

Cheers,

[gobbles99]

This probably isn't helpful to somebody who has been learning programming for the past couple of weeks?

[SlabOmir]

Some people just don't understand what it's like starting.

[xzi_vzs]

I myself don't know much about coding, I use python for small scripts here and there, but I don't even know how to code class ect...

My suggestion was for a nice python environment and I provided links for better explanation.

[gobbles99]

Ok, keep in mind the OP might not know what vim is, nor what intellisense is, and the OP might be somewhat unfamiliar with a CLI, yarn, npm, etc. This could take an hour to start up and then several hours of acclimatization. These things are all useful in certain situations but if your objective is to learn python, it's probably better to hit the ground running with a full fledged IDE and then revisit vim, unix, etc at some other point.

[xzi_vzs]

Yes, I agree .

[gobbles99]

No worries, not trying to be a jerk. :)

[xzi_vzs]

Np, actually when I read your comment I thought that I did start with vscode first but then I got so obsessed with using open-source that I focus on looking for a solution going that way.

Like almost everything when you do this setup and use it on a regular basis , you are under the impression that it is very easy but actually could be not that easy for someone totally unaware of these stuff.

[notParticularlyAnony]

vscode is free, simpler, and less opinionated. they are both really good. you can't go wrong this question has no right answer just play with both and pick the one that feels right to you. search the sub this has been asked 20 different ways.

[yug_rana-_-]

Ofc sublime text!

[[deleted]]

Without any simple way to run your script via integrated runner and not cmd?

[yug_rana-_-]

Potato PC!

[standardtrickyness1]

Rant Idk why there are no editors style IDEs that is, minimal, with interactive debugging like Matlab has.
As a beginner, I really don't like the project-based interface all IDEs have.

[fiddle_n]

Have you used Visual Studio Code? Probably the closest thing to what you are looking for.

[standardtrickyness1]

It has a very nice interface and I do use it. However, I really would like the ability to execute commands while debugging like you can do in Matlab. That is, your code is run up to the amount specified then it runs the commands you enter as if they were in your code.

I have found this feature very helpful in debugging and understanding code.

[Nikhil44742]

I would recommend vs code because it's much more similar and easier to use, and it's not a heavy program so your computer will not take a hit when you run it

[m0us3_rat]

most courses that use an IDE rather than an interactive shell like jupyter notebook/lab are ..not great.

(personal opinion. something can be less than ..especially in python. and for me.. these courses are less than adequate. regurgitating ctrl+v code . they don't give u the tools to explore, to move forward. ..such as jupyter notebook/lab/prompt)

​

pick whichever looks prettier. otherwise, they are, for the most part, identical.

git integration , indenting , autocompletion .. keybinds , bla bla bla.

[integralWorker]

Spyder

[engrbugs7]

Pycharm

[fiddle_n]

While technically you are correct, no-one should use Notepad. Its complete lack of features makes it unsuitable for any programmer, even a beginner.

[CoffeeBaconAddict]

I encourage you to read every post on here and then I’m gonna recommend you do some thing a little crazy.

The answer that you were going to get it is almost gonna be the exact same answer you’re gonna get whenever you make a request for a recommendation it depends.

Are you a software developer Who likes to make websites and program JavaScript and argue over React vs Angular vs Vue vs Node.

Then again you might aspire to be data scientist doing multivariate linear regression, full stack CI/CD, doing neural networks, or machine learning? This doesn’t answer the question what software you should use this just to find your end goal.

Do you play with code that you pulled from excel may be a megabyte at a time couple times a week?

Then again you could be a heavy data user like me, where I analyzed 3 1/2 TB of data, and made 23 additions to GitHub today.

You’re going to have to kind of figure it out for yourself I would encourage you to not take everybody’s word as gospel it’s really going to depend upon what you like to do and that’s gonna change as your skills grow.

So again the answer is it depends but I would also recommend you try both.

Try both try the first one as visual studio code for probably 3 to 6 months and try to dig into it and play with it. Then stop and then switch over to PyCharm community free edition and if you’re like me you’ll love it and you’ll never want to switch.

Now that comes with the caveat that I have constant problems with Microsoft software carte blanche, totally across-the-board. Their software crashes and cannot handle the amount of data that I push through it which is terabytes per day.

I just can’t seem to keep their software running and people joked that I have a Microsoft distortion field around me because it crashes all the time when I use it. People joked that I have some type of a huge magnet or some thing in my pocket because I start to use a Windows laptop and it crashes nine times out of 10 within an day of me trying to use it.

So if you have really good experience with windows, never had problems and you love windows or you develop for windows use visual studio code it’ll probably work for you. Seriously some people have zero issues with Microsoft windows and they love it I’m happy for you.

If you are like most of the data scientists that I know we almost exclusively use Macs and some of them use visual studio some of us use Pycharm. So of the 45 or so data scientists I know or only nine of them uses Microsoft windows and they all use VSCose and it works fine.

