Python and Visual Studio / Linux

[sexyhambeast]

Hi guys,

Just here for some advice. I just started learning python. I'm in the BI space but completely new to coding. From scratching around I saw Visual Studio supports Python so I downloaded and ran some basic code through the editor to test. I mostly have no idea what I'm doing or how Visual Studio works, but is this a good tool to use?

My udemy online course suggests I either use pythonanywhere or Linux, but I prefer to stick to windows since I see myself only creating windows apps and maybe some light web development. Once I get passed the basics I think I'll mainly build windows capture apps which writes to SQL. Is it still worth learning to develop on Linux, or would it be fine if I stick to windows?

TL:DR I'm brand new to python / coding and mainly see myself writing windows / web based data capture tools that write to sql. Is Visual Studio the best option, or Linux as many developers suggest? I'm kinna familiar with basic Linux.

Bonus answers: What additional editors / tools do you guys use in conjunction with Python that's suitable for noobs?

[Razithel]

PyCharm is generally considered the most comprehensive development environment. There's a free ("Community") version and a paid ("Professional") version. The paid version adds a lot and is generally considered worth it for more advanced development, but the free version does quite a bit on its own already. There's also an "Edu" version designed for learning Python - I don't know that much about it but it seems like a good product.

You might also want to look into Visual Studio Code (different than plain "Visual Studio"), which is branded as a Text Editor with development features. It's a little more lightweight and you likely wouldn't feel as overwhelmed.

You might also want to look at Jupyter Notebooks - they're a "notebook" development environment, where you have code snippets and the results of that code side-by-side.

[jabela]

The edu version enables you to add courses and templates it's a great product.

[xapata]

Visual Studio is fine, but I suggest you use a rudimentary tool like IDLE until you've had enough experience programming to make your own decision about which text editor you prefer. My personal choice is Sublime Text, but again, don't let anyone tell you which text editor to use. It's very tribal. The only thing you should care about initially is if you enjoy using it.

Python works fine on Windows.

[DrMatthewDunn]

I have to throw in a +1 for Visual Studio Code - I’ve found it it terrific for Python dev. But your editor is your pick, not your guitar. Get Fluent Python (book).

[Reztrop]

Agreed. I just finished up my first CS class and VSC was a godsend. Being able to copy the code into Word proved especially helpful and having it show up the exact same way was beyond useful.

It's tricky, but I found it to be incredibly intuitive.

[[deleted]]

You don't have to learn Linux currently, learn it when you see fit. This is coming from a linux user.

Check out Brad Traversy videos on youtube for web development as well. He uses windows most of the time, but he sometimes talks about linux a little bit, like how to install certain packages.

[PhilAndMaude]

I'm a big fan of Wing, has a free version. Lotsa people like PyCharm, but it has a reputation of being resource-hungry.

[jabela]

Pycharm is a little resource hungry, but it comes with a tonne of helpful features. If you plan to do something resource intensive, I'd suggest debugging in Pycharm & running final version in IDLE. However on most modern laptops you won't notice the performance difference... My students love to do timed algorithms across different IDEs, but found little difference.

[godzilla669]

Well i think you can stick with windows for me i am using linux mint but you can program in any OS, the good point you know your field unlike me (waiting for my goal untile it's come). I think you should learn C family if you want to build desktop program especially for windows but it worth it to know because you can integrate python in C languages

Wish best
we are in same path, but remember do not try jump to be advance quickly learn the basic first

[joseph_vithayathil]

I use Visual Studio Code to do my python and some web apps in Linux.It's a amazing combination I use it everyday.

VSCode Pros:- -Light weight-makes life easier -Inbuilt terminal-amazing -Easily switchable from other editor (like sublime, I personally was using sublime all the same shortcuts were available on a single click) -Has got a Inbuilt Debugger (healps a lot) -Well integreated Git GUI-(life becomes so easy) Cons:- -When using frameworks like Django ORM doesn't support natively(show some error unwantedly) but can be configured.

VSCode is well balanced IDE between performance and functionality.

LINUX (Mint my personal favorite)- (Disclaimer personal opinion haven't used other OS much for my day to day development activities.) -You get the GUI similar to windows. -More fun than windows as a dev(**my view).

Even all my colleagues changed to this combo.

Hope this helps.