Visual studio code или pycharm что лучше

PyCharm vs. VSCode: Which Is the Better Python IDE?

Python first debuted in 1991, making it older than many of the people who use it. In the intervening years, coders have turned it into one of the most popular programming languages ever conceived.

The reasons for Python’s perennial popularity come down to three major features. Python is:

• Easy to learn for beginners
• Extremely versatile and relevant for many different tasks
• Supported by a large community, including frameworks and libraries

Coders can’t use Python without an appropriate code editor, also known as an integrated development environment (IDE). Two of the most relevant Python IDEs today are PyCharm from JetBrains and VSCode (Visual Studio Code) from Microsoft.

Here are the most important features, advantages, and drawbacks of both choices for your Python IDE.

PyCharm: What to Know

PyCharm is a true IDE. Here are some things to consider when looking into this option.

Price

There are three subscription tiers for PyCharm users:

• Professional Edition: Costs

• 71 for year two, and

• 199 for year one,

• 119 for year three onward
• Educational and Community Editions: Free.

The “Community” and “Edu” editions lack basic features some users may require, such as remote development and detection for duplicated code.

Memory and Storage Performance

Development tools should have a minimal footprint when it comes to using device storage and RAM.

Users must commit between 372 and 400 megabytes (MB) of HD or SSD space. Running the program requires around 400 MB of RAM. Some users may find this a cumbersome amount of memory to tie up in a development environment.

Ease of Setup

Both Python IDE options are straightforward for most coders to set up into a productive work environment.

However, this is one area where PyCharm’s nature as a native Python environment shines. It’s designed specifically for this language, so users won’t have to add or configure anything to PyCharm — it’s ready right out of the box.

Code Management, Completion, and Refactoring

One of the most important factors to weigh is how an integrated development environment manages coding projects and sets up the user for success.

PyCharm and VSCode provide similar code management features, but PyCharm stands out with the ability to “Search Everywhere.” UI elements, classes, and files are all fair game for Search Everywhere, even if what you’re looking for isn’t in the current project.

PyCharm supports code completion, and users typically find it accurate and useful.

PyCharm can be used for refactoring and features a much larger feature set than VSCode, including:

• Rename
• Method extraction
• Variable extraction
• Change signature
• Extract superclass
• Introduce constant
• Copy file
• Move file
• Push/pull members down

VSCode: What to Know

VSCode is more of a code editor that emulates the functionality and experience of an IDE using a suite of extensions.

Price

VSCode is an open-source product. It is free to download and use for beginners, seasoned professionals, and everybody in between.

The standard version of VSCode doesn’t come with any plugins — users must install what’s needed for a given project. However, other important features like bug tracking and version control are included.

Memory and Storage Performance

VSCode is a leaner program than PyCharm. It requires a 76.2 MB download and installation. The IDE consumes just 40 MB of RAM while it’s running, or one-tenth of what PyCharm needs for stable performance.

Ease of Setup

VSCode needs more setup than PyCharm. Users will have to identify the extensions required by their current projects, such as Snippets or Indent.

The benefit of this is a more configurable workspace that’s easier to personalize. In this respect, it’s a tool that “stays out of your way.”

Code Management, Completion, and Refactoring

Code management is intuitive with VSCode. It includes an automatic highlighting feature that tags possible errors right in the work environment. It also creates a roundup of code errors and conflicts in a separate tab to make them easier to address.

Users will have to install a linter and formatter to use VSCode with Python.

VSCode, like PyCharm, has a robust autocomplete feature to help programmers save time while coding.

VSCode also supports refactoring after some brief configuration. The list of refactoring features is not as robust as PyCharm:

• Rename
• Method extraction
• Variable extraction

PyCharm vs. VSCode: Which Python IDE Is Better?

Some users may find VSCode easier and more intuitive to navigate, with less on-screen clutter. However, this is a result of VSCode being an environment for multiple programming languages. The tradeoff for PyCharm users is that the product is ready for Python right out of the box with no additional configuration required.

In this respect, PyCharm could be the best starting point for individuals just beginning to code or organizations that want to expand team members’ horizons with new skill training. Providing ways for team members to explore and develop new abilities is a hugely important part of retention in the modern world.