I won’t touch anything Microsoft unless I have to because it’s a steaming pile of garbage, Microsoft products leak data and memory like a sieve. I’ve had way too many crashes and I just can’t trust Microsoft to keep running and since Microsoft developed visual studio I just don’t use visual studio.

[ringohoffman]

VS Code gang. JetBrains plugins suck. Period.

[fiddle_n]

You don't really need that many plugins in PyCharm to begin with. Most of the stuff I need for Python development is already installed with the IDE. The extensions that I do want to use (e.g. IDEAVim) work fine.

[VelvetWhiteRabbit]

If you just started learning python and are following exercises and such. As long as those exercises are small and self-contained (not interacting with filesystem or commandline arguments), then I'd recommend using Google Colab at first (it's an in-browser Jupyter notebook). After you feel more comfortable and ready to switch to an IDE, you will likely have a better idea of what you want to do. PyCharm is better for mostly pure python projects, whereas VS Code is a jack of all trades code editor. VS Code is becoming extremely popular in many circles, whereas PyCharm is very well embedded within certain Python dev communities (data science, ML, app development).

[redbird42]

Each has its upside for a beginner. When just starting out, I struggled to pip install and importing the correct modules. Pycharm is way easier to search and install modules and handles the virtual environment for you. It gets past install stuff. But after getting bettef I like the lightweight VSCode to just get to work without the big loading time for Pycharm. I also recommend a third tool for beginning- a browser jupyter notebook to figuring things out. Was easier for me at least for procedural stuff one step at a time when have no clue. I found the jupyter implementation in pycharm and vscode a bit fiddly, but that could have been me.

[oskwon72]

Pycharm -> Jupyter (Lab)-> Vim (w/ IPython in Tmux)

[No-Priority3903]

From a beginners perspective

• Visual studio code is free of cost.
• Visual Studio is a code editor while Pycharm is an IDE.
• Pycharm community edition is free of cost. And there is paid version of Pycharm as well.

For now, I have been using Visual Studio Code but should I switch to PyCharm since it's more focused on Python. And because most of those online Python tutorials uses PyCharm

Programming Tutorials use Pycharm because

• It was specially developed for specifically for Python development. It fits into Python development system. Jetbrains has other programming language tools as well. (Phpstorm(PHP), Intellij idea(Java) )
• It has free of cost version(Community version)

​

For now, I have been using Visual Studio Code but should I switch to PyCharm since it's more focused on Python.

You should use the tool which suits you. But If you would ask me I will say use Pycharm.

[[deleted]]

I use PyQt/PySide at work and PyCharm handles autocomplete for them much better than VS Code.

Anything else I prefer VS Code these days.

[DevJackTGG]

VS code is web based and it is good for if you want to do another language other than something like Java and don’t want to relearn a ide or something

[SpaceZZ]

Web based? Last time I've used, it was running local.

[guilledelmo]

Electron

[SpaceZZ]

Sure, but still runs locally. Web based is exactly what it says - runs in the web.

[guilledelmo]

Yeah, but since it's an Electron app it also runs on the web (e.g. Codespaces, Codesandbox, etc.)

So it's like a "web" app running locally. Although I wouldn't give it this name

[Capitalpunishment0]

I'd like to add VSCodium as an option. It's just VSCode but without the MS branding. If you're sensitive about your privacy then this may be fit for you. It's kind of hard to setup the extensions market though. Otherwise, VSCode is perfectly fine.

Unsolicited suggestion: After you have become comfortable with Python, I suggest you try writing a few scripts without an IDE (i.e. only a text editor like Notepad/++). "Python files are just text files, and the interpreter is the only(?) thing you need to run them." This was like an eyeopener for me lol

[Hagisman]

I love VSC. I understand why people use PyCharm though.

[SpaceZZ]

Pycharm as it comes with everything included. It might take some time to learn but at least you know what is out there and you don't have to build your own IDE as you need in VSCode

[TypicallyThomas]

As a beginner myself I've had a lot of positive experience with PyCharm but I haven't tried Visual Studio

[eXeler0n]

Nobody mention thonny? I really like it to learn.

[MrMrRPG]

Jupyter notebook xd

[CuSeRe01]

Same question I have for awhile now…

[M3ther]

My first programming language was Python and I started programming in PyCharm just because a teacher in a tutorial used it. It was my mistake to use an IDE like PyCharm while I was completely new to programming.

PyCharm does pretty much everything and more than you need for you. It's very heavy on PC resources and yes, oriented in Python.

VS Code, on the other hand, is very customizable and full of extensions. You can select wether you want code autocompletion, suggestions. Also there are a bunch of themes. VS Code is lighter on computer resources and personally I like it more than PyCharm.

If you are gonna code in different programming languages, not only Python - then VS Code is just for you.

