You can write your codes using regular text editors such as Notepad, but if you’re serious about productivity, these are the best IDEs for Python programming.
IDEs are specialized code editors designed to aid programmers’ productivity. With IDEs, programmers can write, edit and debug their programs quickly. IDEs are bundled with numerous tools and features to assist programmers to write better codes with ease.
IDE stands for Integrated Development Environment. It is software integrating the tools for writing, editing, running and debugging programs into a single graphical user interface.
Benefits of using an IDE
IDEs improve productivity by allowing programmers to write, edit and run their programs in a single interface. Typical IDEs come with features such as syntax highlighting, autocompletions, debuggers and much more.
One of the benefits of using an IDE is that it formats your codes according to the conventions and syntax of the programming language you are coding with. In Python programming, if you type a colon and hit the enter key, the IDE automatically indents the next line of code.
IDEs have an autocompletion feature that analyzes your code as you type, providing you with suggestions. At the same time, it also points out your mistakes. Hence, you can quickly identify and correct errors in your codes. This way, you don’t have to wait until you run your program to discover them.
With syntax highlighting features, codes are coloured based on the syntax. It is easy to identify keywords, literals and comments as they are highlighted in different colours.
Most IDEs have debugging engines that allow programmers to set breakpoints and step in and out of codes. They allow you to automate important tasks like unit testing and version control.
In large projects, IDEs are particularly useful in organizing and managing source files. Some IDEs come with features that encourage collaboration among programmers regardless of their geographical locations.
Best IDEs for Python
The following are among the best IDEs, especially for programming in Python.
1. Visual studio code
Visual Studio Code also called VSCode is a free and open-source code editor with support for many programming languages. It is a cross-platform software and can be used in operating systems such as Windows, Mac and Linux.
It is one of the most popular code editors, perhaps because of its ease of learning and powerful functionalities. Programmers can take advantage of the numerous extensions available in VSCode Marketplace.
Visual Studio comes with an in-built terminal where you can run your code as if you are using your computer’s terminal.
Features:
- Easy to use
- Jypyter support
- Numerous extensions
- Remote development
- Support for Git
- In-built terminal
Price: Free.
You can download a copy of the visual studio code from their website.
2. Sublime Text
Sublime Text is a popular and powerful editor developed by Sublime HQ Pty Ltd. It is cross-platform and can be used in operating systems including Windows, Mac and Linux.
In terms of performance, Sublime Text is argued to be one of the fastest code editors. Sublime Text may be downloaded and evaluated for free. However, a license must be purchased for continued use.
Features:
- Context-aware autocomplete
- Default and Adaptive themes
- Git Integration
- Command line Interface
- GPU Rendering
Price: Paid.
You can get Sublime Text from their website.
3. Thonny
Thonny is an open-source code editor and can be used in different operating systems. It is a simple and beginner-friendly code editor mainly used for educational purposes. Thonny is designed for those new to programming in Python.
It comes pre-installed with a Python interpreter. Though it is a minimal code editor but has everything it takes to teach or learn Python. It has an interactive shell that runs Python codes as well as a code editor that allows you to write, edit, run and save Python scripts.
Features:
- Beginner friendly shell
- Simple Debugger
- Simple PIP GUI
- Python pre-installed
Price: Free.
To download a copy, visit their website here.
4. PyCharm
PyCharm is a cross-platform IDE from JetBrains. It is supported on the Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. PyCharm is available in the Professional and Community editions. The community edition is free, while the professional edition is paid.
While most IDEs let you work with a wide range of programming languages, some are designed with a specific language. PyCharm is specifically designed for Python programming, though it can serve as a code editor for other languages. Because of this, some consider it as of the best IDEs for python
Features
- Graphical debugger
- Test runner
- Code inspections
- Scientific tools
- Python web frameworks
- Database & SQL support
Price: Free and Paid.
Download PyCharm from the JetBrains website.
5. IDLE
IDLE is Python’s Integrated Development and Learning Environment. It is shipped together with the Python installer. By installing Python in your device, IDLE is also installed. If you are using an operating system like Linux that is preinstalled with Python and there is no IDLE, you can as well you can install it using your default package manager as shown in this article.
IDLE is both a code editor and a Python interactive shell. This means that you can write, edit and run your Python scripts or work with the interactive session which gives you immediate feedback as you enter Python statements.
Features:
- Interactive interpreter
- Python colourizing
- Smart indent
- Debugger
Price: Free.
Conclusion
IDEs are an indispensable part of the everyday life of programmers. For most programmers, almost everything they do is done with it.
IDE stands for Integrated Development Environment and is bundled with features and functionalities to make coding smooth, easy and fast.
Surely, there are many IDEs available in the market, but these five are among the best for programming in Python – Visual studio code, Sublime Text, Thonny, PyCharm and IDLE. Whatever your choice, learning how to make the most use of your chosen IDE matters the most.
With powerful features for syntax and error highlighting, autocompletions and numerous other tools, you will be able to write better codes. You will be able to automate important tasks such as unit testing or committing to the Gits. You will be confident about yourself and your productivity will as well soar.