Choosing a Python IDE or Code Editor

You'll spend considerable time inside your editor, so choose one that fits your working style.

Common Options

• VS Code (Visual Studio Code)
  • Free, lightweight, highly extensible
  • Excellent for Python, web, and data projects
• PyCharm (Community or Professional)
  • Full-featured Python IDE
  • Powerful refactoring, debugging, testing support
• Other editors (Sublime Text, Vim, Neovim, etc.)
  • Preferred by advanced users or for quick edits

For this course, we'll frequently reference VS Code and PyCharm. Still, any editor with Python support will suffice.

How to Decide

• If you're new to coding tools, VS Code is an excellent starting point.
• If you want a Python-only, all-in-one environment, consider PyCharm.

Setting Up and Customizing an IDE

Setup Python with VS Code

1. Download and install from VS Code.
2. Open VS Code → go to Extensions (square icon) → search for Python (by Microsoft) → Install.
3. Open a folder for your projects: File → Open Folder….
4. Create a new file hello.py:

name = input("What is your name? ")
print(f"Hello, {name}! Welcome to Python.")

Run it using the Run Python File button or open the integrated terminal and run:

python hello.py

Example interaction:

What is your name? Alice
Hello, Alice! Welcome to Python.

Recommended VS Code Customizations

• Enable format on save:
  • Settings → search format on save → check it.
• Install useful extensions:
  • Python, Pylance (intellisense), Black Formatter, or autopep8.
• Utilize the integrated terminal (View → Terminal) for a cohesive workspace.

Setup Python with PyCharm

1. Download PyCharm Community from PyCharm.
2. Install and launch PyCharm.
3. Create a New Project → select Pure Python.
4. PyCharm will automatically create a virtual environment (details are explained below).
5. Right-click the project → New → Python File → hello_pycharm.py and use the same code as in hello.py.
6. Right-click the file → Run 'hello_pycharm'.

You’ll see the output in the Run tool window.