There is no better way to build in Python than by using an IDE (Integrated Development Environment). They not only make your work much easier as well as logical; they also enhance the coding experience and efficiency.
Sure, everyone knows this. However, the problem is, how do you pick the best environment for Python development when there are so many options? This often becomes an issue that beginner developers have to face.
In this article, we’ll provide an overview of the best IDEs for Python that are popular among coders and a few other options that are worth considering. But before we delve into it, let’s first explain what an IDE means.
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@BoltClock: Not sure this is an exact duplicate of 893162, as that question seemed to be asking for the Python IDE that was similar to Eclipse, as opposed to the best one. Waite Aug 8 '10 at 18:24. Pydev is the feature-rich, and open-source Python IDE that is best to use for mac. It supports code completion, Django integration, code completion with auto-import, code analysis, and type hinting. Pydev comes with a debugger, token browser, refactoring, code coverage, unit test integration, and Pylint integration.
- What is an IDE, and Why Do You Need It?
- The Most Popular IDEs Among Python Developers
- Best Python-compatible IDEs for ML, AI, and BD
- Other IDEs for Python Development
What is an IDE, and Why Do You Need It?
An Integrated Development Environment is a software package that developers use to create programs. It’s meant to maximize a programmer’s productivity by incorporating closely related components with simple user interfaces. Essentially, it’s a tool that improves the process of creating, testing, and debugging source code — it makes the job easier.
Some of the tools IDEs use include:
- A text editor
- Compiler and/or interpreter
- Assembly automation tools
- Debugger.
There’s a seemingly similar term an integrated development environment — code editor. Let’s first discuss the differences and commonalities of both tools.
What Is a Code Editor?
A code editor is just a text editor that highlights the syntax and formats the code. Advanced code editors can develop and modify code.
IDE | Code Editor |
| Uses high-performing libraries or toolkits that enable advanced coding | Lacks libraries and toolkits |
| Automated | Manual |
| Rich feature collection | Fewer features |
Distinctive Features of IDEs and Code Editors
What qualities do both IDEs and code editors share? They enable developers to:
- Store and reopen scripts
- Run their code on it
- Debug
- Highlight syntax.
The Most Popular IDEs Among Python Developers
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Now that you have a basic understanding of development tools, including the qualities they possess, we can take a closer look at several favored examples.
PyCharm
PyCharm was developed by JetBrains, a notable software development company. It is considered one of the best IDEs for Python when it comes to AI and ML. Most importantly, Pycharm merges its libraries – like Matplotlib and NumPy – to enable developers to explore other options for work.
Compatibility: Windows, MacOS, Linux
Top plugins and features:
- Built-in developer tools
- Capabilities for remote development
- Live editing mode
- IPython Notebook.
Pros:
- PyCharm supports web development frameworks, including Pyramid, Flask, and Django.
- Offers a smart code feature for more precise and faster bug fixes.
- Allows to develop on remote hosts thanks to Docker and Vagrant connections and ssh terminal.
Cons:
- The interface might seem bulky.
- The Pro version can seem too expensive.
Visual Studio Code
Visual Studio Code is sometimes mistaken for Visual Studio IDE, which isn’t a common tool in the Python world. VS Code is a complete code editor with premium features and many coders say it’s the best IDE editor out there.
Compatibility: Windows, Linux, Mac OS.
Top plugins and features:
- Built-in git
- Extensions for customizing the tool
- Breakpoints for debugging
- An interactive console.
The Best Python Ide For Mac Operating System
Pros:
- Its Electron framework allows you to work with VS Code on almost all platforms.
- You can debug the code directly from the editor,
- Supports multiple keyboard shortcuts to speed up coding.
Cons:
- Limited features for debugging.
- Doesn’t have built-in templates.
Sublime Text
Sublime Text can be considered the best Python editor because it’s simple, universal, and convenient. It’s widely used by most coders, and across different platforms.
Compatibility: Windows, Linux, and Mac OS.
Top plugins and features:
- Easy navigation for high performance
- Support for different packages to customize the editor
- Code snippets for replicating common code with just one keyword
- Immediate project switching and split editing.
Pros:
- Works with different markup languages.
