IPython vs PyCharm

Overview

PyCharm

Stacks28.4K

Followers24.2K

Votes451

IPython

Stacks832

Followers111

Votes4

IPython vs PyCharm: What are the differences?

Key Difference 1: User Interface - IPython provides a command-line interface that allows users to interact with Python through a terminal-like environment. On the other hand, PyCharm is an integrated development environment (IDE) that offers a graphical user interface (GUI) with various tools and features for Python development.
Key Difference 2: Code Execution - IPython allows users to execute single lines or blocks of code interactively, making it suitable for prototyping and exploratory data analysis. In contrast, PyCharm supports the execution of entire Python scripts or projects, enabling full-scale software development with debugging capabilities.
Key Difference 3: Notebook Functionality - One of the standout features of IPython is its notebook interface, which allows users to create documents that combine code, visualizations, and explanatory text. PyCharm, on the other hand, does not have built-in support for notebook functionality, focusing more on traditional coding workflows.
Key Difference 4: IDE Features - PyCharm offers a comprehensive set of IDE features such as code completion, refactoring tools, version control integration, and a powerful debugger. IPython provides basic code editing capabilities but lacks the extensive range of IDE features available in PyCharm.
Key Difference 5: Project Management - PyCharm excels in managing Python projects, offering features like virtual environments, project templates, and project structure visualization. IPython is not specifically designed for project management and lacks the project-centric functionality found in PyCharm.
Key Difference 6: Extensibility - PyCharm supports the installation of plugins and extensions, allowing users to customize their development environment with additional tools and functionalities. In comparison, IPython does not have a plugin system and lacks the same level of extensibility.

In Summary, IPython is a command-line interface with notebook functionality, suitable for interactive code execution and exploratory data analysis. PyCharm, on the other hand, is a full-fledged IDE with a graphical user interface, IDE features, project management capabilities, and extensibility options.

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Advice on PyCharm, IPython

christy

Program Manager

Jul 1, 2020

Needs adviceon

Python

Eclipse

IntelliJ IDEA

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?

2.03M views2.03M

Comments

Detailed Comparison

PyCharm	IPython
PyCharm’s smart code editor provides first-class support for Python, JavaScript, CoffeeScript, TypeScript, CSS, popular template languages and more. Take advantage of language-aware code completion, error detection, and on-the-fly code fixes!	It provides a rich architecture for interactive computing with a powerful interactive shell, a kernel for Jupyter. It has a support for interactive data visualization and use of GUI toolkits. Flexible, embeddable interpreters to load into your own projects. Easy to use, high performance tools for parallel computing.
Syntax highlighting;Auto-Indentation and code formatting;Code completion;Line and block commenting;On-the-fly error highlighting;Code snippets;Code folding	Interactive; Magic; embeddable interpreters; parallel computing
Statistics
Stacks 28.4K	Stacks 832
Followers 24.2K	Followers 111
Votes 451	Votes 4
Pros & Cons
Pros 112 Smart auto-completion 93 Intelligent code analysis 77 Powerful refactoring 60 Virtualenv integration 54 Git integration Cons 10 Slow startup 7 Not very flexible 6 Resource hog 3 Periodic slow menu response 1 Pricey for full features	Pros 1 Interactive exploration then save to a script 1 Persistent history between sessions 1 It's magical are just that 1 Help in a keystroke
Integrations
Django Python	Python Apache Spark

What are some alternatives to PyCharm, IPython?

PhpStorm

PhpStorm is a PHP IDE which keeps up with latest PHP & web languages trends, integrates a variety of modern tools, and brings even more extensibility with support for major PHP frameworks.

IntelliJ IDEA

Out of the box, IntelliJ IDEA provides a comprehensive feature set including tools and integrations with the most important modern technologies and frameworks for enterprise and web development with Java, Scala, Groovy and other languages.

Visual Studio

Visual Studio is a suite of component-based software development tools and other technologies for building powerful, high-performance applications.

WebStorm

WebStorm is a lightweight and intelligent IDE for front-end development and server-side JavaScript.

NetBeans IDE

NetBeans IDE is FREE, open source, and has a worldwide community of users and developers.

Eclipse

Standard Eclipse package suited for Java and plug-in development plus adding new plugins; already includes Git, Marketplace Client, source code and developer documentation. Click here to file a bug against Eclipse Platform.

Android Studio

Android Studio is a new Android development environment based on IntelliJ IDEA. It provides new features and improvements over Eclipse ADT and will be the official Android IDE once it's ready.

RubyMine

JetBrains RubyMine IDE provides a comprehensive Ruby code editor aware of dynamic language specifics and delivers smart coding assistance, intelligent code refactoring and code analysis capabilities.

CLion

Knowing your code through and through, CLion can take care of the routine while you focus on the important things. Boost your productivity with the keyboard-centric approach (Vim-emulation plugin is also available in plugin repository), full coding assistance, smart and relevant code completion, fast project navigation, intelligent intention actions, and reliable refactorings.

Xcode

The Xcode IDE is at the center of the Apple development experience. Tightly integrated with the Cocoa and Cocoa Touch frameworks, Xcode is an incredibly productive environment for building amazing apps for Mac, iPhone, and iPad.

Related Comparisons

IPython vs PyCharm: What are the differences?

Key Difference 1: User Interface - IPython provides a command-line interface that allows users to interact with Python through a terminal-like environment. On the other hand, PyCharm is an integrated development environment (IDE) that offers a graphical user interface (GUI) with various tools and features for Python development.
Key Difference 2: Code Execution - IPython allows users to execute single lines or blocks of code interactively, making it suitable for prototyping and exploratory data analysis. In contrast, PyCharm supports the execution of entire Python scripts or projects, enabling full-scale software development with debugging capabilities.
Key Difference 3: Notebook Functionality - One of the standout features of IPython is its notebook interface, which allows users to create documents that combine code, visualizations, and explanatory text. PyCharm, on the other hand, does not have built-in support for notebook functionality, focusing more on traditional coding workflows.
Key Difference 4: IDE Features - PyCharm offers a comprehensive set of IDE features such as code completion, refactoring tools, version control integration, and a powerful debugger. IPython provides basic code editing capabilities but lacks the extensive range of IDE features available in PyCharm.
Key Difference 5: Project Management - PyCharm excels in managing Python projects, offering features like virtual environments, project templates, and project structure visualization. IPython is not specifically designed for project management and lacks the project-centric functionality found in PyCharm.
Key Difference 6: Extensibility - PyCharm supports the installation of plugins and extensions, allowing users to customize their development environment with additional tools and functionalities. In comparison, IPython does not have a plugin system and lacks the same level of extensibility.

IPython vs PyCharm

Overview