However, platform compatibility may be one of the few areas that makes or breaks one of these IDEs for coders and organizations:

• PyCharm is limited in its cross-platform compatibility due to its reliance on AMD architecture. Users with know-how can install PyCharm on a Jetson Nano or Raspberry Pi.
• VSCode is considerably more portable. It runs on AMD and ARM, as well as Ubuntu on Jetson Nano and Raspberry Pi.

Some users prefer the physical design of the UI and coding environment with VSCode. It’s more configurable and provides more variables for font size, contrast, and highlighting. Serious programmers might find this an easier environment to feel at home in.

No matter which Python IDE you choose, learning and executing Python is one of the skills that make the world go round. What will you make?

PyCharm vs VSCode

PyCharm Community edition and Visual Studio Code (VSCode) are both very capable integrated development environments for Python coding. While VSCode has some great support for Python coding with the ‘Python’ plugin by Microsoft, PyCharm is truly designed for Python development and it shows.

In this post I take PyCharm up against Visual Studio Code using the following 7 IDE criteria:

• Git Integration
• Python Code Management
• Code Completion
• Debugging
• Performance
• Refactoring
• Cross Platform Compatibility

Not sure what PyCharm is? Check out this post.

The Approach

My approach to conduct this evaluation was to pick the IDE feature that I use most often and compare the experience between PyCharm and VSCode. My Python project is very simple so it would be worth building an in depth project with each of these IDEs.

For this comparison I am using PyCharm Community installed on Ubuntu in a virtual machine and VSCode 1.47.2 on the same virtual machine with the Microsoft Python plugin. Both PyCharm Community and VSCode are free, so financials don’t enter into the comparison.

Git Integration

My big measurement criteria for Git integration was to see how much could be done within the tool itself without the need to resort to command line. I expect that common actions like creating branches, committing code and managing code on remotes can be done within the IDE.

VSCode

VSCode detects if a git repo has been setup for a project and allows you to initialize one. Creating my local repo was simple, however connecting to GitHub was much more difficult. It doesn’t look like there is a way to create a GitHub repo from VSCode so I had to create it through the GitHub Web UI. Once I was OAuth connected I could only view repos. I had to log into GitHub to create the repo, then it appeared in my list. Also, the local git remote that VSCode creates is named after the repo and not called ‘origin’ which I find a bit off-putting.

You can create branches using “Checkout to…”. Publish a branch to the remote (GitHub in my case). A pull request has to be started from the GitHub web ui. Pushing and pulling code changes is all possible from within VSCode.

These is the Git integration quick actions that VSCode displays for a new project.

For me, VSCode gets a 3/5 on Git integration. It has the basics, and while I don’t need to go to command line for simple tasks, I do have to go to the GitHub Web UI, which is even less convenient.

PyCharm

PyCharm’s Git integration is excellent. I was easily able to create a local Git repository on my project folder and in GitHub — without using the GitHub UI. PyCharm also supports creating and viewing pull requests from within the IDE. There is no need to use the command line or the GitHub Web UI for day to day tasks.

PyCharm also supports GitHub 2 factor authentication.

While I was able to create a GitHub Pull Request in PyCharm, I wasn’t able to complete and merge it? Still, I am very impressed with PyCharm’s Git Integration.

PyCharm gets a 5/5 on Git integration.

Code Management

Code management is an IDEs basic reason for existence. Making it easy for a developer to navigate a code base. Both VSCode and PyCharm have built in file hierarchy displays on the left of the code window (with the default setup) and allow you to create, rename and remove files easily. You can select function names and quickly navigate to their definitions with both of these tools. The real differentiation is in the IDE search functionality and smart code features.

For code management there were 2 areas I focused on:

• Dependency Management
• Search

For each project I added a file with a function definition, then called that function from my main file. I created a greet.py module with a function called greet:

VSCode

VSCode was unaware of the new function and I had to manually add the import statement.

I also really like Find in Files. Especially with a code base that I have inherited, being able to find files anywhere in a project containing a keyword within a project is essential. VSCode does this really well. The search results are displayed on the left, and I can click through and view them in the editor pane.

A strong search, but weak code dependency management and VSCode gets a 4/5 on code management.

PyCharm

When I added the greet module and function in PyCharm it was able to detect the missing import statement and recommended adding it. This is a great help to a developer.

The find in files search that I use so often is a bit awkward in PyCharm. It is even difficult to find it.

