We list the six best Python code editor(s) for Ubuntu and other Linux distros and Windows in 2023.
Python is everywhere today, and it is arguably the C programming language of the modern era. You can find Python everywhere, from websites, apps, data science projects, and AI to IoT devices. So being a popular programming language of this decade, it is essential to know the development environment of Python, where developers create applications, especially if you are starting afresh.
Many Python development environments are available with features and utilities catering to your need. Some of them are useful for beginners learning Python by setting up the environment and other users for heavy Python development and complex setups.
In this post, I will touch upon the best of them that would help you pick one for your need and use case.
Table of Contents
Best Python Editor for Coding
This top list features the following editors:
1. Visual Studio Code
Although Microsoft created it, Visual Studio Code is one of the best code editors out there. Not only Python, for all popular and trending programming languages.
It is loaded with features such as syntax highlighting, code completion, debugging, snippets, built-in Git and many such features, which you can read here. It’s a little complex for newbies, but it takes a few hours to learn it.
However, it is built with electron framework, which might feel slightly slower. But the high-end development hardware makes up for it. It is a free and open-source app & available for Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Individual deb and RPM packages are available below for Ubuntu, Fedora and related distros.
You can also set up your system for Flatpak and run the following command from the terminal to install it for all Linux distributions.
flatpak install flathub com.visualstudio.code
2. Eclipse with PyDev
If you are in IT, you must have heard about Eclipse. Eclipse is a free and open-source IDE developed by IBM. This complete IDE is used for Java and Android development. However, it supports many other programming languages, including Python. You can use Eclipse with the popular PyDev plugin, which enables you to convert Eclipse to a complete Python development environment. With PyDev integration in Eclipse, you can do the compilation, code analysis, live debugging, interactive console access, and many more features.
Advantage
- Extensive features and complete Python development IDE.
Disadvantage
- A heavyweight on system performance.
- Targetted for advanced users.
Installation and more information
- Platform: Linux
- Type: IDE
- Price: Free
- Source: Open Source
- Official Download link: PyDev, Eclipse
- Official Website: Eclipse, PyDev Plugin
- Flatpak:
- Eclipse for Java is available as Flatpak via Flathub.
- You can try this version after setting up Flatpak.
3. PyCharm Editor
Developed by JetBrains, PyCharm provides intelligent code completion, code inspections, on-the-fly error highlighting, quick fixes, automated code refactorings, and rich navigation capabilities.
PyCharm’s massive collection of tools out of the box includes an integrated debugger and test runner; Python profiler; a built-in terminal; integration with major VCS and built-in database tools; remote development capabilities with remote interpreters; an integrated ssh terminal; and integration with Docker and Vagrant.
In addition to Python, PyCharm provides first-class support for various Python web development frameworks, specific template languages, JavaScript, CoffeeScript, TypeScript, HTML/CSS, AngularJS, Node.js, and more.
PyCharm has two versions of installers. The professional version and a community version. The community version is free and open source. The professional version is not free as it comes with professional tools and extensive support. The professional edition has a monthly subscription version of <10 USD for individual use.
However, if you are a beginner, you can start with the free Community edition of PyCharm.
For both Scientific and Web Python development. With HTML, JS, and SQL support.
Advantage
- Advanced and modern editing capabilities for professionals that aid rapid developments.
Disadvantage
- Most professional tools are available in the paid version (approximately 8 to 10 USD per month for individual use).
Installation and additional information
- Platform: Linux, Mac, and Windows
- Type: IDE
- Price: Free (Community edition) and Paid (Professional Edition)
- Source: Open Source (Community Edition)
- Official Download link
- Flatpak:
- You can install the community version via Flathub after setting up your Linux system for Flatpak.
4. Spyder Editor
This is for you if you are from the academic or scientific community. Spyder is a powerful Python editor written in Python for Python. It is designed to be used by scientists, engineers, and data scientists. It offers a unique combination of a comprehensive development tool’s advanced editing, analysis, debugging, and profiling functionality with a scientific package’s data exploration, interactive execution, deep inspection, and beautiful visualization capabilities.
Advantage
- Lightweight and Free
Disadvantage
- You have to download it as part of the Anaconda package. No standalone installer.
Installation and additional instructions
- Platform: Anaconda
- Type: IDE
- Price: Free
- Source: Open Source
- Official Download link
- Official Website
5. Sublime Text
The next IDE in this list is a refined one. Sublime Text is a sophisticated code editor with a Python programming interface. It is a cross-platform utility and natively supports many programming languages. You can extend its features and functionality using plugins. The sublime text comes with productivity-boosting features such as Goto anything and changes to multiple sections of your file simultaneously.
Advantages
- Lightweight, free, and available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Disadvantages
- It is free to evaluate, but you must buy a license for advanced usage.
Additional information and installation
- Platform: Windows, Linux, OS X
- Type: IDE
- Price: Free, but a license must be purchased for continuous use
- Source: Closed Source
- Official Download link
- Official Website
- Flatpak:
- Sublime Text is available via Flathub as Flatpak.
- Set up your Linux system for Flatpak and then install it.
6. Thonny Python Editor
The final one in this list is a basic editor for Python. Thonny is a beginner’s Python IDE and is simple to use. It comes with the latest Python built-in, so you do not need to worry about installing Python separately in your operating system. The user interface is clutterless and distraction-free for beginners. Some of the other notable features of Thonny include – a variable view, a simple debugger, steps, and syntax errors.
Advantages
- Lightweight, free, and available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
- Perfect for absolute beginners in Python (or even in coding).
Disadvantages
- Available with basic features as it is a beginner’s IDE.
Installation and additional info
- Platform: Windows, Linux, Mac
- Type: IDE
- Price: Free
- Source: Open Source
- Official Download link
- Flatpak:
- It’s available as Flatpak via Flathub.
- Set up your Linux system to install Flatpak, and they go for installing it.
Emerging Editors
7. Pulsar
The Pulsar is an emerging code editor and is under development. It is the “successor” of Microsoft’s (GitHub) Atom editor, which has been discontinued.
It comes with all the usual editor features. The noteworthy features are –
- Built-in package manager
- File system browser
- Multi-pane user interface
- Advanced find and replace at multiple files
- Available for Linux, mac and Windows
- Also available for ARM-architectures
Although it is under development (currently in Beta), you can still try it by downloading the respective executable from the below link. Note: It is built with Electron.
There are plenty of Python editors available, and these are the six best Python Editors for coding. You can try other noteworthy Python editor(s): VIM, IDLE (comes with default Python), Cloud 9, and eMacs.
🗨️ Which editor do you prefer the most? Let us know in the comment section below.
