Top 5 Recommended IDEs for Python Development You Should Try in 2021

Python is undoubtedly, one of the most popular programming languages in the world, as well as one of the most versatile because you can do basically whatever you want, including mobile apps, video games, scientific applications, etc.

However, no matter the programming language you want to use or for what reason, one of the most important things to make your life easier as a programmer, is having a good Integrated Development Environment or IDE that allows you to perform all kinds of tasks fast and easy, as well as mastering the language quickly.

Since there are many different IDEs for Python, finding one that is friendly, comfortable to work with and efficient at the same time, this can be sometimes, a tedious and complicated task.

For the above reasons, here we’ve for you a list of the 5 best Python IDEs to use for your Python programming experiences. Let’s see.

PyCharm

PyCharm is a pretty complete IDE for Python created by JetBrains, a company that has a good track record creating high-quality development tools, with the aim of making the work of programmers easier.

PyCharm is so good that many large and well-known companies like Twitter, Spotify or Ebay use it today. Although this has a cost: $200 for the professional version, although there is also a free community version.

Actually, the free version contains everything you need to get started, including:

• Code autocompletion
• Intuitive project navigation
• GIT Integration for Code Merging and Reviews
• Code quality check with PEP8
• Graphic debugger
• VCS support

However, the paid version includes quite useful advanced features such as:

• Remote development capability
• Database support
• Support of web development frameworks like Django
• A Python profiler
• Support for JavaScript, CoffeeScript, TypeScript, HTML / CSS, etc.
• Additional Scientific tools

Another interesting aspect to take into account is its great compatibility with various types of development frameworks from other companies such as Django, Pyramid or even the Google engine.

Visual Studio Code

Visual Studio Code is a powerful IDE code editor from Microsoft and it’s not only compatible with Windows, but also with macOS and Linux.

You can download it in both a free — open source — and paid versions.

This IDE offers a wide variety of configuration and customization options, it’s quite easy to use and allows you to add plugins and extensions, as well as scripting tools quite easily.

Among the basic characteristics of the IDE we have:

• Syntax highlighting
• Bracket set
• Automatic indentation
• Integrated support for IntelliSense
• Debugging and code refactoring tools

One of the best features of VSC is smart code completion for completing functions, calling imported modules and accessing variable types. Also, you can work with Git and other SCM providers.

It also allows you to add extensions to add new languages, additional debuggers, different interpreters for Python execution, etc.

Another great advantage that VSC provides is Live Share, which allows you to do peer programming remotely through its unique cloud-based architecture.

An innovative IDE that you can configure as you prefer to make Python programming much more pleasant for you.

Spyder

Spyder is an open source distribution based on the Python and R programming languages. This IDE is widely used in large-scale data processing, as well as scientific computing and predictive analytics applications — in fact, Spyder stands for “Scientific Python Development EnviRonment”.

The core idea behind Spyder is to make package management and deployment easier for the coder. In fact, it includes its own package manager called “Conda”.

Among its main feature we have:

• Multi-language editor
• Interactive console
• Documentation viewer
• Variable Explorer
• File Browser
• Step-by-step execution
• PyQt application support

In addition to this, among its advanced features we have:

• Ability to run code snippets from the console editor
• Continuous analysis of files in the editor
• Provision of visual warnings about possible bugs

With Spyder, you can easily view, copy and even save images and figures created during execution. You can track all the steps of code execution and debug them interactively!

Also, you can extend its functionality with third-party plugins such as Spyder Notebook, Terminal, UnitTest, Reports and others.

A supercomplete IDE compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux.

Atom

Atom is another of the most recommended IDEs on the market, enjoying great popularity among Python users.

Atom is not only available for all major operating systems, but you can also use it to edit JavaScript, CSS, and HTML as well, or add plug-ins to increase compatibility with more programming languages — cool.

Atom has a fairly simple and easy-to-use interface and also allows you to customize it as best suits your needs.

Among its most basic features we have:

• Debugging support
• Ability to autocomplete code as you type
• Side panel to manage the files you’re working with
• A search tool with an option to replace code
• Integration with Git and GitHub

Another of Atom’s most notable features is undoubtedly Teletype. This is a tool that greatly facilitates collaboration with other members of your programming team, directly from its editor, sharing information instantly.

Atom also comes with a package manager that allows you to find and install additional packages or create new ones by yourself.

Smart autocompletion plus the ability to divide your interface into multiple panels for editing and comparing codes between files, previewing text as you type, among other super useful functions, also help a lot in your programming daily activities.

Jupyter Notebook

Jupyter is a cloud-based, open source tool that is especially useful for those programmers just starting out in data science.

Jupiter is an IDE specially focused on making certain aspects of working with data science easier: it is very easy to use, you can work with different programming languages besides Python, and it works not only as an editor, but also as a tool to creation educational presentations.

In this last aspect, it allows you to create and share content with code, in addition to adding descriptive text.

In addition to the mentioned features, Jupiter has:

Undoubtedly, another of the most notable feature of this wonderful IDE is that it allows you access to a whole series of useful tools for development directly from your web browser, such as Azure, Google Colab and Watson Studio.

Jupyter Notebook is a dynamic tool for data science and machine learning that you can adapt to use with both large projects and the development of small applications for data management.

It’s compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux and cloud-based instances.

Originally published at http://beapython.dev on January 25, 2021.