What is the best IDE to run Python?

Wingm, Vim, Dreamweaver, Eric, and Visual Studio are some of the best IDE to run Python.

Which Python IDE is fastest?

Sublime Text, PyCharm, Spyder, Thonny, and Visual Studio are some of the fastest IDEs that you can use to write, run, and test codes in Python.

Which Python IDE is free?

There are several free Python IDEs that let you run and edit Python scripts without paying anything. Some of the popular free python editors include IDLE, PyCharm, Spyder, Visual Studio, etc.

Which is the lightest IDE for Python?

PyCharm Community Edition, VS Code, Atom, PyDev, etc., are some of the best and lightest IDEs that are not very resource intensive and loads very quickly.

Top 7 Python IDE for Windows and Mac in 2024

Summary: Whether you are an experienced developer or a just a beginner, Python online editor and IDE can help you boost your productivity and streamline work. Get more details on the best Python IDEs in the article below.

Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) have changed the way software is created, providing developers with comprehensive tools and features within a single, cohesive platform. It helps to streamline the coding process, offering a unified environment for writing, testing, and debugging code.

From code editors and project management tools to built-in compilers, IDEs play an important role in enhancing developers’ productivity and code quality. Let’s find out some of the best Python IDEs that you can use to work on your projects.

What is an IDE (Integrated Development Environment)?

An IDE, or Integrated Development Environment, is a software package that provides comprehensive tools for software development. It includes a code editor, debugger, compiler, etc., to streamline the coding process.

An IDE comes with features like code completion, syntax highlighter, and project management to enhance developer productivity. It often integrates with version control systems, simplifying collaboration among team members.

IDE supports multiple programming languages and is a versatile option for different development needs. Overall, IDEs aim to create a unified environment that facilitates efficient software development.

IDE vs Code Editor Difference

IDE offers tools for debugging and compiling the code whereas Code Editor supports only code editing. Moreover, IDEs are heavy to use whereas code editors are light to use as they are not resource intensive. Here are some other metrics that highlight the differences between an IDE and Code Editor in detail below.

Metrics	IDE	Code Editor
Definition	IDE is a collection of software development tools to streamline the coding procedure.	It is a type of text editor that offers functionalities to write error-free code.
Tools	Code Editors, Debuggers, Compilers, Interpreter, etc.	Only a code editor
Programming Languages	Very language specific	Supports multiple languages like JavaScript and HTML
Performance	Performs a bit slower due to multiple integrated features	Quite faster with limited features that are not resource intensive.
Code Testing and Debugging	Available as a built-in feature	Available via plugin

Here is the detailed list of some of the best IDEs that you can use to enhance your coding experience. They have been compared based on their features and benefits to help you choose the best one for yourself.

IDLE

IDLE is a popular IDE written in Python used for creating and testing codes. It is mainly used by beginners’ developers who want to polish their skills on the python code development. This IDE in python can help you with debugging code, changing last window files, adjusting tabs indents, checking previous code history, and so on.

IDLE Features

Provides multi-window text editor
Supports colorizing of code input, output, error messages, etc.
Offers a path browser to display sys.path directories, modules, classes, etc.
Offers a debugger with frequent breakpoints, global view, local spaces, etc.

Pros and Cons of IDLE

It offers a Python shell with a code highlighter.
With it, you can search within any window, search via multiple files and replace them within the windows editor.

IDLE does not offer line numbering options, which is very important for designing interface.

PyCharm

PyCharm integrated development environment (IDE) is specifically designed for Python programming. It provides features such as code completion, syntax highlighting, debugging tools, and project navigation to help developers write and maintain Python code efficiently.

PyCharm Features

Supports context-based code completion
Offers PostgreSQL, Oracle, MongoDB, etc., as built-in databases
Writes, runs, and tests codes
Supports code refactoring
Supports multiple programming languages like JavaScript, TypeScript, HTML, CSS, etc.

Pros and Cons of PyCharm

Supports integration with IPython Notebook, python console, etc., for interactive computing.
Offers a Python Profiler to provide a comprehensive view of code’s behavior in runtime.

The initial installation and setup are quite exhausting.

Spyder

Spyder is an open-source integrated development environment (IDE) for scientific programming in Python. It provides features like an interactive console, a variable explorer, and integrated support for data visualization.

Spyder IDE is particularly popular among scientists, engineers, and data analysts for its capabilities in data analysis, numerical computing, and scientific research within the Python ecosystem.

Features of Spyder

Interacts and modifies code variables in real-time
Runs codes in line, cell, and file via IPython Console
Traces each iteration of code execution with debugger
Edits codes in multiple programming languages
Offers syntax highlighting and automatic code completion

Pros and Cons of Spyder

It automatically finds and eliminates any code bottlenecks.
Its troubleshooting time is quick.

It does not function properly when several plugins are used simultaneously.

Visual Studio

Visual Studio is one of the best IDE tools that helps in completing and managing the entire development cycle from one place. You can use this IDE for writing, editing, debugging, and building codes.

Additionally, you can also use it to deploy your app directly. Along with code editing and debugging, it also helps with code completion and code compilation.

