When it comes to programming the very first term from which you will be starting your programming or coding phase will be by using an IDE. There are several IDEs which you can use, some are good for other programming languages and some are good for Python programming. Doesn’t matter how big or small project you are working on, an IDE will always be there for you to help you write clean and error-free code. If you don’t understand what we are talking about then let us tell you a bit about it.
What is Python IDE ?
An IDE which is an acronym of Integrated development environment which simplifies or makes your coding task much smoother and easier by the features and interface of itself. Similarly, Python IDE tends to provide you the interface and an environment where you can perform Python coding tasks and it will help you make the task easier by the set of features includes in it. If you are using an IDE instead of using a plain editor, then there will be more chances that Python code you will write, will be much structured and error free. There are many features which a good Python IDE can offer you and some of them which you will be using often are:
- Automatic code formatting
- Syntax highlighting
- Run code from within the environment
- Debugging support
- Save and reload code files
The set of features comes with an IDE for Python are depended on how good and Rich that Python IDE is, so we have prepared some of the best Python IDE list which you should use if you want to write rich Python code.
Best Python IDE
1. Pycharm (Windows, Mac, Linux)
Pycharm is one of the IDE specifically made for Python programming. This IDE for Python comes with a complete set of tools for Python development which is perfect for professional programmers. It lets you code faster and easier with its configurable editor with code completion, snippets, code folding and split windows support as well.
There are several features which Pycharm comes with such as Smart Code Navigation which helps programmers to edit and reform the code without putting extra time and effort. You can use the smart search to jump to any class, file or symbol, or even any IDE action or tool window. With just one click, you can switch to the declaration, super method, test, usages, implementation, and more. It also has amazing debugging and testing features which helps you debug Python, JavaScript, and Django code as well. Also, the testing feature of Pycharm simplifies Python application testing. Since this IDE supports all three major Operating Systems so you can try it without having any issue.
2. PyDev (Windows, Mac, Linux)
PyDev is second best Python IDE which is used with Eclipse as an extension, it’s an Open source IDE so you can totally use it for free. This IDE is specifically made for Python, Jython and IronPython development. There are various features which you will be using with PyDev in Python programming such as code completion which is very helpful for completing variable on the class, getting the builtins, completing on an import, handles wild-imports, local imports, local variables, etc. Apart from code completion it also gives you features like Code Analysis, Refactoring, debugging, Code coverage, PyLint integration, Interactive consoles, Type hinting, and many others which is something you are gonna love if you want to code neat and faster.
3. IDLE (Windows, Mac, Linux)
IDLE is also an IDE for Python which is actually fully coded in Python and works for Windows, Mac, and Linux. This IDE comes with Python shell window with colorizing of code input, output, and error messages. Apart from that, it has a multi-window text editor with multiple undo, Python colorizing, smart indent, syntax highlighting, call tips, auto-completion, and other features as well. Using IDLE, you can easily search within any window, replace within editor windows, and search through multiple files debugger with persistent breakpoints, stepping, and viewing of global and local namespaces configuration, browsers, and other dialogs.
This IDE is very decent and useful for those who started programming in Python. Since most of the users who gain experience they most likely to move forward from IDLE to some other advanced Python IDE.
4. Thonny (Windows, Mac, Linux)
Here comes another Python IDE for beginners who stepped into Python programming and wanted to explore more into it. Since Thonny is a beginner-friendly Python IDE it lets you elaborate the code more deeply so you can learn easily. The very initial UI of Thonny is pretty clean and stripped of other advanced features so you may not get distracted or confused with some other features. The simple debugger runs your programs step by step and piece-by-piece. There are many other features which are very helpful for beginner Python programmers such as step by step expression evaluation, highlighting on syntax errors, representation of function calls, code completion and many others. So if you are willing to learn Python from scratch with the implementation then Thonny can be the best IDE for Python beginners.
5. Visual Studio code (Windows, Mac, Linux)
When it comes to some of the best Ide for programming then Visual Studio always stands in the top 10 list and is one of the advanced IDE which used by professional programmers. It comes with auto-complete and IntelliSense, IntelliSense quickly shows methods, class members, and documentation as you type, and you can trigger completions at any time by pressing Ctrl+Space. It gives you advanced debugging of your code so you can set breakpoints, inspect data, and use the debug console as you run your program step by step. Using this IDE you can easily debug a number of different type of Python applications, including multi-threaded, web, and remote applications as well. One of the best parts of using Visual Studio Code IDE is that it is Extensible and customizable so you can add more features using the extensions as per your needs.
6. Wing (Windows, Mac OS X, Linux)
Wing is an another advanced Python IDE which provides you intelligent editor, testing, refactoring, debugging, code intelligence, and search capabilities that reduce development and debugging time, cut down on coding errors, and make it easier to understand and navigate Python code. It also has Django and other Framework Support. However, it comes in three versions Wing Pro, Wing Personal and Wing 101, in which the Wing Pro holds the maximum amount of features but you have to pay for the Pro version. If you are a student and not doing it professionally then Wing Personal can be good enough for you, besides its free and if you are just a beginner then you must try the Wing 101 which is also free to use.
7. Komodo (Windows, Mac, Linux)
Komodo is kind of universal IDE which supports a lot of programming languages includes Python. It comes with almost all the features you’d expect. Some features like syntax coloring for dozens of languages, code completion, intelligent auto-indenting, find and Replace with regular expression support, code folding, and tabbed editing are some common features you will surely get amongst many others. With Komodo IDE you get local or remote debugging for Python 2.4 – 3.1 and you will be able to set breakpoints on files or lines, on function calls or returns, on exception, and more. It is usually known as a paid IDE but it does have a Free edition as well which you can use if you are into your learning phase however for later professional Python development you should go with the Pro version of it. The price of Komodo IDE can disappoint you a little bit if you are more into open source IDE but the price of it worth paying and the advanced interface and features of this IDE makes it the best Python IDE.