PyCharm displays this modal with search results which site over top of the code window. It is also difficult to see the files that it has found. I do like that I can select a path and search down into it. Because of the awkward search I give PyCharm a 4/5 on code management.

Code Completion and Highlighting

Highlighting is very personal, and fast and non-intrusive code completion is very helpful. I like the dark theme, VSCode and PyCharm both support multiple light and dark themes and since this is very subjective I am leaving out of the rating.

VSCode

VSCode supports code completion and it is quite capable.

Although VSCode didn’t add the import statement for my new module automatically, once the import statement was added, VSCode is able to offer autocomplete for this function.

I can type ‘g’ and select the greet function from a list of valid selections starting with ‘g’, which then shows me the function comment and signature. The code completion experience is responsive and intuitive. I would say this is an average code completion experience and so I rate it at 3/5.

PyCharm

Similar to the other capabilities I’ve looked at so far, code completion is just better in PyCharm. PyCharm shows the function signature as part of the autocomplete selection list, but with some extra cool features. See those 3 dots at the end?

The three dots display the following menu:

• Sort by Name
• Quick Documentation
• Quick Definition

Quick Documentation shows the function signature and return types as well as the function comment. Quick Definition shows the function code. Very handy. This is a step above VS Code and the quick actions exceeded my expectations. PyCharm’s code completion gets a 5/5.

Debugging

VSCode

VSCode allows you to execute your code in debug mode and step through it. The left pane displays local and global variables, watched values, the call stack and a list of all breakpoints. Hover over a variable to see it’s current value in context. All of the standard execution controls are also available, step over, step into, step out. VSCode also allows you to create conditional breakpoints which are handy it you are looking for a specific data condition that causes problems.

VSCode provides a solid debugger for Python. It gets a 4/5.

PyCharm

PyCharm has the same features as VSCode, the debug properties are displayed in the bottom pane and the call stack is called ‘frames’. You can view variables, and watch values, step into, over and out of functions.

On top of conditional breakpoints, PyCharm has some other interesting breakpoint logic, like:

• Breakpoint Hit messages that allow you to log information at breakpoints without adding print messages to your code
• Remove once hit, allowing you to remove a breakpoint once it has been hit. This works well when combined with conditional breakpoint logic.

Once again PyCharm exceeds my expectations and gets a well deserved 5/5.

Performance

For this test, I am running PyCharm and VSCode inside of an Ubuntu VM hosted in VirtualBox. I have 2 CPU core allocated and 4 GB of memory for the virtual machine.

VSCode

Start Up time is good for VSCode, once the VM was primed VSCode would load in about 4 seconds. My test project is only a couple of files, so I don’t have a good sense of how it handles large projects. VSCode runs a number of processes and consumes a lot of memory, almost 1 GB. I attribute this to the electron framwork.

PyCharm

PyCharm is much slower to load than VSCode, clocking in over 10 seconds. Memory usage is lower however, in the 500MB range.

Once loaded, both IDEs were quite responsive with very little stuttering when looking up autocomplete suggestions.

Performance Summary

Measure	VS Code	PyCharm
Start Up Time	4 sec (avg)	15 sec
Memory Use	895MB	550MB (Java)
My Rating	3/5	3/5

In each of their own ways these two IDEs are quite fat. So I’ve given them both a 3/5 on performance.

Refactoring

VSCode

In order to use refactorings, I had to setup ‘rope’ which VSCode nicely pip installed for me. The following refactorings are supported in VSCode:

• Rename
• Extract Method
• Extract Variable

This is a pretty limited list of refactoring capabilities. A 1/5 goes to VSCode for refactoring.

PyCharm

So I expected PyCharm to do well in the refactoring category since JetBrains built their company on the ReSharper refactoring plug-in for Visual Studio and PyCharm doesn’t disappoint. Refactorings include:

• Rename
• Change Signature
• Move File
• Copy File
• Introduce Variable
• Introduce Constant
• Introduce Field
• Introduce Parameter
• Extract Method
• Extract Superclass
• Pull Members Up
• Push Members Down

Impressive refactoring to PyCharm for a 5/5 in this category.

Cross Platform Compatibility

VSCode

VSCode is incredibly portable thanks to the fact that it is open source. I have VSCode running on my Raspberry Pi 4 running Manjaro, and my Raspberry Pi and Jetson Nano running Ubuntu.

