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PyCharm vs Vim: What are the differences?
Key Differences between PyCharm and Vim
PyCharm and Vim are both popular code editors used by developers. While they have some similarities, they also have key differences that make them distinct from each other.
1. Integrated Development Environment vs. Lightweight Text Editor: PyCharm is a full-fledged integrated development environment that offers a wide range of features catering to Python development. It provides advanced tools such as code completion, debugging, and refactoring, making it suitable for complex projects. On the other hand, Vim is a lightweight text editor with a focus on efficiency and simplicity. It doesn't have built-in features like code completion or debugging, but it can be customized and extended using plugins to suit the developer's needs.
2. Graphical Interface vs. Terminal-based Interface: PyCharm comes with a graphical user interface that provides a visually appealing and user-friendly environment. It has a menu bar, tool windows, and a code editor with syntax highlighting. Vim, on the other hand, is a terminal-based editor that operates mainly through commands. It is lightweight and can be run on remote servers, making it suitable for command-line enthusiasts.
3. Language Support: PyCharm is primarily focused on Python development and provides excellent support for the Python programming language. It offers intelligent code completion, syntax checking, documentation lookup, and other features specific to Python. Vim, on the other hand, is a versatile editor that supports multiple programming languages. It can be customized to provide syntax highlighting and indentation rules for various languages, making it suitable for polyglot developers.
4. Learning Curve: PyCharm has a steeper learning curve compared to Vim due to its extensive feature set. It requires some time to get familiar with its interface, settings, and different workflows. Vim, on the other hand, has a steep learning curve primarily because it operates through commands. The initial setup and mastering of Vim's command-based operations can take some time to grasp.
5. Extensibility and Customization: PyCharm offers a wide range of plugins and integrations that enhance the functionality of the IDE. It supports integration with version control systems, web frameworks, and other development tools. Vim, on the other hand, is highly customizable and extensible through its extensive plugin ecosystem. Users can choose from a plethora of plugins and scripts to enhance Vim's functionality and tailor it to their specific needs.
6. Price and Licensing Model: PyCharm is a commercial IDE that offers a free Community Edition and a paid Professional Edition with additional features. The paid version is priced on a subscription basis. Vim, on the other hand, is free and open-source software distributed under a license that allows users to modify and distribute it freely. It is available for different platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
In summary, PyCharm is an integrated development environment with a graphical interface that provides advanced features tailored for Python development. It has a steeper learning curve and is a commercial product. Vim, on the other hand, is a lightweight and highly customizable text editor that operates through commands. It has broader language support, a terminal-based interface, and is free and open-source.
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
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 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
Pros of Vim
- Comes by default in most unix systems (remote editing)347
- Fast328
- Highly configurable312
- Less mouse dependence297
- Lightweight247
- Speed145
- Plugins100
- Hardcore97
- It's for pros82
- Vertically split windows65
- Open-source30
- Modal editing25
- No remembering shortcuts, instead "talks" to the editor22
- It stood the Test of Time21
- Unicode16
- VimPlugins13
- Everything is on the keyboard13
- Stick with terminal13
- Dotfiles12
- Flexible Indenting11
- Hands stay on the keyboard10
- Efficient and powerful10
- Programmable10
- Everywhere9
- Large number of Shortcuts9
- A chainsaw for text editing8
- Unmatched productivity8
- Developer speed7
- Super fast7
- Makes you a true bearded developer7
- Because its not Emacs7
- Modal editing changes everything7
- You cannot exit6
- Themes6
- EasyMotion5
- Most and most powerful plugins of any editor5
- Shell escapes and shell imports :!<command> and !!cmd5
- Intergrated into most editors5
- Shortcuts5
- Great on large text files5
- Habit5
- Plugin manager options. Vim-plug, Pathogen, etc5
- Intuitive, once mastered4
- Perfect command line editor4
- Not MicroSoft1
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Cons of PyCharm
- Slow startup10
- Not very flexible7
- Resource hog6
- Periodic slow menu response3
- Pricey for full features1
Cons of Vim
- Ugly UI8
- Hard to learn5