Top 10 Python IDEs in 2020: Choosing The Best One

An integrated development environment (IDE) refers to a software application that offers computer programmers with extensive software development abilities. IDEs most often consist of a source code editor, build automation tools, and a debugger. Most modern IDEs have intelligent code completion. In this article, you will discover the best Python IDEs currently available and present in the market.

This article explores the following topics on Python IDEs: 

• What is an IDE?
• Features of an IDE
• Top Python IDEs
• Which IDE to use when?
• Which IDE do we recommend?

What is an IDE?

• An IDE enables programmers to combine the different aspects of writing a computer program.
• IDEs increase programmer productivity by introducing features like editing source code, building executables, and debugging.

Features of an IDE

Let’s look at some main features of an IDE:

1. Syntax Highlighting

An IDE that knows your language's syntax can provide visual cues and keywords that are easier to read by visually clarifying the language syntax.

Code without Syntax

Code with Syntax

2. Autocomplete

IDEs are generally really good at anticipating what you're more likely to type next, making coding significantly faster and simpler.

3. Building Executables

IDE takes care of interpreting the Python code, running python scripts, building executables, and debugging the applications.

4. Debugging 

In the event that a program does not run correctly, programmers can easily detect their code eros using the debugging tools that IDEs offer.

Top Python IDEs

Now that you know about the integrated Development Environment, let's look at a few popular Python IDEs.

Note that we won't be ranking these IDEs just for the sake of it because we believe that different IDEs are meant for various purposes.

But, we will indeed discuss which IDE you should use according to your needs or requirements.

This will help remove any doubts that you may have and help you make a choice that best suits your purpose.

1. IDLE

• IDLE (Integrated Development and Learning Environment) is a default editor that accompanies Python
• This IDE is suitable for beginner level developers
• The IDLE tool can be used on Mac OS, Windows, and Linux
• Price: Free

Most notable features of IDLE include:

• Ability to search for multiple files
• Interactive interpreter with syntax highlighting, and error and i/o messages
• Smart indenting, along with basic text editor features
• A very capable debugger

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2. PyCharm

• PyCharm is a widely used Python IDE created by JetBrains
• This IDE is suitable for professional developers and facilitates the development of large Python projects
• Price: Freemium

The most notable features of PyCharm include:

• Support for JavaScript, CSS, and TypeScript
• Smart code navigation
• Quick and safe code refactoring
• Support features like accessing databases directly from the IDE

3. Visual Studio Code

• Visual Studio Code is an open-source (and free) IDE created by Microsoft. It finds great use for Python development
• VS Code is lightweight and comes with powerful features that only some of the paid IDEs offer
• Price: Free

The most notable features of Visual Studio Code include:

• One of the best smart code completion is based on various factors
• Git integration
• Code debugging within the editor
• It provides an extension to add additional features like code linting, themes, and other services

4. Sublime Text 3

• Sublime Text is a very popular code editor. It supports many languages, including Python
• It is highly customizable and also offers fast development speeds and reliability
• Price: Free

The most notable features of Sublime Text 3 include:

• Syntax highlighting
• Custom user commands for using the IDE
• Efficient project directory management
• It supports additional packages for the web and scientific Python development

5. Atom

• Atom is an open-source code editor by Github and supports Python development
• Atom is similar to Sublime Text and provides almost the same features emphasis on speed and usability
• Price: Free

The most notable features of Atom include:

• Support for a large number of plugins
• Smart autocompletion
• Supports custom commands for the user to interact with the editor
• Support for cross-platform development

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6. Jupyter

• Jupyter is widely used in the field of data science
• It is easy to use, interactive and allows live code sharing and visualization
• Price: Free

The most notable features of Jupyter include:

• Supports for the numerical calculations and machine learning workflow
• Combine code, text, and images for greater user experience
• Intergeneration of data science libraries like NumPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib

7. Spyder

• Spyder is an open-source IDE most commonly used for scientific development
• Spyder comes with Anaconda distribution, which is popular for data science and machine learning
• Price: Free

The most notable features of Spyder include:

• Support for automatic code completion and splitting
• Supports plotting different types of charts and data manipulation
• Integration of data science libraries like NumPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib

8. PyDev

• PyDev is a strong python interpreter and is distributed as a third-party plugin for Eclipse IDE
• Being flexible, it is one of the preferred open-source IDE by the developers
• Price: Free

The most notable features of PyDev include:

• Django integration, auto code completion, and code coverage
• Supports type hinting, refactoring, as well as debugging and code analysis
• Good support for Python web development

9. Thonny

• Thonny is an IDE ideal for teaching and learning Python programming
• Price: Free

The most notable features of Thonny include:

• Simple debugger
• Function evaluation
• Automatic syntax error detection
• Detailed view of variables used in a Python program or project

10. Wing

• The wing is also a popular IDE that provides a lot of good features to ensure a productive environment
• Wing offers a 30-day trial version for the developers to check and understand the features of this IDE
• Price: US $95 - US$179 for commercial license

The most notable features of Wing include:

• It provides immediate feedback to your Python code
• It provides support for test-driven development with unit tests, Pytest, and Django testing framework.
• It assists in remote development
• Auto code completion is present

Which IDE to Use When?

We will divide the preference into three categories:

1. Based on Your Level of Knowledge

• Beginner - IDLE, Thonny would be the perfect choice for first-time programmers who are just getting into Python.
• Intermediate - For intermediate level users PyCharm, VS Code, Atom, Sublime Text 3 are good options.

2. Based on Your End Goal

• Data Science - Spyder, Jupyter Notebook, PyCharm professional (Paid).
• Web Development - VS Code, PyCharm professional (Paid).
• Scripting - Atom, PyDev, Sublime Text 3, PyCharm Community (Free).

3. Based on the Hardware You Use

• Basic (Pentium, Celeron) - IDLE, Atom, Sublime Text 3, Online IDEs.
• Developer (Intel core series) - PyCharm, Jupyter, Spyder, VS Code, Eclipse + PyDev.

Which IDE Do We Recommend?

The preference of IDE should depend on your requirements. Here are different scenarios for you to help you decide which IDE to use.

• Data Science - Jupyter Notebook.
• Web Development  - VS Code.
• Scripting - PyCharm Community (Free)

What is the Possible Answer?

Now that you have seen the Best Python IDEs that are currently available and their features, you can always decide which IDE to pick based on your requirements. 

Do you have any more queries regarding which Python IDE is best for you? Simply shoot us your question in the comments section. And our experts will get back to you as soon as possible!