VSCode runs on AMD and ARM architectures in 32 or 64 bits. It is highly portable, a clear 5/5 here.

PyCharm

PyCharm runs on java which gives it some cross platform capability too. Unfortunately the JetBrains toolbox does not run on Java and is compiled for AMD architecture only.

However, you can download the PyCharm install files and extract and run PyCharm on a Raspberry Pi or Jetson Nano and it seems to work just fine. You’ll need to install the Java JDE first and you should be good to go.

PyCharm gets a 4/5 on cross platform because of toolbox — collateral damage.

Tabulated Results

Here are all the ratings for the eight categories.

Criteria	VS Code	PyCharm
Git Integration	3/5	5/5
Code Management	4/5	4/5
Code Completion	3/5	5/5
Debugging	4/5	5/5
Performance	3/5	5/5
Refactoring	1/5	5/5
Cross Platform	5/5	4/5
Total	23/35	33/35

Summary

For Python development, PyCharm is the clear winner. But don’t uninstall VSCode, it’s a great swiss army knife with great support for many languages.

PyCharm vs. VS Code: A Detailed Comparison for Choosing the Best Python IDE

One of the most widely used programming languages in the world is Python. It is also considered to be incredibly easy to learn. It follows that it is not strange that many individuals start their programming careers with Python.

Python is incredibly adaptable, user-friendly, and has a simple syntax. Its community has created several libraries and frameworks to support it.

On the other hand, choosing an integrated development environment (IDE) or editor can be difficult for beginners. Although Python has many IDEs and code editors, PyCharm and VS Code have remained favorites among developers over time.

Both PyCharm and VS Code are excellent Python code editors. However, while PyCharm is an IDE, VS Code is a code editor that, through extensions, offers a similar experience to an IDE.

The following factors will be used to compare PyCharm with VS Code in this article: price, memory usage, installation procedure, code management, extensions, and Git integration.

We will cover the following:

1. What is PyCharm?
2. What is VS Code?
3. Features Common in PyCharm and VS Code
4. PyCharm vs. VS Code: A Comparison
5. Which Provides Better Support for Advanced Python Features?

What is PyCharm?

Image Source

One of the best IDEs for Python is PyCharm. This is because PyCharm was designed exclusively for Python, and all of its plugins, extensions, and extra features are focused on making Python coding more efficient.

Oracle and MySQL are two of the databases that are already pre-integrated with PyCharm. Additionally, it features an excellent auto-completion tool that, assuming you know what you’re attempting to accomplish with your code, can help you write and edit code faster.

A fantastic debugger that suggests fixes and auto-fills them is another highlight of PyCharm. Additionally, there is no need to switch windows between editing and bug-checking because the application is a compiler in and of itself.

This greatly improves the process’ overall elegance while reducing the amount of time spent on what is frequently regarded as coding’s most irritating component.

You might anticipate there wouldn’t be any drawbacks given how closely PyCharm adheres to the Python experience. However, there are a few things worth pointing up.

Arbisoft explains that PyCharm uses a lot of resources. Even when it is not in use, it can use up to 1GB per minute, and there is a significant latency when the software starts.

The fully loaded edition of PyCharm is a steep price to pay, even while losing some speed and power isn’t that bad. The Unlimited Pro version of PyCharm costs $199 per year and is a substantial piece of software.

There is a free version of the program on the market, but it essentially turns it into a simple Python IDE. Debugging, building, and even some auto-fill features are still available, according to i-Programmer. However, the Unlimited Pro Version’s duplicate code detection and access to select databases are no longer available.

PyCharm is a fantastic application made to handle Python as gracefully as possible, even with the high price tag. The software’s objective is to give users a platform where they can rapidly and effectively write and edit substantial quantities of Python code and make the most of their available time while programming. We consider the functionality included in PyCharm to be well-implemented.

What is VS Code?

Image Source

As was previously said, VS Code is a type of text editor. However, there is some overlap between its text editing features and IDE-like features. According to a helpful user on Stack Overflow, VS Code frequently gets confused with an IDE because it features a debugger and the ability to build several languages.

However, plugins are necessary for the compilation of features of Visual Studio Code. Therefore, VS Code is not strictly an IDE because the compiler isn’t an integral component of the system and because it supports a sizable number of languages rather than focusing on a small number.

