Python is gaining significant traction in web development, thanks to its extensive coverage and straightforward syntax, particularly in the realms of data science and scientific computing. 

The best Python IDEs (Integrated Development Environments) play a crucial role in supporting various domains, including machine learning, data science, web development, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Python’s versatility and the diverse capabilities of its IDEs make it a compelling choice for developers across a wide range of applications and industries. With extended libraries, the Python programming language assists in building web apps, GUI applications, data visualization, and many more. 

Python is a simple language that can create various programs without being limited to any particular use case. Python tools for developers make it easy for them to use the language for the maximum benefit. Since every developer needs some great tools to write the IDEs, they have to spend their maximum time writing the IDE. 

Python’s syntax bears a striking resemblance and is equipped with an array of libraries, frameworks, and tools tailored for crafting diverse solutions. In essence, Python Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) exhibit versatility, scalability, and profound utility in the creation of a multitude of applications.

What are IDEs (Integrated Development Environments) and Code Editors?

IDE is a software application that helps developers to generate code efficiently. It improves the productivity of the developer by integrating different capabilities like software building, packaging, editing, testing, and more in an application. 

In short, the top companies offering Python development services, use IDEs to make their job hassle-free and easy. A typical IDE contains tools like an interpreter or a compiler, a text editor, version controller integration, a code profiler and a debugger, and other supporting utilities for interface with external tooling.

Code editors are tools for developers, allowing efficient coding with features like automatic indentation, code snippets, syntax highlighting, and error checking. Some of the popular code editors include Atom, Sublime, Visual Studio Code, and Notepad++.

Difference Between IDEs and Code Editors

There are distinguishable differences between Python IDEs and code editors. IDE is an integrated, comprehensive software tool offering development surrounding a debugger, code editor, and build automation tools. The IDEs are meant for extensive web development jobs and massive projects, providing features like integrated testing and project management. 

Code editor, on the other hand, is a simple tool primarily concentrated on editing the codes. The primary difference between the best python IDEs and code editors is that the latter does not include IDEs’ advanced features. The code editor is a lightweight platform for editing and writing the codes, thus making the entire process perfect for tiny coding jobs and rapid edits. 

10 Best Python IDEs and Code Editors

Let’s Explore the top 10 Python Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) and code editors, offering robust features and tools for efficient Python programming. From beginner-friendly options to advanced platforms, this list caters to a variety of development needs.

PyCharm

PyCharm

PyCharm includes numerous features to help the coders become more productive, including error checking, refactoring, and code completion. The IDE also includes an in-built test runner and a debugger to identify and fix the bugs in a code. 

It directly supports Python development with the help of projects and source control. The notable features of PyCharm include code completion, refactoring, code navigation, and syntax highlighting. 

Visual Studio Code (VSCode)

Visual Studio Code

Visual Studio Code stands as a widely embraced and versatile code editor, enjoying immense popularity within the Python developer community. Its extensive personalization options, robust features, and intuitive interface position it as a top choice among developers for efficient Python programming.

VSCode is lightweight and cross-platform, supporting every OS like Windows, Linux, and iOS for faster performance. This IDE also contains extensive tutorials and documentation, frequent updates, and active support for the community. The Intellisense feature offers intelligent code suggestions and completion.

VSCode also supports enormous library extensions for improving functionality. There is an integrated terminal for the code editor and an in-built debugger for writing the code. Version control provides seamless integration along with Git for efficient management of the coding. 

Jupyter Notebook

Jupyter Notebook

Jupyter Notebook is an open-source, famous IDE. It derived its name from the programming languages it supports, like Julia, Python, and R. It supports interactive development, creating visualizations, sharing documents, including live code, and many more. Jupyter Notebook uses a console-centric approach for the programmers to add notes with the codes and document authoring.

Many Python development companies, along with machine learning engineers and data scientists, prefer to work with this IDE for completing different complicated jobs. In other words, Jupyter Notebook eases the code execution and creation, where the coder has to run the test of only one cell in place of running the full program.

Spyder

Spyder

Spyder is an ideal Python IDE that is suitable for beginners. It is also perfect for the data scientists and researchers who want to get close to the data. The codes are easier to run with Spyder. For instance, Spyder automatically handles the indentation errors for the amateurs.

The screen layout of this IDE is clear for the user to see what is there in the system. It is also easier to know what variables the programmer is working on and what the value of those variables is, which remains hidden in the other Python IDEs. 

IDLE (Integrated Development and Learning Environment)

Integrated Development and Learning Environment

IDLE is one of the best and default best Python ides, perfect for junior developers. It is ideal for all types of OS like Windows, Linux, and iOS. The IDE can search for numerous files at one time.

It includes an interactive interpreter with i/o and error messages and syntax highlighting. IDLE also has a capable debugger, smart indenting, and some basic features, such as the text editor. 

Eclipse with PyDev

Eclipse with PyDev

Eclipse is one of the renowned Python web development tools working well with multiple OS like iOS, Linux, and Windows. It is an open-source IDE for Java web development and is useful for an extensive range of activities. Eclipse offers a marketplace for extensive add-ons and extensions. 

PyDev is one of the top extensions of Eclipse, enabling debugging, auto import, code refactoring, interactive console, and code completion. It allows integration with Django and Git.