- Enables users to choose which projects they want to work on.
- Comes with a key tool that enables a wide index of classes and functions.
- Provides a strong API and an organized ecosystem for high performance.
Cons:
- A bit advanced for beginners
- Its git plugin isn’t very powerful.
VI/Vim
Vim is amongst the top 5 in our list of the best IDE tools for Python. It is a modal editor that splits file viewing from file editing. It’s a huge step ahead of the initial Vi, with more powerful features.
Compatibility: Windows, Linux, Mac OS, IOS, Android, UNIX, AmigaOS, and MorphOS.
Top plugins and features:
- Scripts that allow you to perform almost all of the programming tasks in Python.
- Ctags for better tag navigation.
- Built-in basic word completion.
Pros:
- It has a keyboard interface to improve efficiency.
- It supports many plugins (e.g., version control, file management).
- Can be extended with different functionality via the .vimrc file (e.g., highlighting search results.
Cons:
- The interface might seem clumsy; some developers find it inconvenient to use.
- Its modal editor may take time for users to learn.
GNU Emacs
GNU Emacs also competes for the title of the best Python editor. It’s often described as an extendable, self-documenting editor with an on-the-go display. Though not entirely new in the industry, Emacs is constantly upgraded to meet developers’ needs.
Compatibility: Windows, Linux, Mac OS, IOS, Android, UNIX, AmigaOS, and MorphOS.
Top plugins and features:
- It adopts the Lisp coding language
- Syntax coloring
- Unicode support.
Pros:
- As a second language, Lisp enables developers to perform better.
- Emacs is compatible with many different platforms.
- It enables a variety of customization scripts that developers can use.
Cons:
- Users might have to spend a little more time learning the editor’s complex customization process.
- It is more complex to use than some of the other IDEs.
IDLE
IDLE code editor is popular among students, as it is supplied together with Python. It’s simple to work with, universal, and supports different devices. It’s no wonder they call it a disposable IDE, as it helps to learn the basics before moving on to more sophisticated tools.
Compatibility: Windows, Linux, and Mac OS.
Top plugins with features:
- tkinter GUI toolkit
- Multi-window interface
- Configured with dialog boxes, browsers, and other configurations.
Pros:
- IDLE allows users to highlight errors, auto code, and accurately identify them.
- IDLE has a top lighter Python shell.
- Its inbuilt correction feature boosts performance.
- It enables users to search and replace files in the editor.
Cons:
- IDLE doesn’t enable copying to the library.
- Scripts cannot exceed 100 lines of code.
Best Python-compatible IDEs for ML, AI, and BD
Python is one of the go-to languages in machine learning, artificial intelligence, big data, and related fields. We’d like to dedicate a separate section to IDEs that are suitable for Python developers in these areas.
Atom
Atom is an open-source editor that’s compatible with virtually every programming language like PHP, Java, etc. It is regularly updated, reliable, and can be used universally. Github built Atom with powerful features that offer a good programming experience, including plugins, such as Packages — for SQL queries, Markdown Preview Plus — for editing, visualizing, and rendering LaTeX expressions.
Spyder
Spyder is created explicitly for data science. It’s open-source and compatible with numerous platforms making it a better choice for beginner IDE users. It merges its key libraries – like NumPy, Matplotlib, and SciPy – for perfect development.
JuPyter/IPython Notebook
Jupyter is web-based and enables developers to build and operate scripts or notebooks. It is relatively simpler and more user-friendly. Jupyter also uses Seaborn and Matplotlib for data visualization.
Other IDEs for Python Development
Here are a few more IDEs that are less known or less popular, but are still worth considering.
Eclipse + PyDev
Download: Eclipse, PyDev
Eclipse is an open-source editor and one of the go-to Python IDEs for Windows. Its collection of extensions and plugins is very extensive and enough to build almost anything you want. Along with the PyDev extension, it allows for smart debugging and improves the code quality.
Eric Python
Eric is another less popular Python IDE, but it is still powerful and efficient. Whether it’s for commercial or private use, Eric offers a dimension of functionality that suits multiple purposes. It runs on all platforms.