Despite all of this, VS Code and PyCharm are very similar. Both applications offer extremely helpful debugging software, Git integration, and code completion.

Although VS Code lacks some of the more specialized features of PyCharm (such as support for Django), it is a far lighter tool to run than PyCharm and is ready to use right out of the box.

Additionally, VS Code contains more than 16k plugins, whereas PyCharm has just about 1700, providing practically limitless opportunities for experimentation.

Since PyCharm requires an ongoing fee, which is not the case with Visual Studio Code, you have access to thousands of resources and can completely customize your experience without having to pay anything upfront.

Common Features in PyCharm and VS Code

Let’s examine the similar features between them.

• Auto Code Completion
  It is possible to integrate these IDES with code completion tools like Tabnine and Kite. Any identifier can have Intellisense (autocomplete) enabled by hovering over it. Each definition, variable, class, and so on have documentation available for viewing.
• Regexes Support in Code Search
  With a single click, you can search through files, rename a class or function (or variables), or extract a method from the entire class.
• User Code-Defined Code Snippets
  When looking for snippets, both feature an integrated snippet library that will be useful. When creating unique code snippets, the resources are really beneficial.
• Code Inspection and Debugging
  With only one click due to this feature, you can easily navigate to a function or method definition or an imported module.
• Code linting/Static Code Analysis
  Before releasing the code to production, static code analysis makes it simple to detect compile-time or even run-time issues in the code.
• Git Integration
  Git enables team members to work independently on their contributions while yet having the ability to communicate changes. Gits like GitHub and Bitbucket are supported by PyCharm as well as VS Code.
• Syntax Highlighting and Parentheses Matching
  Programmers can quickly determine which parentheses are opening and closing due to syntax highlighting and set matching.
• Autopep8 Support and Code Formatting
  With Autopep8, programmers can input text without being concerned about potential errors while also saving time by avoiding laborious manual coding from scratch.
• Command-line Tool
  The built-in terminal makes it simple to use command-line tools and to run build commands instantly without having to navigate between windows or start a different application.

PyCharm vs. VS Code: A Detailed Comparison

Python is a very well-liked programming language, and two of the most popular IDEs/editors at the moment are PyCharm and VS Code. So, here, we’ll go over a few things that will help you choose an IDE more wisely.

#1 Performance

When using PyCharm to run a Python project, it uses a significant amount of RAM. Depending on the size of the project, it can easily use at least 1 GB, whereas VS Code uses RAM in MBs and is less memory intensive.

As the project expands, PyCharm uses up more memory and operates slowly. In contrast to PyCharm, VS Code is a lightweight editor with a very responsive user interface that enables you to work on numerous files at once.

On the other hand, PyCharm is not appropriate for PCs with modest configurations because it depends heavily on graphical aspects to display its features. It uses a lot of memory and CPU time during startup and takes some time to stabilize.

#2 Extensibility

VS Code’s functionality can be increased by using plugins that are available on the marketplace. There are literally several plugins available to complete a single task.

The Python — Plugin must be installed in VS Code for it to support Python, as it is not natively supported. The plugin has been downloaded from the marketplace many million times as of the time of writing the post.

PyCharm also has out-of-the-box plugins, but the community is smaller than that of VS Code.

#3 Learning Curve

While VS Code supports numerous perspectives for creating code, PyCharm’s user interface has a more app-like feel. If you use VIM, VS Code makes it easy for you; all you need to do is install VS CodeVIM from the marketplace to be able to execute all VIM commands.

By pressing Ctrl + Shift + P, any code snippet from your editor can be run. By hitting Ctrl+‘, the terminal that is incorporated into VS Code can be accessed.

PyCharm interface is clean and simple. It is quite simple to open the code editor and begin creating the first PyCharm project.

A feature similar to VS Code’s is the PyCharm console. Python commands can be executed relatively quickly and the results can be seen without switching between windows.

We would suggest PyCharm if you are a novice seeking to start programming and have limited experience with IDEs. The new functionalities offered by PyCharm might not appeal to seasoned developers.

#4 Price

PyCharm from JetBrain comes in three versions. The professional edition for individuals, for example, has yearly fees of $89 for the first year, $71 for the second, and $53 for the third year and beyond. The professional edition for businesses has a one-year price of $199, a two-year price of $159, and a subsequent price of $119.

