Is PyCharm the best IDE for learning Python?

The most common question asked by Python beginners in the past two years is, what code editing tool should I use?

To be honest, I personally use Jupyter Notebook the most, mainly for frequent data visualization, which is convenient some.

But for beginners, PyCharm is still the best choice. I even recommend that you only use PyCharm.

From all current mainstream Python IDEs, PyCharm is the most suitable for Python. Developed, especially for novices, it can save a lot of unnecessary time and costs.

I also often use PyCharm to write scripts and occasionally develop some web applications. It can be said that no IDE can reach the level of perfection of PyCharm.

Compared with other IDEs, PyCharm has the following four main advantages, which will be introduced one by one later:

• Simple code editing environment
• Powerful intelligent code assistance Functions (intelligent code completion, code inspection, real-time error highlighting)
• Rich built-in developer tools (VCS, database, remote development, debugging, testing, performance analysis...)
• Complete web development and data science support (Django, Flask, JS, notebook, pandas...)

At the same time, PyCharm is a cross-platform application Program, compatible with Linux, macOS and Windows platforms.

PyCharm is a commercial tool from JetBrain, the Czech software company that developed IntelliJ IDEA and Kotlin.

Users can use 3 versions of PyCharm, namely Community Edition, Professional Edition, and Education Edition.

• The community version is free, but has many features removed;
• The professional version is paid and has complete functions, priced at US$199 for the first year, and discounts are available for renewal;
• The education version is free and is open to school students and educators. You need to have relevant qualifications to apply.

The features of PyCharm are detailed as follows (refer to the official website)

1. Smart code editor

PyCharm comes with smart code Editor that helps write high-quality Python code. It improves code understanding and readability by providing different color displays for keywords, classes and functions (i.e. syntax and error highlighting).

The code editor can also provide code completion, code inspection, real-time error highlighting and quick repair, and can realize automated code reconstruction and rich navigation functions.

2. Integrated Tools

PyCharm’s extensive out-of-the-box tools include integrated debugger and test runner; Python profiler; built-in terminal; integration with major VCS and built-in Database tools; remote development capabilities utilizing remote interpreters; integrated ssh terminal; and integration with Docker and Vagrant.

Some of the most basic integration tools provided by PyCharm include:

• Anaconda - A free, open source Python distribution for scientific computing that simplifies package management and deployment.
• IPython - A powerful command shell for interactive computing.
• Kite - an artificial intelligence powered autocomplete plugin.
• Pylint - Source code, bug and quality checker.
• pytest - A framework for writing small tests for Python code.
• WakaTime - A developer dashboard with productivity metrics and automatic time tracking

3. Data Science and Machine Learning [Pro only]

PyCharm supports scientific libraries such as Matplotlib and SciPy to help Python developers complete data science and machine learning projects.

4. Google App Engine [Pro version only]

Google App Engine, or simply App Engine, is a PaaS and cloud computing platform designed to develop and host web applications .

It provides automatic scaling functionality for web applications. The professional version of PyCharm provides support for Google App Engine.

5. Comprehensive debugging and testing

General IDEs support debugging and testing programs, and PyCharm is no exception. It provides an integrated Python debugger and line-by-line code coverage. Integrated unit testing.

6. Multi-technology development [Professional version only]

Python developers can use PyCharm to create web applications. As a result, Python IDE supports popular web technologies, including CoffeeScript, CSS, HTML, JavaScript, and TypeScript.

In addition, it also includes support for Cython and SQL.

PyCharm also provides a real-time editing function, that is, developers can create/modify web pages while pushing web pages in real time. Therefore, changes can be tracked directly on the web browser. Web applications can also be built using AngularJS or NodeJS.

7. Project and Code Navigation

The code navigation feature makes it easier for developers to navigate to classes, functions, or files. It also helps significantly reduce the effort and time required to edit and enhance Python code. File structure view and dedicated project view are always available.

lens mode allows developers to thoroughly inspect and debug the entire Python source code. With code navigation, you can locate elements, variables, etc. in virtually no time. Developers can quickly switch between classes, files, and methods.

8. Refactoring

The refactoring function in PyCharm helps improve the internal structure of the Python program without affecting the external performance of the Python program. Making changes to local and global variables is efficient and fast.

9. Remote development

PyCharm allows running, debugging, testing and deploying applications on remote hosts or virtual machines.

For this purpose, Python IDE provides:

• Integrated SSH terminal
• Docker and Vagrant
• Remote interpreters

10. Support for popular Python web frameworks [Pro version only]

PyCharm allows developers to leverage Django in Python development projects. The Python IDE provides auto-completion functionality, and you can also use Django to write debugging code.

PyCharm also supports other popular Python frameworks such as Flask, Pyramid and web2py.

11. Version Control System (VCS) Integration

Version Control System (VCS) simply tracks changes made to files, applications, and other information sources.

PyCharm provides a unified user interface for CVS, Git, Mercurial, Perforce and Subversion.

The above is the detailed content of Is PyCharm the best IDE for learning Python?. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!