Anaconda

Anaconda

Anaconda is another popular Python development IDE for providing programming language distribution of Python and R. It is perfect for scientific computing and simplifies package management and deployment. This open-source IDE includes ML and AI-centric tools for extracting data from various sources.

Komodo IDE

Komodo IDE

Komodo IDE implements Scintilla & Mozilla code base and offers support for many features, platforms, and languages. These include Python, PHP, Tcl, CSS, XML, Perl, Ruby, SQL, Smarty, and HTML. The developers can use the editor component with the help of NPAPI, with the Scintilla view in the XUL interface.

It supports the user through macros and plugins. The notable features of Komodo IDE include DOM viewer, source code control integration, compatibility with the final deployment target, integrated debugger support, and interactive shells. 

Thonny

Thonny

Thonny is one of the best dedicated Python IDEs for amateurs. The highlighting features of Thonny include an in-built debugger, Python shell, auto coding completion, variable explorer, editor highlighting syntax errors, and more.

The clean and simple pip GUI installs the third-party packages with ease. Thonny also has other advantages like expression evaluation, function calls representation in a separate window, and studying the code for offering bracket matching. 

Eric

Eric

Eric is a feature-rich Integrated Development Environment (IDE) designed for Python and Ruby programming. It offers a wide range of tools, including a powerful editor, integrated debugger, and project management capabilities. 

With its user-friendly interface and comprehensive feature set, Eric is a popular choice for developers seeking a versatile and efficient Python development environment.

Benefits of Python Development Tools

The Python development IDEs come with the following advantages:

Enhanced productivity

Python is best for experienced programmers, and beginners and is known for its readability & simplicity. Since the codes do not have to complete the entire code, it saves their time and improves productivity.

Code Autocompletion

IDEs can anticipate the code or what you are going to type next, making the coding process simpler and faster. For example, a Python IDE will know there will be a colon after a for or while statement. Thus, the developer does not have to complete the line by writing it. IDE will do the remaining work.

Built-in Debugging Tools

In any scenario, if a program does not execute or run appropriately, the top Python development tools like Pycharm, spyder, and Anaconda can identify the errors easily. With the help of the in-built debugging tools in an IDE, it can step through the code. 

Integrated Version Control

IDEs include integrated version control in the Python environment. Integrated version control is a vital feature to manage all the changes made in the coding. Some of the most famous integrated version control includes Subversion (SVN) and Git. 

Syntax Highlighting

An IDE that knows the syntax of the language can offer keywords and visual cues. These are simple and hassle-free to read by visually describing the syntax of the language. It can rapidly spot the variables and symbols along with keywords in the code. 

How to Choose the Best Python IDE?

Choosing the best Python IDE involves exploring numerous web development tools tailored for amateurs, fostering a comfortable programming environment, and facilitating a gradual familiarity with each feature.

For easy installation, an IDE is an ideal choice for beginner coders, seamlessly integrating with Python in the system. Thonny stands out as another excellent option, specifically designed with beginners in mind.

However, for experienced and professional developers, the optimal Python tools include PyCharm and VSCode. Both provide professional coding environments and serve as premier code editors for Python.

Skilled developers are always looking for IDEs offering robust performance in giant projects. In these circumstances, Eclipse with PyDev is a great option. If the project is about expanding the data science community, Jupyter should be the priority. 

Similarly, for scientific computing, Spyder stands as one of the top Python IDEs. Thus, determining the best Python IDE depends on user requirements, scenarios, and projects, making the selection a subjective choice tailored to specific needs.

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Conclusion

The above list of Python IDEs and code editors provides a diverse range of tools and features, catering to the various developer needs. From advanced environments to user-friendly alternatives, there is an IDE for everyone. Selecting the most appropriate one depends on particular preferences and projects. 

Since the landscape of Python development is dynamic, it is worth exploring each of them and finding out which one will be best suitable to the workflow and the coding style. In other words, Python IDEs boost productivity, improve the overall coding experience, and stream web development with ease. 

FAQs

01

What tools do most Python developers use?

Most Python developers commonly use tools like PyCharm, Visual Studio Code, and Jupyter Notebook for their coding needs. These platforms offer a range of features and functionalities tailored for efficient Python development.

02

Is Visual Studio free for Python?

Yes, Visual Studio Code is free and widely used for Python development. It provides a versatile and feature-rich environment without incurring any cost.

03

What three companies use Python?

Three prominent companies that extensively use Python are Google, Facebook, and Instagram. Python's versatility and scalability make it a language of choice for these tech giants in various aspects of their operations.

04

Is Pycharm better than VScode?

Both VSCode and Pycharm include built-in support for famous version control systems like Subversion, Mercurial, and Git. However, PyCharm delivers stronger and more streamlined integration with the systems. Thus, PyCharm is a better choice for the developer team working together on massive projects.
About Author

Jayanti Katariya is the CEO of Moon Technolabs, a fast-growing IT solutions provider, with 18+ years of experience in the industry. Passionate about developing creative apps from a young age, he pursued an engineering degree to further this interest. Under his leadership, Moon Technolabs has helped numerous brands establish their online presence and he has also launched an invoicing software that assists businesses to streamline their financial operations.