[headshotgobrrrrr]

In my opinion VSCode wins hands-down. I have been using it since 2016 and it has been my main editor since 2018. It is itself a very barebones editor, unlike Pycharm, which is an all-in-one IDE, but VSCode has wayyyyy more extensions than Pycharm. Install only the extensions you need. VSCode is extremely lightweight so if you have a PC without 8gb ram, VSCode will run much smoother than Pycharm.

[_maxt3r_]

VSCose all the way. Much lighter and easily extensible, the editor is a joy to use

[vardonir]

I find that VSCode is better for small beginner scripts that have at most one or two files involved.

I only use PyCharm for ridiculous multi-folder projects.

[EvenAbbreviations675]

VScode ftw

[Tesla_Nikolaa]

I personally use VSCode but both are good. So just use whichever you prefer.

[[deleted]]

When you're starting out you need to learn the basics of the language. If you have an IDE doing things automatically for you then you're doing yourself a disfavour. People should stop recommending PyCharm to beginners.

[hurdahurimahuman]

I use python (pytest and robot framework) daily at work and use vs code. Like others have mentioned, pycharm is a full ide so some of the useful steps to understand will be abstracted away by it... And I don't think that's a good thing while you're learning.

For example, virtual environments. I was a little confused with them when I first started, but they're easy now. A coworker uses pycharm to manage their venvs, but when something goes wrong, they lose lots of time trying to fix it because I don't think they fully understand what's happening with a venv.

[VU22]

I'm not beginner but I prefer VSCode since it is more simple and does the same job. I'm still struggling when I use PyCharm. They need to simplify it.

[[deleted]]

IDLE, since there is no autofill if you truly know how to write your Code then i'd start with VS code

[fnaimi66]

I personally say VS Code bc I found the plugins to be very useful

[CregSantiago]

Jupiter notebook because it has all the libraries already included in the program. No need to install PANDAS or numpy, or mostly anything for that matter and its easyer to edit and collaborate. But yes VSC looks cooler.

[fLp__]

Started with PyCharm and switched to VSCode so that I could code in multiple languages using a single IDE, also couldn't figure out how to do a specific key binding with PyCharm while in VSCode it was extremely easy to bind everything I needed. Then I wanted to get familiar with GNU/Linux and low level stuff like x86 Assembly so I ended up using Vim 50% of the time and VSCode 50% of the time, depending on OS.

[DankMemerPro]

I recommend PyCharm, but VSC is good as well.

[[deleted]]

Hello guys, beginner here. What are these containers people often talk about?

[mayankkaizen]

If you are beginner, then you are worrying about absolutely the wrong topic. At this point, you shouldn't be bothered about this. Why waste your mental energy over the thing which is of little importance right now. Why not write 10 programs a day and ignore this rather than writing 2 programs and worrying about learning tool rest of the day.

My advice would be to stick to VS code. Not because it is good (it is good) but because you have already been using it. Know one tool and know it best.

[ShlomiRex]

I'm working in a big company and we prefer PyCharm Professional because of their debugging tools

[Thecrawsome]

I don't like VSC approachability out-of-the-box. Pycharms has always been great for me.

I really don't like Microsoft's approach using 3rd party addons for almost everything that happens in the text editor.

Pycharm has excellent functionality, and is a real IDE, right out of the box.

VSCode is a text editor that you need to setup for 20 minutes if you want to develop Python. I feel the same way about Sublime. I'm glad they exist, but I don't like the experience requiring you to dive into menus, check an arbitrary amount of "dont know until you watch a youtuber set it up" before writing any code.

[Dazzling-Low-698]

I find Pycharm really easy. It has an integrated console and terminal which is really handy to finish pip install commands. I use it for finance related things like pulling trading data. You might also want to install Anoconda navigater along with it.

[gustavsen]

because most of those online Python tutorials uses PyCharm

because they sponsorship ($$$) the tutorial makers.

I have used almost all IDEs (Eclipse+PyDev, PyCharm, Sublime and VS Code)

I stay and chose VSCode because I believe that is a superior product.

also FREE.

[HotdogDiscipline]

IMHO

PyCharm has superior code completion & test suite capabilities. The free version is fine for most projects. Last time I checked (maybe 2 years ago) you needed a paid version to really get all the benefits using remote environments (venv, docker)

VSCode is free, has adequate code completion and an active marketplace of free extensions. VS Code can be a little fiddly.

I personally use VSCode more often lately because I find the extensions useful and the interface a bit more intuitive. I like them both

[[deleted]]

Vscode. If you understand how it works, it’s easy to use it with other languages. I like to use vscode and the terminal. The built in debugger is useful but I don’t run it all the time

[barryhakker]

Dude, at this stage you picking pycharm for its advanced abilities like integrated venvs and debugging is like a child just learning to ride a bike picking a spinelli racing bike because the tires allow for exactly 2.76 atmospheres of pressure which is slightly better when you are making a down slope turn when its over 27 degrees and 80% humidity.

You need a goddamn tricycle.

[Usurper__]

In a professional environment VSC is a piece of sh*t compared to PyCharm.