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CLion vs PyCharm: What are the differences?
Introduction
CLion and PyCharm are both integrated development environments (IDEs) that are widely used by programmers. While they share many similarities, there are several key differences between them that make each IDE suitable for different programming languages and purposes.
- Language Support: CLion is primarily designed for C and C++ development, providing powerful features specific to these languages such as code completion, refactoring, and debugger support. On the other hand, PyCharm is specifically tailored for Python development, offering extensive Python support including a Python debugger, virtual environment management, and integration with popular Python frameworks.
- Project Type: CLion is commonly used for developing complex projects written in C or C++, such as embedded systems, game engines, or large-scale software applications. PyCharm, on the other hand, is mostly utilized for Python projects like web development, data analysis, and machine learning. It offers specialized tools for these domains, such as Django support, scientific computing libraries integration, and Jupyter Notebook integration.
- Customization Options: CLion offers a higher degree of customization compared to PyCharm. It allows users to configure various aspects of the IDE, such as key bindings, code formatting rules, and appearance settings, to suit their individual preferences. While PyCharm also provides customization options, it is more focused on providing a streamlined development experience out of the box.
- User Interface: PyCharm has a more user-friendly and intuitive interface compared to CLion. It offers a cleaner and more visually appealing layout, making it easier for developers to navigate and interact with their code. CLion, on the other hand, has a more technical and functional interface, catering to the needs of seasoned C and C++ developers who prefer a more traditional IDE setup.
- Integration with Other Tools: PyCharm has better integration with other tools commonly used in Python development. It seamlessly integrates with version control systems like Git, package managers like Pip and Conda, and popular Python frameworks like Django and Flask. CLion, on the other hand, provides integration with popular version control systems and build systems used in the C and C++ domain, but lacks the extensive integration options of PyCharm in the Python ecosystem.
- Pricing and Editions: PyCharm offers different editions (Community, Professional, and Educational) with varying feature sets and pricing options, including a free-to-use Community edition. CLion, on the other hand, has a single paid license. This difference in pricing and editions may be a factor for users who have specific requirements or budget constraints.
In summary, CLion and PyCharm are both powerful IDEs, but they are tailored to different programming languages and project types. CLion is ideal for C and C++ development, providing advanced features for these languages, while PyCharm is specialized for Python development, offering extensive Python support and integration with popular frameworks. Customization options, user interface, integration with other tools, and pricing are additional factors to consider when choosing between the two IDEs.
UPDATE: Thanks for the great response. I am going to start with VSCode based on the open source and free version that will allow me to grow into other languages, but not cost me a license ..yet.
I have been working with software development for 12 years, but I am just beginning my journey to learn to code. I am starting with Python following the suggestion of some of my coworkers. They are split between Eclipse and IntelliJ IDEA for IDEs that they use and PyCharm is new to me. Which IDE would you suggest for a beginner that will allow expansion to Java, JavaScript, and eventually AngularJS and possibly mobile applications?
Pycharm is great for python development, but can feel sometimes slow and community version has Somme very annoying restrictions (like they disabled jupyter notebooks plugin and made it premium feature). I personally started looking into VS Code as an alternative, and it has some very good potential. I suggest you take it into account.
The Community version of PyCharm is free and should give you what you need to get started with Python. Both PyCharm and IntelliJ are made by JetBrains. IntelliJ is initially focused on Java but you can get plugins for lots of other things. I subscribe to JetBrains' Toolbox: https://www.jetbrains.com/toolbox-app/ and have access to all of their great tools.
Hi, I will give my opinion based on my experience. I have used PyCharm, both community and Professional version. The community has limited functions, like you can't use a Jupyter notebook whereas it's available in the Professional version. PyCharm is slower compared to Visual Studio Code. Also Visual Studio Code is an editor which supports various languages. I myself have used both Visual Studio Code and PyCharm. I feel Visual Studio Code would be better choice. You may as well decide based upon your requirements.
