Easiest Python Integrated Development Environment (IDE) – PyCharm

I have used Python on and off over the last year or so and keep getting surprised how versatile the programming language is. From the start I have accepted that it’s a scripting language and always used a normal text editor with the hope of someday being able to develop in a proper Integrated Development Environment like Microsoft Visual Studio.

Well I have discovered what I was looking for and it has made things a 100 times easier. Its called  PyCharm made by JetBrains the same software company that made a great  productivity tool called Resharper. (…and its free!!!)

Below are some of the features I like about it…

Projects – Groups Python files making it easier to find things and to navigate. It also allows you to target multiple versions of Python.

Intellisense – Code completion to help you find the needed properties or method names. Code Templates that will create methods and properties as you go. Class, Method, Property Name searching.

Refactoring – Renaming covers all the files in the project. Moving and grouping code.

Debugging – Full debugger allowing you to step in and out of lines of code. Quick Watch and Normal Watch allows you to inspect the values of variables and objects.

Library import – It has a great feature that Integrates with PIP and allows you to search for libraries and install them on the fly.

Code Inspection – It inspects your code and points out potential problems. Great for fixing spelling mistakes and keeping with coding standards.

Django Integration – Helps you setup and run in a few minutes.

Unit test integration – The Free version does not come with code coverage but can still do normal unit testing.

Version control integration – Integrates well with Git and other systems.

Advanced topics and shortcuts that the IDE offers: