Top 10 Python IDEs in 2024

IDE stands for Integrated Development Environment is software that facilitates the programmers to develop applications. It provides a bundle of functionalities like writing the code, highlighting the errors, debugging, testing the code, etc.

In this article, we are going to have an overview of the top Python IDE and the features a developer must know and take into account before choosing one for their project. Let’s also discuss a few points about Python programming and why Python IDE is used instead of a text editor.

What is IDE?

Python IDEs (Integrated Development Platforms) are dedicated platforms to code, compile, run, test, and debug python code. It is said that Python IDEs understand the code better than any text editors. They possess an integrated build process.

Why Python IDE instead of a Text Editor?

IDEs contain vast packages and libraries and are best for file management. Highlighting features to improve the code readability, auto-completion of the code, and code suggestions are other important functionalities of an IDE.

IDE	Code Editor
Feature-rich environment with built-in tools for coding, debugging, testing, version control, etc.	Primarily focused on writing and editing code, with limited built-in functionalities.
Steeper learning curve due to the abundance of features and options.	Easier to learn and use, with a simpler interface and fewer bells and whistles.
Ideal for complex projects requiring various development tools and functionalities.	Perfect for smaller projects or programmers who prefer a lightweight and customizable coding environment.

Top 10 Python IDEs 2024

Here is the list of Top Python IDEs for 2024:

1. PyCharm

PyCharm is an Integrated Development Environment specifically for the development of applications in Python and Java. Its functionalities include analysis of the code, a graphical debugger, etc. PyCharm helps to easily connect with a database. It contains an integrated unit tester and other testing frameworks such as pytest, nose, doctest, tox, and trial. PyCharm has got a lot of shortcuts to search and navigate different files and projects. It supports a lot of popular Version Control systems such as Git (and Github), Mercurial, Perforce, and Subversion.

PyCharm is available in two versions, namely the professional and community. The community edition is open-sourced and free with limited but adequate features whereas the professional edition comes with a price and contains many extraordinary features. 

2. IDLE

IDLE (Integrated Development and Learning Environment) is a dedicated platform or software to develop Python applications. It is a full-fledged editor that is used to create, modify, and execute python code. It can also be used like the Python Shell to execute single statements. Python IDLE would be of great help, especially to beginners. 

Basic syntax highlighting, auto-completion of the code, auto-indentation, call tips, code context, etc. are a few noteworthy features. It also comes with a debugging tool. Stack Viewer is one of the underlining features of IDLE as it helps to trace back the error or exception that is encountered. It also allows the customization of fonts, keys, extensions, highlights, etc. IDLE is open-sourced and available free of charge.

3. Visual Studio Code

Visual Studio Code referred to as VS Code is a lightweight source code editor used to develop projects in various programming languages such as Python, HTML, C, C#, JavaScript, etc. The User Interface is well-documented and user-friendly with custom themes. The Python extension allows the user to code Python scripts in CS Code. The various features that support development include code completion with the help of IntelliSense, debugging and testing supports, use of conda and virtual environments, etc. 

VS code also provides linting support using linters like pylint, bandit, flake8, etc. Linting is a process that analyses the code and flags potential problems. The addition of an a.git folder in the project turns on Git functionality, enabling tasks like commit, push, pull, check-out, and many more. Visual Studio Code is free and built on open source.

4. Atom

Atom is a modern, approachable, free-featured text editor. It is based on the electron framework that is, it is built using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Atom comes with a bundle of features such as code lines, auto-complete, and code highlights. Atom provides a plug-in known as platform-ide-terminal in order to execute the python code. 

Atom lets you open multiple files and split the window by navigating to View in the Menu bar. The Interface is customizable to the required theme. The theme here refers to both the UI theme and syntax theme (Change the color of the code highlights, font styles, etc.). Atom IDE also comes with a lot of plug-ins, linting, and debugging tools. Atom is a free and open-source text and source code editor.

5. Sublime Text

Sublime text is a source code editor said to support many programming and markup languages. However, its Python support is considered the best. Since it has got a rich package ecosystem. Sublime text can be fine-tuned easily to what you are using it for. The Auto Docstring is a feature that creates a template for a selected class, function, or method when enabled. Anaconda Plugin helps with auto-completion of code, highlighting the syntax errors, navigate to anywhere in the project like function, object usage, etc. 

Git Integration is also made easy with Sublime Text. Sublime Text uses a custom UI toolkit, optimized for speed and beauty while taking advantage of native functionality on each platform. Sublime Text may be free to be downloaded and evaluate, however, a license is required for continued use which must be purchased. Each subscription has its own business name and billing cycle.

If you’re a Linux user, you can read out the 6 Best Python IDE For Linux

6. Spyder

Spyder is an open-source Integrated Development Environment that is written in Python for Python. It is referred to as a powerful scientific environment. It is specifically built to be used for data science. The customizable interface lets the user change themes, syntax color, font, etc. based on user preference. 

Spyder IDE allows its users to install different packages and modules with a simple command-line code. Introspection, code completion, a debugger linked to IPdb, static code analysis by Pylint, an internal console, file documentation, etc. are the key features. Further, there are a variety of plugins available. Spyder is free to use and there is no paid version.

7. PyDev

PyDev, a plug-in for Eclipse is an Integrated Development Environment used for programming in Python Programming Language. In order to use PyDev, we have to first install followed by Eclipse Integrated Development Environment. Code completion, code analysis, refactoring, Django integration, debugger, etc. are the notable features that make an advanced type interface.

Earlier, two versions were available, the free version and the other one named PyDev Extensions which was a paid one with a few advanced features. However, now the Eclipse Public License covers the combined version of PyDev and PyDev Extensions.

8. Jupyter

Jupyter Notebook is another Integrated Development Environment specifically used for Data Science. It can be executed on a local desktop or can be installed on a remote server. Installing Anaconda would be the first step, to begin with in using Jupyter. It is an interactive computational environment. The interface is similar to a word processor. 

As Jupyter is more specifically designed for data science investigations, it revolves around the concepts of kernels and cells. Pandas, Matplotlib, Seaborn, Numpy, etc. could easily work with data and plot charts. The documents created in Jupyter might contain visualizations, equations, narrative text, etc. Jupyter is open-sourced and free to use.

9. Thonny

Thonny is a dedicated IDE for python that is specifically useful for beginners. It is best used to program the ESP32, ESP8266 boards, Raspberry Pi, etc. as it provides support for CPython and MicroPython. Thonny IDE has a basic interface with key features like highlighting errors, code completion, step-by-step expression evaluation, debugging, etc.  

Though recommended for beginners, it serves as a great developing environment for full-fledged Python projects. The Installation and setup process is also simple as it comes with a built-in Python version. Install and code is all it takes. Thonny also provides a whole variety of plugins that could be installed. Thonny is a free Python Integrated Development Environment.

10. PyScripter

PyScripter is a lightweight Integrated Development Platform designed specifically for Python. Integrated Python Interpreter, Syntax highlighting, Integrated testing framework, regular expression testing, find and replace options, debugging, etc. are the few features that stand out. It contains a Modern Graphical User Interface with docked forms and a configurable look. 

Coding and scripting are made easy. The project manager includes import extant directories and multiple run configurations. It also allows the integration of external tools like Pylint. It is now available only for windows. PyScripter is free and open-sourced.

Conclusion

The above article must have given an overall idea about list of top Python IDE. These Python IDE come with immense features designed to build perfect web applications. It is important to select an appropriate developing environment for the project to be more effective. Hence go through all of the features mentioned and choose the best one. 

Top Python IDEs – FAQs

What is the top Python IDE to run?

There’s no single “best” IDE for everyone, but some popular and highly-rated options include:

• PyCharm:
  • Available in both free Community and paid Professional editions.
  • Feature-rich with excellent code completion, debugging, and project management tools.
  • Popular among professional developers.
• Visual Studio Code (VS Code):
  • Free and open-source with a vast extension marketplace for adding functionalities.
  • Lightweight and customizable.
  • Great for beginners and experienced developers alike.
• Spyder:
  • Open-source and specifically designed for scientific computing and data science.
  • Integrates well with popular data science libraries like NumPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib.
  • Excellent for interactive exploration and visualization of data.

Which Python IDE is fastest?

For pure speed and performance, some lightweight options like VS Code or Sublime Text might be preferable. They start up quickly and have a minimal footprint on your system resources. However, they may lack some of the advanced features and integrations offered by heavier IDEs like PyCharm.

Is Spyder the best IDE for Python?

Spyder is a fantastic choice for data science and scientific computing. Its integration with data analysis libraries, interactive console, and plotting capabilities make it ideal for exploring and working with data. However, for broader Python development outside of data science, other IDEs like PyCharm or VS Code might be more versatile.

What is the official Python IDE?

Python doesn’t have an official IDE. However, the IDLE environment included with the standard Python distribution is a basic option for beginners. It’s lightweight and simple to use, but it lacks many of the features and functionalities offered by dedicated IDEs.