Both the PyCharm Community and the Edu Editions are open source. Both versions, however, are deficient in several features, including database support, a Python profiler, support for remote development, duplicate code detection, and various web development tools.

The open-source project VS Code, on the other hand, is free for both private and commercial use. No matter what kind of project or language you plan to use VS Code for, features like version control, third-party integrations, and bug tracking are included out of the box.

The necessary plugins for your Python project must be manually installed because VS Code doesn’t come with any pre-loaded plugins. You are free to install as many plugins as you need or wish.

#5 Code Completion and Highlighting

The PyCharm IDE offers a real-time syntax-checking tool that, despite using a lot of memory, enables you to run syntax checks as you type your code, identify problems in real time, and complete them.

Amazing VS Code functionality called IntelliSense gives users contextual information as they type. This makes it possible for functions and variables to autocomplete, and it also saves time by offering ideas as you type.

#6 Code Management

PyCharm delivers a range of tools all in one product, beneficial to any programmer working with python applications or scripts as well as web development using web frameworks like Django or Flask.

Code completion, smart indenting, debugging support (through PyCharm Debugger), and best for beginners are some of the features. Git, an integrated version control system in PyCharm, is incredibly useful when you’re working on software in a collaborative environment.

Since VS Code does not come with built-in Git integration, you must install a plugin like Vscodium or Git-Plus. Once the extension is installed, all fundamental Git functionalities are available, including the ability to «check out» partial commits into either the local codebase or a remote git server without permanently changing any files on disk.

#7 Refactoring

Both VS Code and PyCharm have an effective refactoring option. Both provide support for functions such as class definition, file variable renaming, debugging, function extraction, goto function definition, etc.

An interactive debugger in Pycharm can quickly identify issues before they affect live programming. Its refactoring feature is extremely powerful, making development simpler and requiring less work from developers when modifying or upgrading existing codes.

Once the Python extension has been installed in VS Code, it offers all the fundamental capabilities required to turn VS Code into a complete IDE for Python. Support for Django, Flask, and Pyramid is also made possible by the plugin.

#8 Cross Platform Compatibility

You can use PyCharm and VS Code on your desktop at home and your laptop while traveling because they are both available for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux.

Since VS Code is open source, using it is free. It provides plugins and extensions that give the editor further features. Additionally, it comes with a variety of thorough color-coded themes.

#9 Memory Usage

You want to pick a tool that will work smoothly on your computer system without causing it to lag, use little RAM, and take up little space.

Approximately 372MB must be downloaded to download PyCharm’s community edition, which may not seem like much. However, PyCharm uses roughly 400MB of memory when we use it on a computer, which is a considerable amount in our opinion.

However, VS Code is incredibly light, requiring only 76.2MB to download and using only roughly 40MB of the computer’s memory.

PyCharm took roughly three to five minutes to load and open on a computer, but VS Code launched right away, most likely due to the size difference. The difference is clear. VS Code is a superior choice if controlling your computer’s resources is a primary priority.

#10 Initial Setup

Both PyCharm and VS Code installation are simple. However, Microsoft produced VS Code for language polyglots while PyCharm was specifically designed for Python. As a result, it won’t take much for you to start writing code once PyCharm is on your system.

You’d need to examine and download several extensions, including Python, Python Indent, Python Snippets, and others, to build up VS Code according to your Python needs. However, doing so allows you greater control over the composition, activities, and appearance of your workplace.

Beyond setup, we have discovered VS Code to be simpler to use, comprehend, and work with due to its user-friendly, warm interface. You can simply discover any function or feature you need by searching for it, and it doesn’t look to be cluttered.

#11 Database Integration

You can access databases like MySQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL, and others from within PyCharm by using a plugin called Database Navigator. You can establish a database connection, send queries to a database, receive database objects, and more using the PyCharm Database Navigator. But you have to buy the professional edition to access this.

VS Code supports database integration through the usage of the SQLTools extension. However, there is still an opportunity for improvement in VS Code’s integration. It could be challenging for a novice to use or navigate, and it is prone to problems. The database integration in PyCharm, however, appears to be more complete.

#12 Git Integration

To store and edit their projects, developers require a version or source control system.

It should come as no surprise that VS Code and PyCharm both enable Git integration. The app allows you to do a variety of things using Git, like build a new repository, clone an existing repository, open an existing repository, stage changes, commit changes, check out to a different branch, and create pull requests.

