Python is a favorite of many programmers who have transitioned to this multi-functional language. Like any programming language, Python benefits from a compatible environment to function smoothly.
Integrated development environments (IDEs) help meet this need. There are lots of quality Python IDEs on the market. Each of these is well renowned and has carved a niche for itself.
If you’re interested in using a great open-source Python IDE, consider these options.
1. Visual Studio Code
An IDE needs to have enough tools and features for a Python programmer to do magic with their code. Microsoft’s Visual Studio Code (VSC) provides the best possible features, plug-ins, and other tools that you may need to work efficiently on Python and other programming languages.
VSC ranks high on customization and extensions, so you can install themes, debuggers, and language definitions to connect to additional services from their repository. Additionally, you can push your work to a Git repository and debug code directly from the editor window.
The core of VSC is open-source code, although Microsoft’s distribution of the product is proprietary. You will find Visual Studio Code to be one of the best free IDEs for Python programming.
2. Eric Ide
You can always turn to Eric IDE when you are looking for an interactive and easy to understand Python IDE. It is a cross-platform Qt GUI development framework offering an unlimited number of editors.
In addition to the framework, it incorporates the Scintilla editor control, which basically makes it a quick win, especially if you work on Python regularly.
However, if you are relatively new to IDE concepts, you may have to spend a lot of time mastering Eric. Admittedly, Eric is not the best Python IDE for beginners, but it packs a lot of features for advanced users who know their way around an IDE.
This list is not exhaustive, as there are many other great features to choose from during the customization phase.
3. Piezo
Many Python users want to work with an interactive IDE so the whole coding process is fun and meaningful. Piezo, like some of the other open-source IDEs on this list, proves its mettle as a cross-platform Python IDE ideal for scientific computation.
4. Spider
Python is a multifunctional language, and it is used by a wide variety of people from all walks of life. Spyder is a free IDE, and an open source scientific environment tailored for scientists, data analysts, and engineers.
There are plenty of Python IDEs online, but if you want to experience the true essence of a sustainable programming language, you should download a version for Windows, Linux, or macOS.
From code debugging to data editing and analysis, you can safely use Spyder’s features to interact with the programming language and create an excellent set of data-driven analyses.
Spyder has several segments, such as the editor window, IPython console, variable explorer, plot, and debugger. As you might guess from their names, each component plays an important role in the functionality of the spider.
5. Passive
Don’t take the name IDLE (Integrated Development and Learning Environment) too literally, the IDE is far from being a Python side-thought.
When you download any version of Python from the Python website, you will see that the latest IDLE version is available on your system.
On the functional side, IDLE includes a Python shell, in which you can easily create, write, modify, and execute your Python scripts.
In contrast, don’t expect too many fancy features in IDLE. It’s a bare-bones structure, which you can customize to suit your needs.
As a beginner, you can use IDLE to run small, bite-sized Python recipes to master the programming language.
6. Kate
Text editors, or more powerful IDEs, are essential for every programmer. Offering simplicity and customization, you should be able to find an app that accommodates your work and the code you write.
Kate is one such remarkable IDE that ranks high in terms of customer experience. This IDE is easy to install and lets you edit your files quickly. Next, you can edit multiple files at once using split and tab views to make your editor efficient and seamless.
Additionally, Kate provides a multitude of plug-ins, which work well when dealing with complex code hierarchies. Its in-built intelligence, bracket management techniques, and quality checks make it a worthwhile text editor for Python newbies.
To test the capabilities of a text editor, you can always try running a few key Python commands before making it your favorite.