Back in 1991, when Guido van Rossum introduced Python for the first time, he wouldn’t have imagined the future scope of Python. Yet here we are, building projects with Python on a massive scale. As per a report of 2022, Python leads the chart by holding a 29.53% share worldwide.
Python was designed keeping in mind that it should deliver excellence along with an easy line of code. Besides this fact, Python offers an extensive range of IDEs that enable developers to work seamlessly while coding.
Before we jump to our conclusion, first understand Python Programming Language, IDEs, and code editors.
About Python Programming Language
Python is an interpreted, high-level programming language that makes a perfect combination for rapid application development. Its simplicity and easy syntax make it the first choice for beginners. Python is basically derived from multiple languages (such as ABC, C, C++, etc.) and its source code is available under GNU.
For FREE Python Tutorials refer to the article – Python Tutorial
What is an IDE?
Abbreviated as Integrated Development Environment, is a frame/coding environment that allows developers to do certain tasks (i.e. write, test and debug) in an interactive way. The purpose of IDEs is to solve the complexity while coding and create an easy path during software development by minimizing code errors, implementing any add-on feature, and so on.
Moving ahead, in this article, we’re going to discuss the 6 best Python IDE for Linux that you can use and that should cater to all your needs seamlessly.
What is Code Editor?
Code editors are basically text editors which are used for editing the source code of different programming languages. This makes the source code easier to read and understand by highlighting the specific part. You can also consider the code editors as part of IDEs.
6 Best Python IDE for Linux
1. PyCharm
Months after the initial release of Python, JetBrains introduced PyCharm in 1991. It’s a free, open-source tool and was voted the best code editor back in 2019. PyCharm is known for its seamless performance and can be entirely used without even putting extra effort into scripting. Its nature of code completion and inspection along with debugging has led major companies like Alibaba Trivago, Udemy, Shelf, etc. to incorporate this IDE into their projects.
Besides this, below are some major highlights that make it among the top Python IDE on Linux today:
- Highly configurable
- It offers a range of extensive features for web development
- Supports cross-platform
To know more about Vim IDE, refer to this article: How to Install PyCharm on Linux?
2. IDLE
IDLE or Integration Development Learning Environment is a package that comes along with Python (but not with Linux). This environment is a perfect choice for beginners because of its simplicity and cleanliness. It was developed by none other than the Python creator himself i.e. Guido van Rossum and is currently working on Version 3.10.8 in the market.
However, to download it in Linux, it will require executing the following command:
$ sudo apt-get install idle
Besides this, it also provides a handful of add-on features:
- Its nature of lightweight and simplicity makes it the preferred choice for beginners.
- Projects for automation and gaming can be easily built using this package
- It compiles a short bit of code during the execution.
IDLE Code editor
3. PyDev
This one is another most lovable Python IDE that is actually an external plugin for Eclipse. It was originally introduced first by Aleks Totic in July 2003 and later it was handled by Fabio Zadrozny as a Project’s Main Developer. PyDev has an extensive range of features that easily supports Python, CPython, JPython, etc.
Besides this, it allows Django integration for easy web development and provides a clean and sustainable debugger to fix the occurred issues within the codes.
Although there are many benefits of using this environment, we’re highlighting only major ones:
- Code controlling via GIT integration.
- Code completion
- Code completion with Auto Import
- Type Hinting
- Code Analysis
- Refactoring
- Remote Debugger
- Interactive Console
- Unit Test Integration
If you want to start your career with Python, you need to start with the basics and that’s what this curated course of Python Programming Foundation -Self Paced does. This course will take you forward right from scratch (variables, data types, operators, etc.) to advanced level.
4. Pyzo
Pyzo is another perfect IDE used in Linux and is a free and open-source tool that is well-known for performing scientific calculations (just like NumPy & Scipy). Once you will download this IDE, you would be able to see 2 components i.e. the Editor (where all the actions will be performed – writing codes) and a Shell – which will act as a code executor.
The purpose of this IDE was to provide a simple yet elegant experience to its users and that’s what exactly it does. You can even position the “Tool Menu” anywhere you want to as per convenience and also allows users to create their tool (such as Project Manager, File Browser, Web Browser, etc.)
Besides this, it also provides a handful of add-on features:
- A developer will have 4 options to run source code from the editor to the shell, those are: Run Selection, Run Cell, Run the file, and Run project main file.
- A user can easily switch between shells (when in case the executor is busy performing other tasks).
- It can easily run without a Python interpreter and uses the QT GUI toolkit.
Pyzo IDE
5. Wing
This is one of the most popular IDE among beginners and was introduced back in 2000 by Wingware. It was designed especially for Linux developers and is well known for its fast and efficient Python language. Currently, it is available in 3 different variants i.e. Wing Pro (Free Trial), Wing Personal (Individual/Paid), and Wing (101/Paid). The best part about this IDE is it enables developers to perform debugging and automate processes and that’s what makes it suitable for students and beginners.
Besides these highlighters, below are some key elements that you get from Wing IDE for Python:
- It also offers extensions for various collections in Django, Flask, etc., and is highly light it never disappoints in terms of speed and accuracy.
- The pro version of this IDE is suitable for professionals and is capable of allowing users to code navigation, formatting, version control, etc.
- A developer can perform various tests which include Pytest, Doctest, Unit Testing, etc. and this makes it feasible for them not to navigate for any other “Testing Specific” tool.
6. Jupyter Notebook
It’s a web-based interactive IDE for Python and offers an intuitive interface. It was introduced in 2014 by Fernando Pérez, Brian Granger, and Min Ragan-Kelley. Due to its ability to keep all codes, comments, and images together, it’s highly scalable and flexible to create readable analyses.
Besides these highlighters, below are some key elements that you get from Jupyter Notebook for Python:
- Supports multiple programming languages (such as Python, C#, R, etc.)
- It’s highly scalable and companies like Intuit, Delivery Hero, etc. are actively using this IDE in their ecosystem. It uses ipywidgets to scale up productivity.
- Files can easily get converted into other formats like HTML and PDF.
To know more about Vim IDE, refer to this article: How to install Jupyter Notebook in Linux?
Jupyter Notebook
Conclusion
Above mentioned are some of the best IDEs for Linux. Undoubtedly, there are various IDEs that can be used such as Eric, Spyder, etc but those mentioned here are the best Python IDEs used for Linux. Using these feature-rich IDE, you can work on some excellent projects. However, the IDE can be differentiated among paid and free versions, all you need is to have knowledge of choosing the right IDE as per requirement.