Both tools have fantastic GitHub support, so we are not sure which is better.

Which Provides Better Support for Advanced Python Features?

JetBrains almost has a monopoly on this marketplace. The moment we start talking about advanced features, we are automatically straying into the realm of premium features.

A PyCharm professional personal license, or one you pay for yourself, currently costs $199 per year, with some price reductions in coming years.

On their product comparison page, you can find a detailed description of everything the Community Edition is lacking. Remote development was already stated as one such.

Support for web development is one important difference. This is a premium feature in PyCharm, but VS Code’s success is greatly influenced by its outstanding support for HTML, JavaScript, and TypeScript.

In VS Code, each of these features is free. Why then do we still list PyCharm as the category winner? We do this because, once you pay to allow more plugins in PyCharm than just Python support, many tasks become quite simple.

For instance, PyCharm makes debugging Python code in a Docker container essentially as simple as pulling down menus, but VS Code requires much more extensive preparation.

Of course, there are some situations in which PyCharm’s Community Edition is superior. The convenience of setting up tests and the debugging features that have already been highlighted spring to mind.

If you have money to invest in a premium IDE, PyCharm is the best. If not, try VS Code.

Conclusion

Tools like PyCharm and VS Code are pretty different. PyCharm is useful for both experienced developers and newbies who can utilize the community edition to get features that are simple to use.

The solution is currently no longer free, however, the professional edition offers both advanced Python capabilities and support for other languages. The drawbacks of this editor include the fact that it is not a Swiss-army-knife editor like VS Code and that the remote development features are less useful.

On the other hand, VS Code has a much more robust ecosystem of plugins, excellent support for remote development, and is a tool you can use repeatedly to easily write documentation and work in many languages. It is «good enough» for Python-specific tasks, although PyCharm offers greater refinement and usability.

PyCharm is the way to go if you want a powerful, focused, and well-configured Python development environment. However, VS Code is preferred if you want something lightweight with the ability to customize.

Both are excellent tools that, depending on how you choose to utilize them, can be used for a variety of tasks.

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PyCharm vs. VS Code: Choosing the best Python IDE

Python is one of the most popular programming languages globally and has been said to be very easy to learn. Therefore, it’s not a huge surprise that a lot of people begin programming with Python, myself included. Python is beginner-friendly, has a relatively simple syntax, is supported by its community with lots of libraries and frameworks, and is very versatile.

However, beginners often have to ask themselves what integrated development environment (IDE) or editor to use. I also faced this challenge, and while there are several IDEs and code editors available for Python, PyCharm and VS Code have remained favorites of Python developers over the years.

PyCharm and VS Code are both excellent tools for writing Python code. However, it is vital to note that while PyCharm is an IDE, VS Code is a code editor that provides a similar experience to an IDE through extensions.

In this article, we’ll compare PyCharm and VS Code using the following metrics: price, memory consumption, setup process, code management, extensions, and Git integration. Let’s get started!

Price

PyCharm price

JetBrain’s PyCharm has three editions. For one, the professional edition for individuals costs $89 for the first year, $71 for the second, and $53 for the third year onwards. The professional edition for organizations costs $199 for the first year, $159 for the second year, and $119 for subsequent years.

The PyCharm community and Edu editions are both free, open source projects. However, both versions lack certain features, like support for remote development, a Python profiler, duplicate code detection, database support, and some web development tools.

VS Code price

On the other hand, VS Code is an open source project and is free for commercial and private use. Features like version control, third-party integrations, and bug tracking come out of the box with VS Code regardless of the type of project or language you intend to write with it.

VS Code doesn’t come with any plugins pre-installed, so you’ll have to manually install the necessary plugins for your Python project. You can install as many plugins as you need or want, all for free.

Memory consumption

You want to choose a tool that will take up minimal space, use minimal RAM, and run smoothly on your computer system without causing it to lag.

PyCharm memory consumption

Downloading the community version of PyCharm requires about 372MB, which probably doesn’t seem like a lot. However, when I run PyCharm on my system, it consumes about 400MB of memory, which in my opinion, is significant.

VS Code memory consumption

On the other hand, VS Code is exceptionally lightweight, requiring only about 76.2MB to download and consuming only about 40MB of memory on my computer.

