Introduction to PyCharm
PyCharm IDE is primarily used in web and application development using Python. It helps programmers develop applications efficiently in less time. Some of the common benefits of using it are:
- Auto-completion of code
- Excellent debugging
- Project navigation
- Database tools
- Support for web development
Here we have the list of topics if you want to jump right into a specific one:
There are a lot more features that we will see later in this PyCharm tutorial. Before that, we need to know about the available versions of PyCharm. These versions are listed below:
1. Community version: This version is free and can easily be downloaded and installed in our system.
2. Professional version: This version consists of advanced features for application development. It provides a trial version for a few days. After the free trial, we have to pay for the activation of this Professional version.
The pricing of the Professional version comes in two categories:
- For individuals, PyCharm provides two packs: One is for US$89.00 and the other is an All Products Pack that is offered for US$249.00. The All Products Pack gives access to many IDEs for development.
- For organizations also, it has two packs: One is available for US$199.00 and the other is an All Products Pack that comes for US$649.00.
Watch this Python Tutorial Video for Beginners:
Features of PyCharm
Now, in this PyCharm tutorial, let’s move on to discussing various features of PyCharm. These features will help us understand PyCharm better
Smart Code Assistance
PyCharm provides smart code assistance that includes the following characteristics:
- Smart code editor: It highlights the syntax in different colors. This helps in understanding the code easily. Auto-indentation is another feature that automatically adds an indent on a new line. The editor also detects and analyzes duplicate/copy–pasted programs. This helps in making proper changes in the code so that it becomes unique. Then, this smart code editor also suggests the insertion of matching braces and quotes.
- Intelligent navigation: Smart navigation helps in finding items in the source code. We can easily navigate to any class or file in the project. Another feature of navigation is that we can add bookmarks in our code. This helps in navigating through the code to make the required changes that we have not made before.
- Quick and secure refactoring: Refactoring helps in making changes in a project globally, as well as locally. We can rename files, functions, and classes. Also, we can split longer methods using the Extract method. Refactoring helps in upgrading the inner structure of the program, though it does not affect the overall performance of the program.
Integrated Tools for Developers
- Visual debugger: In PyCharm, we can inspect and debug the code. Using Inline Debugger, we can see the data of live debugging in the editor window. It has a feature of multi-process debugging, which helps in debugging applications that support multiple Python operations.
- Version control system (VCS): It helps in managing local changes. Here, operations such as combining, separating, and deleting files are automatically done. The features of VCS allows us to see the changes made by others. To protect our project from any unnecessary modification or data loss, PyCharm records the changes made to the code. We can revert the changes in the code to the previous state by inspecting the records.
- Database tools: PyCharm provides access to databases such as MySQL, Oracle Database, and SQL Server. We can run queries, edit code, and alter data. It also gives quick code understanding ofthe SQLAlchemy library. Further, it helps in suggesting auto-completion options of the code.
Web Development: Frontend, Backend, and Testing
- Frontend: PyCharm supports the frontend development of web applications using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Vue.js, React, and Angular.
- Backend: It supports Django, Remote, and Flask, which are popular web frameworks of Python.
- Testing: PyCharm supports test frameworks such as Jest, Protractor, and Mocha. These test runners help do the testing of applications effectively.
Support for Scientific Tools and Libraries for Development
- Scientific stack support: PyCharm integrates itself with various scientific libraries to build AI-based applications. These libraries include Pandas, SciPy, Matplotlib, and NumPy. To implement AI-based applications, it integrates with Jupyter Notebook. It helps in writing efficient programs using features such as auto-completion, smart debugging, and testing.
- SciView: With the help of SciView, we can execute our code in the debug mode. Then, we can see the data in the list displayed in the graphical debugger of PyCharm.
A Customizable and Cross-platform IDE
- Customizable UI: This IDE provides a customizable user interface. We can change the keyboard layout as per our own needs.
- Configuring the editor window: This feature provides us with the facility to configure the editor window. It consists of various designs and colors for the editor window. We can modify these designs or create a custom design for use.
- Plugins: It gives more than 50 plugins that include one that supports the version control system. Also, it helps in integrating various frameworks and tools with the IDE.
Python Debugger
- Speed: The process of debugging is fast in comparison to other debuggers. This helps in creating bug-free programs.
- Breakpoints: We can add breakpoints in our code at specific points to examine the code’s behavior. A breakpoint stops the execution of the program at the specified location marked by the programmer.
- Debug everywhere: We can debug within a Docker container, Anaconda, VM, Virtualenv, or in any other IDE, integrated with PyCharm.
In this module of the PyCharm tutorial, we have seen ‘What is PyCharm?’ and what makes it a popular IDE for Python developers. In the next module, we will work on PyCharm installation on Windows, Linux, and Ubuntu systems.