Top 7 Python IDE for Windows and Mac in 2024

Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) have changed the way software is created, providing developers with comprehensive tools and features within a single, cohesive platform. It helps to streamline the coding process, offering a unified environment for writing, testing, and debugging code.

From code editors and project management tools to built-in compilers, IDEs play an important role in enhancing developers’ productivity and code quality. Let’s find out some of the best Python IDEs that you can use to work on your projects.

What is an IDE (Integrated Development Environment)?

An IDE, or Integrated Development Environment, is a software package that provides comprehensive tools for software development. It includes a code editor, debugger, compiler, etc., to streamline the coding process.

An IDE comes with features like code completion, syntax highlighter, and project management to enhance developer productivity. It often integrates with version control systems, simplifying collaboration among team members.

IDE supports multiple programming languages and is a versatile option for different development needs. Overall, IDEs aim to create a unified environment that facilitates efficient software development.

IDE vs Code Editor Difference

IDE offers tools for debugging and compiling the code whereas Code Editor supports only code editing. Moreover, IDEs are heavy to use whereas code editors are light to use as they are not resource intensive. Here are some other metrics that highlight the differences between an IDE and Code Editor in detail below.

Metrics	IDE	Code Editor
Definition	IDE is a collection of software development tools to streamline the coding procedure.	It is a type of text editor that offers functionalities to write error-free code.
Tools	Code Editors, Debuggers, Compilers, Interpreter, etc.	Only a code editor
Programming Languages	Very language specific	Supports multiple languages like JavaScript and HTML
Performance	Performs a bit slower due to multiple integrated features	Quite faster with limited features that are not resource intensive.
Code Testing and Debugging	Available as a built-in feature	Available via plugin

Top Python IDEs for Windows and Mac

• IDLE
• PyCharm
• Spyder
• Visual Studio
• Atom
• Eric
• PyScripter

Here is the detailed list of some of the best IDEs that you can use to enhance your coding experience. They have been compared based on their features and benefits to help you choose the best one for yourself.

1. IDLE

IDLE is a popular IDE written in Python used for creating and testing codes. It is mainly used by beginners’ developers who want to polish their skills on the python code development. This IDE in python can help you with debugging code, changing last window files, adjusting tabs indents, checking previous code history, and so on.

IDLE Features

• Provides multi-window text editor
• Supports colorizing of code input, output, error messages, etc.
• Offers a path browser to display sys.path directories, modules, classes, etc.
• Offers a debugger with frequent breakpoints, global view, local spaces, etc.

Pros and Cons of IDLE

2. PyCharm

PyCharm integrated development environment (IDE) is specifically designed for Python programming. It provides features such as code completion, syntax highlighting, debugging tools, and project navigation to help developers write and maintain Python code efficiently.

PyCharm Features

• Supports context-based code completion
• Offers PostgreSQL, Oracle, MongoDB, etc., as built-in databases
• Writes, runs, and tests codes
• Supports code refactoring
• Supports multiple programming languages like JavaScript, TypeScript, HTML, CSS, etc.

Pros and Cons of PyCharm

3. Spyder

Spyder is an open-source integrated development environment (IDE) for scientific programming in Python. It provides features like an interactive console, a variable explorer, and integrated support for data visualization.

Spyder IDE is particularly popular among scientists, engineers, and data analysts for its capabilities in data analysis, numerical computing, and scientific research within the Python ecosystem.

Features of Spyder

• Interacts and modifies code variables in real-time
• Runs codes in line, cell, and file via IPython Console
• Traces each iteration of code execution with debugger
• Edits codes in multiple programming languages
• Offers syntax highlighting and automatic code completion

Pros and Cons of Spyder

4. Visual Studio

Visual Studio is one of the best IDE tools that helps in completing and managing the entire development cycle from one place. You can use this IDE for writing, editing, debugging, and building codes.

Additionally, you can also use it to deploy your app directly. Along with code editing and debugging, it also helps with code completion and code compilation.