Likely on account of the difference in size, PyCharm took about three to five minutes to load and open on my machine, while VS Code started up instantly. In my opinion, the difference is clear. If managing your computer’s resources is a top priority, VS Code is a better option.

Initial setup

Setting up PyCharm

Setting up both PyCharm and VS Code is fairly easy. However, PyCharm was explicitly made for Python, while Microsoft created VS Code for language polyglots. Therefore, after installing PyCharm on your machine, it does not require much for you to start writing your code.

Setting up VS Code

To set up VS Code, you’d have to spend some time customizing to your Python needs, which would require you to review and download various extensions like Python, Python Indent, Python Snippets, and others. However, doing so gives you more control over what your workspace looks like, contains, and does.

Beyond the setup, I’ve found VS Code easier to navigate, understand, and work with as the interface is beginner-friendly, welcoming, and easy to navigate. It doesn’t appear cluttered, and you can easily find whatever function or feature you need by searching for it.

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Code management

Code management includes features like code completion, syntax highlighting, code formatting, and linting. The right choice depends on how easily each helps you write and understand Python code. Overall, I’d say both tools include similar features, providing generally an excellent code management system.

Code management with VS Code

VS Code automatically highlights areas where potential errors are made in red, making it easier for you to find and fix errors. VS Code even goes a step further by including a problems tab, listing all potential errors in a single place and making it easier for you to review them, as seen in the image below:

Note that to use Python with VS Code, you’ll need to install a formatter and linter for Python.

PyCharm code management

One key feature of PyCharm is the Search Everywhere feature, which allows you to conduct searches beyond the scope of your project. You can find files, classes, symbols, and UI elements among other things, even if it’s not in your current project:

Extensions

VS Code extensions

Both PyCharm and VS Code offer significant extensions and plugins to make the experience for every developer as seamless as possible. Extensions and plugins are a great way to add more functionality to your tool or app.

VS Code extensions

VS Code was not built solely for Python. Therefore, there are several extensions you may need to make the code editor more similar to an IDE well suited for Python.

One benefit of VS Code is that it detects the type of project you are working on, then suggests and enables the necessary extensions for that project. For example, if your project is cloud based or requires cloud plugins, you can expect VS Code to suggest plugins based on the scope of the project and what you already have installed on your computer.

You can install and enable an extension right in the app, or you can visit the VS Code marketplace to search for what you need. At the beginning of 2020, there were approximately 16,000 extensions available for VS Code. New extensions are continuously being developed and added to improve the developer experience.

PyCharm extensions

PyCharm was built with Python in mind, which is clear by looking at the available extensions that are geared towards improving PyCharm. There are over 3,000 JetBrains plugins available, and PyCharm is compatible with them all.

Database integration

Depending on your type of project, you may or may not need to connect to a database.

PyCharm database integration

PyCharm uses a plugin called Database Navigator to allow you to connect to databases like MySQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL, and others, all within the app. With the PyCharm Database Navigator, you can create a database connection, issue queries to a database, receive database objects, and more. However, this is only available on the professional edition, which you must purchase.

VS Code database integration

Database integration is also available on VS Code with the use of an extension called SQLTools. However, VS Code’s integration still leaves room for more. A beginner might find it difficult to use or navigate, and it can be susceptible to bugs. On the other hand, PyCharm’s database integration seems to be more thorough.

Git integration

A version or source control system is essential for every developer to store and make changes to their projects.

It’s no surprise that both PyCharm and VS Code have Git integration available. You can create a new Git repository, clone an existing repository, open an existing repository, stage changes, unstaged changes, commit changes, checkout to a different branch, create a pull request, and more, all within the app.

Both tools offer excellent support for GitHub, and I honestly can’t say whether one is better.

VS Code terminal emulator

The terminal emulator is one of my favorite VS Code features, because it allows you to work in any shell that is installed on your system without leaving the app.

I am able to run Linux commands, Windows commands, Git commands, and more:

Conclusion

As you probably can tell, I am a big fan of VS Code. However, when choosing an IDE, you have to first consider your needs.

If you want something mature, specific, and well-configured for Python, then PyCharm is the way to go. However, if you prefer something lightweight that provides the freedom to customize, then VS Code is preferable.

Both are great tools that can serve different purposes, depending on how you choose to use them. I hope you enjoyed this tutorial.