Wing
Wing is a notable IDE for Python that helps with smart coding. With its simple-to-use editor, a powerful debugger, the possibility for remote coding, error-checking and many other features, it’s worth your attention, even though it’s not at the top of any popularity charts.
PyScripter
PyScripter aims to beat other Python IDEs for Windows with its superb functionality. It’s also a great Python IDE for Mac, with its commercial version available for most programming languages. PyScripter has a rich feature set, but despite that, it’s pretty lightweight.
Best Python Ide For Mac Os
Pyzo
Pyzo is a free open-source coding tool that will work with any Python interpreter, even the Conda environment. Two of its standout features are simplicity and interactivity. It’s easy to use, even for beginners.
Thonny
Thonny was developed by the University of Tartu with a beginner programmer in mind. It’s easy to start using since its interface doesn’t have any complicated or distracting features from the get-go. Another perk for beginners is that you can see step by step how Python evaluates your expressions.
Conclusion
We have reviewed a rich collection of the best Python IDEs and other tools. Deciding on which tool to use is a matter of convenience and one’s proficiency level. Of course, there are all-time favorites like PyCharm, but you can always try out a few other tools and see which ones work best for you.
Some IDEs are better for beginners, while others are more professional; each of them has its unique features and design. We’ve put together this list to give you a variety to choose from.
- 10 Best Python IDE for Mac
If you are looking for the best python IDE for MAC, this article should get you started.
Almost 26 years ago on February 20th of 1991, a Dutch man unbolted a new era for an unprecedented and a fledgling High-Level Programming Language broadly used for General Purpose Programming. That programming language is what we know today as the Python languages.
As we are well aware, to program with any language, you first need to have the right tools. If you are programming on MAC, you will need to find the best Python IDE for Mac.
Whether you choose to go with the free or paid IDEs is entirely up to you.
For best python IDEs for Windows click here
Os X Python Ide
Choosing the right IDE is vital to surge efficiency and practicality of the program you want to pile up.
A professional programmer would spend his/her time in advance to determine an IDE which best describes his/her needs and objectives. So how to choose the right IDE? Well, this hinges on what you really are up to, what is your requirement, and can you meet the expenses of it or not.
Most of these IDEs can be used on multiple platforms. Several of these are free of cost, so if you are low on budget or a student wanting to learn Python, there are many choices for you to choose from.
However, for commercial use, numerous big organizations use some of the most cutting-edge Python IDEs. Some of the finest IDEs which are bursting with many features are PyCharm, Sublime, and Komodo etc.
10 Best Python IDE for Mac
Let us get right into it. These following are some of the popular Python IDEs for MAC. This is not an ordered list as some IDEs outweigh the others in a certain aspect be it features or price.
If you want to choose the right IDE, you will have to do a bit of a research by yourself. It will be a shame to pay for an IDE just to find out that it does not have the one feature that you need.
1. PyCharm IDE
PyCharm is a professional IDE Suite which is offered in two different versions. One is Free Community Version aimed at individuals or learners. The Corporate version is meant for the Enterprise Developers. Developed by JetBrains, it is a company specializing in making extremely well developer tools from the last 15 years.
Most of the features are existent in free version. Some of the most resourceful functions like intelligent coding, intuitive project navigation, error check and fixing, and smart factoring etc. are the core of this IDE.
Besides these functions, other functions like iPython notebook which supports many scientific packages like NumPy, Matplotlip, and Anaconda etc. are available in Professional Version of PyCharm only.
2. Pydev IDE
PyDev is the IDE of hundreds of thousands of people. Why? Because it is totally free. It is bursting with a package of extremely useful features. It is originally an open source plugin working on Eclipse thus bringing Eclipse to the gorge of Python.
Existing Eclipse users can start writing python codes on Pydev. And in case you are not an existing user at Eclipse, coding can wait till you become an Eclipse user.
An IDE filled with countless features, some of the most advance and joyful features are Integrated Python Debugging, Code Analysis, Code Templates, Smart Indent, Bracket matching, Django Integration, multi-Language support and much more.
Developed by Aleks Ttotic in 2004 is currently upheld by Fabio Zadrozny. Including Python, Pydev also supports Jython and IronPython as well.
