Python is an easy-to-learn, powerful programming language whose popularity has grown massively in recent years. As per the Tiobe Index, Python is among the top 10 most popular programming languages used today. In fact, the ratings released for November 2021 show that Python has climbed up the list to become the most popular programming language.
Nonetheless, if you are new to coding or aiming to develop your Python programming skills, a dedicated Python IDE can help you to improve your productivity and become more efficient.
While various programmers use different IDEs based on their specific needs, in this article, we are going to look into the 8 best Python IDEs in 2023. Also, we will give an overview of each IDE so that you can choose the right one as per your needs and preferences. So, let’s not waste any time and get started!
List of the Best Python IDEs
Following are the most popular Python IDEs that developers across the globe trust and use for developing a wide variety of Python projects:
1. PyCharm
Type – IDE
Initially released in – 2010
Developer – JetBrains
PyCharm is a powerful Python IDE that puts the code-completion feature first, making it easy for you to develop applications. PyCharm’s long list of features makes it easier for you to write Python code efficiently and deploy applications with ease. In addition to the features, the paid version of the PyCharm is available at a reasonable price, which makes it an appealing choice for commercial use.
It provides intelligent code completion, on-the-fly error checking and quick-fixes, easy project navigation, and much more. PyCharm is one such IDE that comes with a host of features and helps you in writing Python code productively.
2. Thonny
Type – IDE
Initially released in – 2013
Developer – Aivar Annamaa and contributors
Thonny is a Python IDE for entry-level programmers. It provides a simple and intuitive interface for beginners to learn Python programming from scratch. However, it also comes with all the features that experienced programmers need to develop large-scale Python projects.
The IDE offers automatic indentation along with code completion that helps to speed up the code writing. It has an integrated documentation browser. You can browse available classes, methods and read their docs just in the same window. Thonny also offers a powerful built-in debugger that allows you to analyze the program execution step by step, watch variables/expressions, call stack, put breakpoints, etc.
3. Spyder
Type – IDE
Initial released in – 2009
Developer – Pierre Raybaut (original), Spyder project contributors (present)
Spyder is a powerful Python IDE that is ideal for both beginners and professionals. It comes with numerous features to facilitate the development, modification, debugging, and analysis of the Python code. Some of the most notable features of Spyder include syntax highlighting, introspection, and code completion.
Spyder is the best python IDE to use in 2023 as it allows you to write code faster with its smart autocomplete feature. This means you can eliminate bottlenecks rather than have to do multiple rounds of debugging. You can easily fit your code into separate frames and view them side by side with the help of this Python IDE.
4. Sublime Text
Type – Code Editor
Initially released in – 2008
Developer – Jon Skinner (original), Sublime HQ (present)
Sublime Text is among the most popular code editors that you can use for Python development. It is one of the best Python editors as it comes with advanced support for the Python programming language. Also, Sublime Text provides you with various customization options. You can choose from a wide range of themes and packages for personalizing the appearance and functionality of Sublime Text.
If you are a Python developer who wants to write code on Windows, macOS, or Linux systems, then Sublime Text is the best choice for you as it is a cross-platform code editor. The software is available as shareware and is ideal for both commercial and non-commercial use.
5. Visual Studio Code
Type – Code Editor
Initially released in – 2015
Developer – Microsoft
Visual Studio Code (VCS) is an open-source code editor that supports the development of desktop applications, mobile applications, web applications, and web services. It is a developer tool that comes with all the features that developers need to streamline their core edit-build-debug cycle.
It is designed for cross-platform development and can be used on Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu. There are so many features in VS Code that make it easier to work with Python. It provides an environment to write code, debug errors, test software products, and deploy applications to the system.
6. Atom
Type – Code Editor
Initially released in – 2014
Developer – GitHub
Atom is a free and open-source, multi-language code editor that offers various useful features, including syntax highlighting, autocomplete, snippets, and code refactoring. Also, It comes with built-in support for JavaScript, HTML, and CSS.
Thanks to its ease of use, Atom has become the preferred code editor for many programmers. Atom is a highly customizable cross-platform text and source editor easy to get started with. The code editor supports Python development, and for developing full-fledged Python projects, you simply need to install appropriate plugins.
7. Jupyter
Type – Code Development Platform
Initially released in – 2015
Developer – Fernando Pérez
Jupyter is different from the conventional IDEs and code editors. It is a open-source project that aims to support open-source development. Jupyter is one of the best tools of the Python data science ecosystem. It provides a browser-based notebook to develop Python code and display code output.
The Jupyter Notebook is one of the best IDEs available in the market for Python developers that makes it easy to write, test, debug Python code, make plots, and develop complex Python-based applications.
8. PyDev
Type – Plugin for Eclipse
Initially released in – 2003
Developer – Appcelerator
PyDev is neither an IDE nor a code editor. Instead, it is a plugin for Eclipse. It is developed by the same people who are driving the development of the Python programming language.
Because of its integration with Eclipse, PyDev is able to provide many advanced features like code navigation, refactoring, auto-complete context-sensitive help, and source debugger. It is available for Linux, Windows, and macOS. The IDE provides lots of features to take your Python programming experience to the next level. Also, it allows you to debug your scripts directly on your project files.
Conclusion
With Python IDEs, it becomes easier for you to write code as they come loaded with a wide variety of useful features. Even if you are learning to code, an IDE can come in real handy for you to ensure effective learning.
IDEs also emerge as top-choice for professional developers as they help a lot in debugging the code and detecting the errors during runtime.
It’s up to you which IDE you want to use for Python development. Each Python IDE out there has its own set of pros and cons. However, the key is to pick one, understand its quirks, and stick with it till you master working with it.
In this article, we have covered the best Python IDEs and code editors along with their overview. We hope it helps you make a better choice while choosing an IDE or editor for your next Python project.
If you have any thoughts or suggestions, leave them in the comments below.
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Hi! I am Shekhar, a professional web & mobile app developer with expertise in MEAN Stack, Next.js, React.js, and React Native. Being interested in working with different IT technologies, I always look forward to learning something new and challenging. Along with JavaScript, I also know several other programming languages, including Python and TypeScript.