Visual Studio Features

Provides syntax highlighting
Supports auto code complete
Supports multiple languages like JavaScript and Markdown
Offers built in Git Commands to create codes
Launches codes in the running apps in real time

Pros and Cons of Visual Studio

It has its own marketplace from where you can download multiple plugins.
Supports vertical orientation and multi-split window functionality.

Its search engine is not up to the mark.

Atom

Atom free and open-source text editor is developed by GitHub. While it is not an IDE, IDE functionalities can be added to it with software packages to work with different programming languages. Atom provides features like a built-in package manager, smart autocompletion, and a flexible customization system, making it popular among developers.

Features of Atom

Offers a built-in package manager and a file system browser
Writes scripts faster with automatic script completion
Supports several pane features
Manages pull requests
Compares and edit code across files.

Pros and Cons of Atom

Supports cross-platform code editing.
You can also customize its user interface.

It does not work as a native application.
The sorting of configurations and plugins is tedious in Atom.

Eric

Eric is a python code editor that you can use to create, edit, and debug codes. You can use it for completing source code automatically, highlighting syntax, configuring window layout, performing unit testing, etc. Highlighting code errors and managing virtual environments are also possible with this Python IDE.

Eric Features

Offers an integrated version control for Mercurial, Subversion and Git repositories
Supports automatic code checkers
Provides tools to preview Qt forms and translations
Runs external applications within the IDE
Offers the rope refactoring tool to restructure code

Pros and Cons of Eric

Provides a spell check library to avoid coding errors.
Supports syntax highlighting and auto code completion

Downloading a plugin takes time

PyScripter

PyScripter is a modern python programming IDE available in a lightweight package compiled for windows. It is open source and completely developed in Delphi with extensibility via Python scripts.

Some important features of this IDE include debug remote code, run and debug files from memory, configurable IDE options, code explore, etc.

Features of PyScripter

Offers a syntax highlighting editor
Provides an integrated python interpreter
Supports integrated unit testing
Offers integration with python tools such as PyLint, TabNanny, and Profile

Pros and Cons of PyScripter

You can also run python script externally with it.
It also supports integrated regular expression testing.

It takes a lot of time to run the code.

Top Features of IDE or Integrated Development Environments

An IDE comes with features like syntax highlighting, code debugging, code autocompletion, code version control, etc. Compiling and editing of codes are also possible with integrated development environment software. Here are some of the essential functions you get in an IDE:

Syntax Highlight: Python IDE comes with syntax highlighting to display text or source code in various colours and fonts as per the category of terms.
Code Debug: With this feature, you can easily identify and fix any bugs in the source code at any stage of development.
Code Autocompletion: Most Python IDEs will come with ready-to-use snippets like code name, variable name, function signatures, etc., to automatically complete code and save time.
Code Version Control: Through version control, you can track and manage all the changes made to the software code. Moreover, you can also share code changes with your team in real-time.
Code Compiler: A code compiler will help in translating human-readable source code (written in a high-level programming language) into machine code that can easily be comprehended and executed by the computer.
Language Support: The integrated development environment you are planning to buy should support multiple programming languages to create code in your preferred language.

How to Choose the Best Python IDE?

While reviewing the Python programming IDEs, you must evaluate your project requirements and pricing constraints. Next, you should try the software and check whether it has an active community or not. Let’s check out these requirements in detail below.

Evaluate Your Requirements: First you need to evaluate the type of projects you will be working on and the programming languages you will be using.
Consider the Pricing Plan: Some IDEs are free and some of them will come with a paid subscription or one time license. Therefore, consider the pricing plans of all IDEs before selecting any of them.
Try the IDE: Most of the Python IDEs come with free trials or free versions so you can try the software to ensure it suits your workflow.
Check for Community: Search for IDEs that have active communities to help you with tutorials, plugins, and support.
Check for Cross-Platform Compatibility: If you want to work on several operating systems then select an IDE which is compatible with OSs you are using currently.

How We Tested These Python IDEs and Code Editors?

To help you select the best Python IDE or code editor, we have extensively researched and reviewed top products based on their popularity, functionality, user base, benefits, etc. While comparing IDEs for python online, we have also included that caters to the needs of beginners and professionals who are learning and want to get Python certificates.

Moreover, to ensure that these IDEs work up to the mark, we have tested them by installing them on different OSs and have run multiple Python scripts. Through this, we ensured that each IDE is working properly whether used by beginner or professional.

Conclusion: Which is the Best Python IDE?

Integrated Development Environments have become indispensable for software developers, offering a centralized portal that simplifies code creation and debugging. The convenience and efficiency brought about by IDEs contribute significantly to the success of software development projects, making them an essential toolkit for modern-day developers and programmers.

What is the best IDE to run Python?
Wingm, Vim, Dreamweaver, Eric, and Visual Studio are some of the best IDE to run Python.
Which Python IDE is fastest?
Sublime Text, PyCharm, Spyder, Thonny, and Visual Studio are some of the fastest IDEs that you can use to write, run, and test codes in Python.
Which Python IDE is free?
There are several free Python IDEs that let you run and edit Python scripts without paying anything. Some of the popular free python editors include IDLE, PyCharm, Spyder, Visual Studio, etc.
Which is the lightest IDE for Python?
PyCharm Community Edition, VS Code, Atom, PyDev, etc., are some of the best and lightest IDEs that are not very resource intensive and loads very quickly.