Learning python in linux

Best Python IDEs for Linux

Looking to code Python on your Linux system? Here are the best IDEs you can use for Python programming in Linux desktop.

Python is a popular scripting language among Linux users. It is also used extensively in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, some of the most popular buzzwords in computing. Running Python script in Linux takes just a command. However, for serious Python programming, an IDE is always a better choice. An IDE combines various tools for seamless development with a specific programming language. Generally, it contains a code editor with syntax highlighting, a compiler and/or interpreter, debugging tools and other features needed to work with the specific programming language. If you are learning Python and want to use an IDE to test things, I have compiled a list of them to help you.

Many other IDEs are available for Python in Linux, which you won’t find here. They work with Python2 only (which has been deprecated). Hence, I have omitted such options.

1. Eric

Eric is an open-source editor based on the Qt6 toolkit and is written in Python itself. Eric boasts a ton of features for Python and is a proper IDE. It supports downloadable plugins, which can further extend its capabilities. It also has an Integrated Python debugger, Interactive Python shell, and Integrated support for Python Package Management (pip), to name a few of the many features it provides. Go check out the extensive list of its features on its official website.

2. Geany

Geany is an open source IDE based on the GTK3 toolkit, which is small and lightweight. Being a lightweight application, it runs perfectly fine on every type of Linux distro no matter the desktop environment. It supports many programming languages, including Python. It also supports some plugins to extend its capabilities. Not to forget, Geany is almost one of the best Notepad++ alternatives for Linux.

3. PyCharm

PyCharm is one of the most popular and advanced Python IDEs developed by JetBrains. JetBrains is the organization behind some of the best IDEs like Android Studio and the programming language Kotlin used for Android development. It is an open-source application which is quite an extensive application compared to others in the list. An open-source community edition is available for free. Although, a paid version is also available with more features needed for professional development, which is a proprietary edition. It has a load of features specific to the Python language, as it is specially tailored for the same. You can check out all its features on the website and its paid version’s pricing.

4. Spyder

Spyder is an open-source IDE based on a Qt toolkit designed for scientific use. It has MATLAB (language and platform for data analysis) like features. Spyder, being built for Scientific and Engineering applications, has features with which analysis can be done graphically using histograms, graphs, etc. Scientific tools provided by Spyder can be somewhat similar to the paid tools available with PyCharm. And that’s not all, it also provides a VIM plugin for providing VIM keybindings support. Visit Spyder’s website for more information about its applications for scientists and engineers.

5. Thonny

Thonny is an open source Python IDE based on the Tk GUI toolkit. It is tailored for teaching Python to beginners. Even though it uses a different GUI toolkit, Thonny is incredibly lightweight and simple to use when compared to other IDEs. If you are a beginner, go for it for its simplicity and small-sized installation. You can explore its GitHub page to know more about it.

6. Visual Studio Code

Visual Studio Code is an open-source Electron-based application developed by Microsoft. The user experience is well-polished compared to most other options. It can be used for many programming languages. But, to use it for coding in Python, you need to grab the plugin that enables it. Once you install the plugin required, you can start writing code in Python and learn about issues through its debugger. Being an Electron-based application, some users may not like it for the extra overhead. But, it works fairly well! If you want to use Microsoft’s Visual Studio Code without all its telemetry, you can opt for VSCodium.

7. Bluefish

Bluefish is an open-source editor based on the GTK3 toolkit for web designers. However, being a very powerful editor, one can also use it to write code in Python. I did not find any way to execute the file in Bluefish, but it supports syntax highlighting. The development activity appears to be inactive since 2020. You can head on to its official website to know more.

Wrapping Up

One can arguably use any text editor which supports syntax highlighting for writing code in Python, e.g., Emacs and VIM also Notepadqq. But, in my opinion, using an IDE provides a more comfortable environment for coding as compared. Python has many applications, ranging from web development to artificial intelligence. Therefore, some IDEs can provide features specific to a particular application of Python, which may not be available in some IDEs. There is no good or bad IDE, as it all boils down to the thing you want to use Python for. Which IDE would you use for Python? Your suggestions are always welcome in the comments.

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6 Best Python IDE For Linux

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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