Python IDEs and Code Editors - Basic Guide and Top picks

The hugely popular Programming language Python was developed in 1991 to code languages used for several purposes like:

Python IDE and Code editors - basic guide and top picks

  • Back-end web and mobile app development
  • Desktop app 
  • Software development
  • To write system scripts

Python is the leader in the coding business because of its easy English syntax, easy to learn framework user-friendly interface. It is used for server web development, software development, and Artificial intelligence. Python works on many platforms and to know Python you should know more about the best Python code editors and IDE’s.

What is IDE and code editor?

IDE's or Integrated development environments are those programs that amalgamate the tools for writing and testing software, websites and mobile-based apps on its platform. They typically include:


  • Source code editor: This is a text editor that is used for editing programming languages.
  • Building tools for automation: To automate the software development process and reduce manual tasks.
  • Debugger: This is a tool that examines codes for errors and also aids to diagnose different problems. 



With IDE, one can also automate the work of developers which results in a significant reduction of manual work and therefore, errors caused due to it. It also facilitates the SDLC (software development life cycle) process further by reducing the time taken for development, testing and debugging.

But, if you have to write only the code, then why use the IDE platform? 

Instead, you can rely on less-resourced intensive code editors which can be written in plain text editors. Code editors are well equipped and have features specific to writing codes which can benefit your SDLC process and amp up the speed with a notable reduction in time, effort and errors.

We have handpicked top 10 python IDE’s and code editors to help you select the most ideal one suited for your project:

Idle –IDE

Idle is the best way to start for beginners. It has by default the installs of the language. Idle is great for beginners because it is light-weight and capable of doing many things. But with more complications, later on, Idle might not be the best fit. It is open source and comes free of cost.

  • User-friendly and best for beginners
  • Presence of smart indentation 
  • Highlights syntax
  • Open-source

Thonny –IDE

Thonny is yet another beginner-friendly python IDE that was developed by the Institute of Computer Science at the University of Tartu in Estonia and aimed at Python beginners. This like Idle is open-source and is free of cost too.

  • Open-source
  • User interface is simple
  • Simplified debugger
  • User logs maintained to keep a tab on the entire coding process

PyCharm – IDE

Mainly for intermediate and advance python users, it is the best extension to your Idle days. Charm comes in a two-tier pricing mode where the first is free of cost limited community version and the second tier is the fully paid professional version.

  • Apt for professional use
  • Error highlighting and suggestion fixing
  • A smart code navigation system
  • Strong debugging

Spyder – IDE

Mainly used by python scientists designed with data science. Its main focus is integrating with python data libraries which makes it a perfect choice for dedicated data science needs. This being Open source is free to explore.

  • Specializes in Data science
  • Python code auto-completion
  • Syntax highlight

Sublime Text – Code editor

Priced at $80 this versatile code editor supports all languages including python. All the needed basic code editing features are offered here which can be extended further with plugins like debugging and Django integration.

  • Fully features and has everything one is looking for
  • GOTO search function
  • Out of box highlighting of syntax

Repl.it (IDE) 

This is a general-purpose IDE that supports python and even lets the developers’ code directly through the browser. It is an open-source format that comes free of cost. With this tool, all the developer needs to write down an efficient python code is to have a system with a good internet connection.

  • Code-error analysis
  • Ability to code through the browser
  • Goes with other plugins

Visual Studio (IDE)

This is a well-packaged IDE that comes from the house of Microsoft. It is also python compatible with the help of PTVS (Python tools visual studio). Good for complicated applications and will cost the exchequer a neat $45 per month.

  • Apt for multiple languages
  • Can add python compatibility with the help of plugins
  • Have great navigation tools and debugging options
  • Has the support for Microsoft

Visual Studio Code – Code Editor

Visual Studio Code is free of cost and can be configured easily with extensions and plugins. This comes with syntax highlighting, debugging and an auto-completion feature called ‘Intellisense'.

  • Syntax highlighting
  • Debugger
  • Rich in feature though lightweight

Vim – Code Editor

This has a pre-installed Mac OS and UNIX OS. It is a basic editor but has the option for plugins and extensions.

  • Open-source
  • Easily configured with python
  • Compatible with plugins for syntax highlighting, code auto-completion and debugging

Atom – Code Editor

Flexible, lightweight and has its features like code auto-completion, adjustable user interface and debugging.

  • Open-source
  • Customized user interface
  • Find and replace the search option

You can choose a suitable Python IDE and Code Editor that helps make your software development process easier without any hassle. Let us know in the comments section if you know some other best code editors or IDEs suitable for easy to use, simple and hassle-free development.

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