3. Spyder Python
Created under license of MIT, this is a free and open source IDE. This IDE itself being developed with Python is a light, robust and a feature jammed IDE for Python.
Plentiful features of Spyder Python are its multi-language editor, Variable Explorer, Find in files, Find in Folders, Documentation Viewer, and Interactive Console. Even though this is multiplatform IDE which can be used in Windows, Mac, Linux and other OS, Spyder Python can also be used as PyQt extension.
4. VIM
VIM is a very widespread and one of the most innovative text editor and it is exceptionally popular among Python Developers. This free of cost IDE can be used under the license of GPL.
Although VIM is a very modern text editor, it can be used as a Python development environment when configured appropriately. VIM is a very light, no mouse (it can be used only with keyboard) keyboard lovers development environment.
To use VIM as an IDE, one needs to configure VIM with the help of some plugins before actually start coding. VIM can be a perfect choice for Linux users as well.
5. Wing IDE:
Developed 15 years ago by Wingware, Wing IDE is destined for professionals. This multiplatform IDE derives in free and a professional version.
Debugging being the most stimulated area, Wing IDE comes with many other features like thread code debugging, auto child debugging, breakpoints, code stepping, code inspection and many other qualities.
6. Python Tool for Visual Studios PTVS
Same as Pydev for eclipse, PTVS is designed to lodge itself in Microsoft Visual Studio. Released in 2015 PTVS supports Visual Studio from version 2013 and onwards. Photo preview app for mac. PTVS also have support for free versions of Visual Studio.
Overflowing with features like code editing, profiling, C/C++ debugging and Linux/Mac OS remote debugging, this IDE tool is one best IDE amongst all other IDEs.
7. Komodo IDE
Patenting from Active state, this multiplatform, Multilanguage IDE has support for Python. This IDE is essentially a commercial program but it can be obtained free of cost under the name Komodo Edit. However, the free version does not come with all the features that are at hand in the commercial version.
Komodo includes basic features like code refactoring, auto complete, go to definition, code browser, multi-process debugging, multithread debugging etc.
8. Eric Python
Written in Python, Eric is the conception of Detlev Offenbach. This under the license of GPL, free to use IDE is amongst the club of other popular IDEs used by professionals.
Features like call taps, folding, highlighting, code coverage and profiling etc. are some of the salient of all the features. Key features like rope refactoring, core plugins, application diagrams, integrated task management, unit test support etc. are those features which make this IDE competitive among other IDEs.
9. Emacs IDE
Emacs is one its kinds. It is a broadly customizable GNU editor. When the purpose is to write Python programs, Emacs becomes highly transformable free of cost Python IDE.
When it comes to Python, Emacs gives the options like Python-mode. Emacs can be enhanced further by additional plugins.
10- Sublime Text 3
One of the most power full-text editors in the present world, Sublime Text 3 gives the freedom to be used just as a fully featured IDE.
With the help of Anaconda Package, Sublime Text 3 with Python can accomplish magic. Anaconda provides the basics of IDE while Sublime Text 3 provides tons of other customizable features
A small article such as this cannot do justice to all the applications and benefits of Python. They are simply too many.
Python is some of the supreme projecting and extensively used programming language in the existing world. Python is multi-paradigm which entirely approves OOP and structured programming.
Python is a well-designed programming language which extends a comprehensively clean syntax. A thorough library exceptionally incorporated and numerous other third party documentation. Python is a very accepted programming language. It is a much-expanded language ranging from GUI designs to Web Content and Websites.
Is it Beginner Friendly?
Python, in my understanding, should be the starting point for any beginner who is learning a high-level programming language. It has one of the simplest syntax.
The code just makes sense by just reading it. It is plain English. I know I am trying to over simplify, but really it is designed to be beginner friendly.
Plus, given the vast areas where it applies, you can make an awesome career out of it.
Conclusion
Python is a far-reaching language and so are the IDEs for Python. All IDEs cited in this article comes with different packages but with one mutual option i.e swiftness and handy code development.
You can find paid as well as free versions. Most of the IDEs have a very strong community, especially the open source ones who are constantly engaging with the user base to improve their software.
All in all, every programming career begins with an IDE. If you are looking for best python IDEs for MAC, then these were the popular 10.