Python Editors & Integrated Development Environments (IDEs)
Choosing the right editor or IDE means matching it to your workflow and project needs. Configure VS Code with Python extensions for a lightweight experience, use PyCharm for comprehensive features, or customize Vim or Emacs for keyboard-driven development. The right editor improves your productivity with code completion, debugging, and integrated testing.
Join Now: Click here to join the Real Python Newsletter and you’ll never miss another Python tutorial, course, or news update.
Optimizing your development environment involves adding plugins, themes, and keyboard shortcuts that speed up common tasks. Learn to use built-in debuggers, integrate version control, and set up linters and formatters. Discover specialized tools like Jupyter for data science or lightweight editors for quick scripts.
Editors like VS Code, Sublime Text, or Vim focus on editing text with plugins for language support. IDEs like PyCharm or Spyder bundle editing, debugging, testing, and project management into one tool. IDEs are heavier but more integrated, editors are lighter and customizable.
Install the official Python extension from Microsoft. Configure a Python interpreter, enable linting with Pylint or Ruff, and set up formatting with Black. Add extensions for testing, Git integration, and any frameworks you use like Django or Flask.
Yes, configure Vim with plugins like coc.nvim or ale for language server support, linting, and completion. Use Emacs with python-mode and elpy for similar features. Both editors require more initial setup but offer powerful keyboard-driven workflows.
