What is PyCharm in Python? Definition |Types | Features

4 min readAug 30, 2023

Introduction

Python is a popular language for creating applications. This is because it is simple and assists users to design codes. One can easily apply it to writing efficient Python codes. But, for this, there is a need for an Integrated Development Environment (IDE). For instance, you can use PyCharm as an IDE to develop applications based on applications.

In the blog below, you will know more about this IDE including the applications.

What is an IDE?

An IDE has various features to facilitate extensive software development. It assigns separate colors to separate programming entities. Thus, its accessibility increase to:

Spot and distinguish between programming units like a class and a function.
Read and understand the code.
Finds the incorrect keywords.

Popular Types of IDEs in Python

Some of the well-known Python IDEs are:

Visual Studio Code
Sublime Text 3
Jupyter
PyDev
IDLE
Spyder
Thonny
Wing
Dreamweaver
Vim
and more.

What is PyCharm?

It is an integrated Python IDEs that provides an array of modules and tools. Thus, a programmer gets faster and easier coding. Additionally, it can operate across several platforms like Linux, Windows, and macOS.

The IDE consists of debugger, code analysis tools, and testing tools. Moreover, it also has version control options. The developers can use it to build Python plugins using various APIs. PyCharm Python also lets you work with many databases without integration with other tools.

Apart from Python, it is also applicable to CSS, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files. Furthermore, the catchy user interface is customizable using plugins as per the need.

Applications of PyCharm

Some of its common applications are:

This IDE assists you in many things like testing, code analysis, and debugging.
Moreover, you can use it for web creation via web application frameworks. Some common frameworks are Django and Flask.
Programmers can create Python plugins through various APIs.
It lets programmers access several databases without integration with other tools.
This IDE is also useful for creating CSS, HTML, and Javascript files.
JetBrains PyCharm is a hybrid platform designed as an IDE by JetBrains.
Its user interface can be modified as per the applications using plugins.

Features

1. Smart Code Editor

With its smart code editor, you can improve the code’s readability. You can also use a multitude of color schemes and error highlighting. Moreover, it offers a smart code completion feature.

2. Scientific Stack Support

The in-built support for scientific libraries offers great in-class code intelligence. Additionally, libraries like Numpy and Matplotlib assist with graphs, array viewers etc.

3. Effective Integration Tools

This IDE supports various integration tools including WakaTime, Pytest, Pylint, Anaconda, etc.

4. Integrated Debugging and Testing

An IDE provides support for debugging and testing programs. Thus, it offers an integrated Python debugger. Moreover, it has integrated unit testing from line-by-line code coverage.

5. Refactoring

This feature helps to improve the internal structure of a Python program. But, it does not affect the external performance. It is quick and simple to make changes to both local and global variables. Download PyCharm to experience all these benefits.

Advantages

Easy to use
It has access to many science libraries like Pandas
It allows faster program development
Offers a capable code editor hence it is easy to locate syntax errors
Time-saving syntax autocomplete
Offers remote access
PyCharm Online boosts your Python coding efficiency.
There is a code browsing tool for easy movement between classes.
Provides thorough inspection using the lens feature

Disadvantages

It takes time to learn this IDE.
High cost of the premium or pro version
It is hard for beginners due to the auto-complete feature.
Lagging is there with some browsers
High storage space requirement
Restriction for access to additional coding languages in the community version

Key Takeaways

PyCharm is available in versions of Windows, Linux, and MacOS.
It makes code modification and enhancement easier and faster.
This IDE offers support for integrating a wide array of tools.
Provides autocomplete feature
Developers can easily navigate to a class, function, or file. This is possible because of the code navigation feature.
It is easy to install.

Conclusion

PyCharm is an efficient and robust IDEs for Python development. It is growing in popularity along with Python. Furthermore, it will continue to grow for the better over time. Hence, Python developers have great options in the future too. Interested to know more about Python and build a career in it, join The IoT Academy advanced Python certification course.