I couldn't imagine using a development tool other than the IntelliJ IDEA Ultimate All Products Pack. A single license allows me to work directly on my server running Ubuntu and/or my workstation running Windows 10 Pro simultaneously. My current project uses HTML, W3CSS, JavaScript, Java, Groovy, Grails, C, GO, Python, Flask, and Rust. For me it's worth every penny of the $150 license fee. And you can try it for free.
I'd personally recommend Visual Studio Code as it gives you the flexibility of working in any language, so long as there are extensions to support it. It gives you the flexibility to learn Python, venture into Java, Javascript, and eventually AngularJS, and potentially mobile applications. It's also free and you can install it on your personal computer. I think Visual Studio Code would serve your intended use case best.
Visual Studio code is easy to use, has a good UI, and a large community. Python works great with it, but unlike some other editors, it works with most languages either by default or by downloading a plugin. VS Code has built in linting, syntax coloring, autocompletes (IntelliSense), and an api for plugins to do there own tooling.
IntelliJ really is the best for Java, I switched from eclipse years ago and never looked back. As for javascript, python and angular either using the standalone products from jetbrains (pycharm for python, webstorm for js) or installing the relevant plugins for InteliJ will be your best bet. Pycharm etc. are really just InteliJ with some additional plugins installed.
If you starting with Python then PyCharm is better. For Java I would suggest to go with IntelliJ IDEA but people also prefer eclipse so I would say try both and then decide. For JS/Angular/React I would suggest go with VSCode. I personally use it and prefer as its light weight and have good integration with chrome for frontend development.
PyCharm, IntelliJ IDEA are both products of JetBrains. They have a free (limited feature) and paid edition. Eclipse is free. VSCode is also free.
All three are great, however, I believe that IntelliJ IDEA's multiple IDE's are slightly more straight-forward and more up-to date than Eclipse. If I had to choose one specifically for Python projects I would go with PyCharm.
Pycharm is all you need to get start coding in python or any of its framework. Its an awesome tool you should give it a try :)
This is a very easy to use tool and gives you the opportunity to start coding right after the installation with almost everything setup automatically by the tool.
Easy to learn and everything you need
If you need an IDE for dotnet on Mac or Linux, Rider is really the only way to go. I recently started a .NET personal project, and initially used VSCode for it, since it had served me so well before for so many other languages. After downloading Rider using my free student license, however, I can never go back. To any other aspiring devs reading this: if you're doing something other than webdev and you can get one for free, please use a full-fledged IDE for whatever you're doing. It might be heavy and it might take getting used to, but the refactorings and quick fixes are going to be invaluable once you start really getting in there.
Lightweight and versatile. Huge library of extensions that enable you to integrate a host of services to your development environment. VS Code's biggest strength is its library of extensions which enables it to directly compete with every single major IDE for almost all major programming languages.
Pros of CLion
- Good editor31
- Easy setup30
- Powerful refactoring, extremely smart IDE24
- Already one of the best C/C++ IDEs, even before launch24
- Cross-platform build21
- Clean, Sleek User Interface19
- Much faster and smarter than Intellisense18
- Vertically/Horizontally split windows13
- Great navigation, error messages and auto completion12
- Vim plugin9
- Not a 20gb installation9
- It is best IDE6
- Like this one because of - not a 20GB installation3
- Free Flowing C++ IDE2
- IDE supports Python with all features of PyCharm CE1
- Very good Git plugin1
- Cheap, just 99 USD for the first year1
Pros of PyCharm
- Smart auto-completion112
- Intelligent code analysis93
- Powerful refactoring77
- Virtualenv integration60
- Git integration54
- Support for Django22
- Multi-database integration11
- VIM integration7
- Vagrant integration4
- In-tool Bash and Python shell3
- Plugin architecture2
- Docker2
- Django Implemented1
- Debug mode support docker1
- Emacs keybinds1
- Perforce integration1
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Cons of CLion
- No good support for Makefiles2
- Not free, unless you are a student2
Cons of PyCharm
- Slow startup10
- Not very flexible7
- Resource hog6
- Periodic slow menu response3
- Pricey for full features1
