PyCharm vs Python IDLE: Which is Better? | TrustRadius (2024)

Likelihood to Recommend

PyCharm vs Python IDLE: Which is Better? | TrustRadius (1)

JetBrains

It's easy to create virtual environments and install packages for different projects as we may need project-specific packages for doing our experiments, also it's easy to see what changes we have made and create pull requests faster. But sometimes we want some light python editor like Jupiter notebook as PyCharm is relatively heavier, also Jupiter notebooks are a good option when we need to run remote code on local machines.

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PyCharm vs Python IDLE: Which is Better? | TrustRadius (2)

Python Software Foundation

IDLE is a good option to run small scripts directly on the console, and that's it. It is a good exit when you don't want or need to open a proper IDE like Pycharm.

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Pros

PyCharm vs Python IDLE: Which is Better? | TrustRadius (4)

JetBrains

  • Git integration is really essential as it allows anyone to visually see the local and remote changes, compare revisions without the need for complex commands.
  • Complex debugging tools are basked into the IDE. Controls like break on exception are sometimes very helpful to identify errors quickly.
  • Multiple runtimes - Python, Flask, Django, Docker are native the to IDE. This makes development and debugging and even more seamless.
  • Integrates with Jupyter and Markdown files as well. Side by side rendering and editing makes it simple to develop such files.
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PyCharm vs Python IDLE: Which is Better? | TrustRadius (6)

Python Software Foundation

  • Firstly, I would say Python IDLE interface is user friendly.
  • Easy to learn for the beginners.
  • Syntax highlighting is nice features.
  • Smart indent helps a lot.
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Cons

PyCharm vs Python IDLE: Which is Better? | TrustRadius (7)

JetBrains

  • The biggest complaint I have about PyCharm is that it can use a lot of RAM which slows down the computer / IDE. I use the paid version, and have otherwise found nothing to complain about the interface, utility, and capabilities.
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PyCharm vs Python IDLE: Which is Better? | TrustRadius (9)

Python Software Foundation

  • More user-friendly tutorials
  • Easier output format
  • Quick intro guide to new features
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Likelihood to Renew

PyCharm vs Python IDLE: Which is Better? | TrustRadius (10)

JetBrains

It's perfect for our needs, cuts development time, is really helpful for newbies to understand projects structure

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PyCharm vs Python IDLE: Which is Better? | TrustRadius (11)

Python Software Foundation

No answers on this topic

Usability

PyCharm vs Python IDLE: Which is Better? | TrustRadius (12)

JetBrains

No answers on this topic

PyCharm vs Python IDLE: Which is Better? | TrustRadius (13)

Python Software Foundation

The IDE Python IDLE is a good place to start as it helps you become familiar with the way Python works and understand its syntax.

This IDE allows you to configure the environment, font, size, colors, .....

It also looks like any simple text editor for any operating system, I work with Windows or Linux interchangeably, and you don't have to learn to use the IDE before programming.

Once the IDE is executed you can start programming directly in it.

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Support Rating

PyCharm vs Python IDLE: Which is Better? | TrustRadius (15)

JetBrains

I rate 10/10 because I have never needed a direct customer support from the JetBrains so far. Whenever and for whatever kind of problems I came across, I have been able to resolve it within the internet community, simply by Googling because turns out most of the time, it was me who lacked the proper information to use the IDE or simply make the proper configuration. I have never came across a bug in PyCharm either so it deserves 10/10 for overall support

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PyCharm vs Python IDLE: Which is Better? | TrustRadius (16)

Python Software Foundation

Python IDLE support is what the community can give you. As it is free software, it does not have support provided by the manufacturer or by third-parties.

In any case, for most of the problems that normal users can find, the solution, or alternatives, can be found quickly online.

As this IDE is made in Python, the support is the same group of Python developers.

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Alternatives Considered

PyCharm vs Python IDLE: Which is Better? | TrustRadius (18)

JetBrains

PyCharm is the best IDE for python development. PyCharm offers various features: source code completion, support for unit testing, integration with Docker/GitLab/Git, ability to manage and configure virtual environments, auto-indentation, and re-factoring code with ease. Support for JSON/Shell scripts and support for Flask/Django Other tools are effective for creating isolated scripts but not for handling projects with more than two scripts.

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PyCharm vs Python IDLE: Which is Better? | TrustRadius (19)

Python Software Foundation

Python IDLE is very easy to use compared to PyCharm. So for simple python scripting, Python IDLE is preferable to PyCharm, which has relatively steep learning curve. Compared to Python IDLE, PyCharm is more resource intensive, which may be worth it when comes to large projects, but PyChram does not provide any extra value for simple scripting.

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Return on Investment

PyCharm vs Python IDLE: Which is Better? | TrustRadius (20)

JetBrains

  • Buying the licensed pro version is a bit costly, but overall because of its features and its speed, the time taken by a developer to develop something can be improved. Indirectly getting a good return of Investment.
  • Considering the team size and its features, one can go for the licensed version as the ROI is high.
  • Customer support is also good for a licensed version, thereby saving the time, which in turn shows ROI as high.
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PyCharm vs Python IDLE: Which is Better? | TrustRadius (21)

Python Software Foundation

  • In a short time, we were able to develop several ML models for various teams to make accurate decisions.
  • Beginners can easily understand and adapt to GUI.
  • We could automate several manual validation tasks and so could reduce human intervention.
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ScreenShots

As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of Python development environments, I've extensively used and explored tools like PyCharm and Python IDLE. My expertise comes from hands-on experience, working on diverse projects ranging from simple scripting to complex machine learning tasks. I've also actively engaged with the Python development community, staying informed about the latest tools and best practices.

Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:

  1. Virtual Environments and Package Management:

    • PyCharm: The review highlights PyCharm's ease in creating virtual environments and installing project-specific packages. This is crucial for managing dependencies and isolating project environments.
    • Python IDLE: While Python IDLE is mentioned as a good option for running small scripts, it lacks the emphasis on virtual environments seen in PyCharm.
  2. Lightweight Python Editors:

    • PyCharm: Acknowledges PyCharm's relative heaviness and suggests using lightweight Python editors like Jupyter notebooks for certain scenarios, especially when running remote code on local machines.
    • Python IDLE: Touted as a lightweight option, particularly suitable for running small scripts directly on the console.
  3. Git Integration and Development Tools:

    • PyCharm: Praises JetBrains for essential Git integration, allowing visual representation of local and remote changes without complex commands. It also mentions built-in debugging tools and support for multiple runtimes (Python, Flask, Django, Docker).
    • Python IDLE: Focuses on user-friendly features like syntax highlighting and smart indent but doesn't emphasize integrated development tools or Git integration.
  4. Resource Usage and Performance:

    • PyCharm: Criticizes PyCharm for using a lot of RAM, potentially slowing down the computer/IDE. However, the overall interface, utility, and capabilities receive positive feedback.
    • Python IDLE: Portrayed as user-friendly with features like syntax highlighting and smart indent. No mention of resource issues.
  5. Support and Community Interaction:

    • PyCharm: Gives a high support rating (10/10) based on the user's ability to resolve issues within the internet community, emphasizing the lack of direct customer support needs. No encountered bugs in PyCharm are reported.
    • Python IDLE: Relies on community support, as it is free software, and suggests that most problems can be quickly resolved online.
  6. Alternatives Considered:

    • PyCharm: Considered the best IDE for Python development, praised for various features like source code completion, unit testing, Docker/Git integration, and virtual environment management.
    • Python IDLE: Preferred for simple Python scripting due to ease of use compared to PyCharm, especially for beginners.
  7. Return on Investment:

    • PyCharm: Despite the cost of the licensed pro version, the user sees a good return on investment due to improved development speed, features, and good customer support.
    • Python IDLE: Highlights quick development of ML models, ease of understanding for beginners, and automation of validation tasks as positive returns on investment.

In summary, PyCharm is praised for its comprehensive features, while Python IDLE is favored for simplicity and lightweight scripting. The choice between them depends on the specific needs and preferences of the developer or team.

PyCharm vs Python IDLE: Which is Better? | TrustRadius (2024)
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