Top 5 Best Python IDE and Code Editor in 2023 (Compared)
Submitted by rems on Friday, October 27, 2023 - 14:49.
Python, a versatile and widely-used programming language, has continued to gain momentum in 2023. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced developer, having the right Integrated Development Environment (IDE) or code editor can significantly enhance your coding experience. In this article, we will introduce you to the top 5 Python IDEs and code editors that are making waves in 2023. These tools are designed to simplify Python development, making it more accessible and efficient for developers of all levels. So, if you're looking to boost your Python coding journey, keep reading to discover the ideal software for your needs.
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PyCharm
- PyCharm is a popular Python IDE developed by JetBrains. It offers a wide range of features for Python development, including code completion, syntax highlighting, error checking, and debugging. PyCharm also has several features specifically designed for web development, such as support for Django and Flask.
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Visual Studio Code
- Visual Studio Code is a free and open-source code editor developed by Microsoft. It is a popular choice for Python development because of its lightweight design, extensibility, and support for multiple programming languages. Visual Studio Code also offers numerous features designed for Python development, such as the Python extension pack and the Python debugger.
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Sublime Text
- Sublime Text is a commercial code editor known for its speed and performance. It is a popular choice for Python development due to its lightweight design, customizability, and support for multiple programming languages. Sublime Text also provides several features specifically designed for Python development, including Python syntax highlighting and code completion.
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Spyder
- Spyder is a free and open-source Python IDE developed by the Spyder team. It is a popular choice for Python development, focusing on scientific computing and data analysis. Spyder includes several features designed for scientific computing, such as the integrated console, the variable explorer, and the plotting tools.
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Thonny
- Thonny is a free and open-source Python IDE designed for beginners. It is a popular choice for teaching Python due to its step-by-step execution mode and integrated debugger. Thonny also includes several features specifically designed for beginners, such as the interactive code editor and built-in tutorials.
Let's compare the five IDEs and code editors – PyCharm, Visual Studio Code (VSCode), Sublime Text, Spyder, and Thonny – based on various factors to help you make an informed choice for your Python development needs.
| PyCharm | VSCode | SublimeText | Spyder | Thonny | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | User-friendly, but it has a steeper learning curve for beginners. | Highly customizable and suitable for both beginners and experienced developers. | Simple and intuitive, great for quick coding tasks. | Designed for data scientists and researchers, so it may have a learning curve for non-specialists. | Extremely beginner-friendly, designed to make Python coding accessible. |
| Python-Specific Features | Offers strong Python support, code completion, and analysis tools. | Provides Python support via extensions, with a vast library of available extensions. | Offers Python support through community-developed plugins. | Specialized for scientific Python work, with built-in data analysis tools. | Focused on simplifying Python coding for beginners. |
| Customization and Extensions | Offers some customization options, but not as extensive as VSCode. | Highly customizable with a vast library of extensions. | Extensively customizable with a wide range of community plugins. | Offers fewer customization options compared to VSCode or Sublime Text. | Limited customization options, as it focuses on simplicity. |
| Performance | Can be resource-intensive, potentially affecting performance on older machines. | Lightweight and generally performs well on various systems. | Known for its speed and efficiency, offering quick response times. | Performs well for data science tasks but may be heavier compared to basic code editors. | Lightweight and designed to run smoothly, even on lower-end systems. |
| Community and Support | Strong community and support, particularly for the paid Professional version. | Active community, with extensive documentation and resources. | Active community with a wealth of community-created plugins. | Active community for data science support and scientific Python tasks. | Smaller community, but beginner-focused support and resources. |
| Pricing | Offers a free Community version and a paid Professional version. | Completely free and open-source. | Offers a free trial with occasional prompts to purchase a license. | Completely free and open-source. | Completely free and open-source. |
The choice among these IDEs and code editors ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you're a beginner, Thonny may be an excellent starting point. For data science, Spyder could be the best choice. VSCode and Sublime Text are versatile options with a wide range of extensions, while PyCharm is a robust and comprehensive IDE for Python professionals.
In summary, Python is a widely-used and versatile programming language that's gaining even more popularity in 2023. Whether you're new to coding or a seasoned developer, having the right Python IDE or code editor can make your life easier. We introduced you to the top five options: PyCharm, Visual Studio Code, Sublime Text, Spyder, and Thonny, each with its unique strengths. Your choice will depend on your specific needs, so pick the one that fits you best and start coding!
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