Visual Studio Features

• Provides syntax highlighting
• Supports auto code complete
• Supports multiple languages like JavaScript and Markdown
• Offers built in Git Commands to create codes
• Launches codes in the running apps in real time

Pros and Cons of Visual Studio

5. Atom

Atom free and open-source text editor is developed by GitHub. While it is not an IDE, IDE functionalities can be added to it with software packages to work with different programming languages. Atom provides features like a built-in package manager, smart autocompletion, and a flexible customization system, making it popular among developers.

Features of Atom

• Offers a built-in package manager and a file system browser
• Writes scripts faster with automatic script completion
• Supports several pane features
• Manages pull requests
• Compares and edit code across files.

Pros and Cons of Atom

6. Eric

Eric is a python code editor that you can use to create, edit, and debug codes. You can use it for completing source code automatically, highlighting syntax, configuring window layout, performing unit testing, etc. Highlighting code errors and managing virtual environments are also possible with this Python IDE.

Eric Features

• Offers an integrated version control for Mercurial, Subversion and Git repositories
• Supports automatic code checkers
• Provides tools to preview Qt forms and translations
• Runs external applications within the IDE
• Offers the rope refactoring tool to restructure code

Pros and Cons of Eric

7. PyScripter

PyScripter is a modern python programming IDE available in a lightweight package compiled for windows. It is open source and completely developed in Delphi with extensibility via Python scripts.

Some important features of this IDE include debug remote code, run and debug files from memory, configurable IDE options, code explore, etc.

Features of PyScripter

• Offers a syntax highlighting editor
• Provides an integrated python interpreter
• Supports integrated unit testing
• Offers integration with python tools such as PyLint, TabNanny, and Profile

Pros and Cons of PyScripter

Top Features of IDE or Integrated Development Environments

An IDE comes with features like syntax highlighting, code debugging, code autocompletion, code version control, etc. Compiling and editing of codes are also possible with integrated development environment software. Here are some of the essential functions you get in an IDE:

• Syntax Highlight: Python IDE comes with syntax highlighting to display text or source code in various colours and fonts as per the category of terms.
• Code Debug: With this feature, you can easily identify and fix any bugs in the source code at any stage of development.
• Code Autocompletion: Most Python IDEs will come with ready-to-use snippets like code name, variable name, function signatures, etc., to automatically complete code and save time.
• Code Version Control: Through version control, you can track and manage all the changes made to the software code. Moreover, you can also share code changes with your team in real-time.
• Code Compiler: A code compiler will help in translating human-readable source code (written in a high-level programming language) into machine code that can easily be comprehended and executed by the computer.
• Language Support: The integrated development environment you are planning to buy should support multiple programming languages to create code in your preferred language.

How to Choose the Best Python IDE?

While reviewing the Python programming IDEs, you must evaluate your project requirements and pricing constraints. Next, you should try the software and check whether it has an active community or not. Let’s check out these requirements in detail below.

• Evaluate Your Requirements: First you need to evaluate the type of projects you will be working on and the programming languages you will be using.
• Consider the Pricing Plan: Some IDEs are free and some of them will come with a paid subscription or one time license. Therefore, consider the pricing plans of all IDEs before selecting any of them.
• Try the IDE: Most of the Python IDEs come with free trials or free versions so you can try the software to ensure it suits your workflow.
• Check for Community: Search for IDEs that have active communities to help you with tutorials, plugins, and support.
• Check for Cross-Platform Compatibility: If you want to work on several operating systems then select an IDE which is compatible with OSs you are using currently.

How We Tested These Python IDEs and Code Editors?

To help you select the best Python IDE or code editor, we have extensively researched and reviewed top products based on their popularity, functionality, user base, benefits, etc. While comparing IDEs for python online, we have also included that caters to the needs of beginners and professionals who are learning and want to get Python certificates.

Moreover, to ensure that these IDEs work up to the mark, we have tested them by installing them on different OSs and have run multiple Python scripts. Through this, we ensured that each IDE is working properly whether used by beginner or professional.

Conclusion: Which is the Best Python IDE?

Integrated Development Environments have become indispensable for software developers, offering a centralized portal that simplifies code creation and debugging. The convenience and efficiency brought about by IDEs contribute significantly to the success of software development projects, making them an essential toolkit for modern-day developers and programmers.

FAQs Related to Python IDEs