To IDE or Not? A beginner developer's dilemma

Question

Basically, me and a friend of mine are just planning to work on a Python project which would have GUI interface, and enable file transfer over and remote file listing. We have most of the tools which we are going to use, Glade, Python etcetera.

I just want to know if I should use an IDE or not.

I've heard only good things about Anjuta, but not convinced of its Python support; care to comment?
And also is there any other good IDE I should check out?

Currently I am just planning on coding as usual in vim.

Solution 1

There are numerous IDEs you can check out. Take a look at PyDev, PIDA, Komodo, Eric.

I personally don't think IDEs add that much to software development (on this scale and in this language). Python has fine external debugging tools and refactoring is not that hard with a program of this size.

Do you currently use or want to use any features you miss in your current editor? If so, pick another one, else, stick with what you like most.

As long as it has version control integration you should be fine.

Solution 2

The ability to debug using an IDE makes your life so much easier.

Solution 3

Python is a particularly strange language in that having a full-fledged IDE doesn't really add much (and some would argue that an IDE tends to severely limit your thinking-flow in Python). I've been using regular Vim and Gedit to develop in Python and never really missed using IDE.

Text editors like Vim or Emacs itself can be configured quite flexibly to match an IDE power though, so it doesn't really matter which way you go.

Solution 4

Personally I do most my Python coding in Vim, but once in a while I feel like using a full-IDE and I use Eclipse with Pydev at those times.

It depends on your own preference, some people absolutely love Vim and won't use anything else. Others just can't work without an IDE.

Here's a list of:

• Python IDEs: http://wiki.python.org/moin/IntegratedDevelopmentEnvironments
• Python editors: http://wiki.python.org/moin/PythonEditors

Solution 5

In terms of using an IDE or not, it doesn't matter. I prefer using an IDE since I like having the tools I need bundled up into one nice, neat little package that can handle all of my development. However, using a text editor is just as good, especially ones as powerful and extensible as vi(m) and (x)emacs. The real reasons for using an IDE, though, are code completion, management of indentation, code folding, refactoring support, and debugging.

If you want to check out other IDEs for Python development, I would suggest also looking at NetBeans and Eclipse with the appropriate plugins. I, personally, prefer NetBeans since I have a feeling that PyDev is going to be going downhill since Aptana bought them (previously, they ruined RadRails, which is the Eclipse plugin for Ruby on Rails development) and don't want to get comfortable with a tool that might not be useful long-term.

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Comments

[elricL]

I heard a lot of nice things about PyCharm and JetBrains,but i am just doing this thing for fun and hopefully learning something ,so i dont think i wanna pay for the tools i use,especially when i am coding in linux :)

[helpermethod]

+1 I normally use an IDE for programming but when I started with Python I've started with Vim an stuck to it, never really feeling a need for an IDE.

[duffymo]

There's a Linux version. And it'll be $49 for me when it comes out, since I already have an IntelliJ license. It pays for itself with all the time it saves you.

[Jani Hartikainen]

VCS integration is hardly a requirement. You can always use it from the command line just fine. Otherwise mostly agreed.

[alternative]

"code completion, management of indentation, code folding, refactoring support, and debugging." Emacs can do all of those, Vim can do most. (I'm not sure about the debugging support in Vim, I just use GDB)

[alternative]

Using an IDE is like developing with a typewriter to write a novel. Nobody said you can't, but why try that hard when you already have a laptop with a text editor that lets you type extremely fast and navigate text quickly?

[Thomas Owens]

My understanding is that those are extensions or plugins to Vim and Emacs and not native to the text editor.

[lacroix1547]

At this price, I see it more as charity. Also, I am charitable and a linux user, and see no problem in that.

[duffymo]

Charity? I'm not following you. It's just good business - it's not Microsoft Visual Studio. I think the capabilities and the prices are better for JetBrains products.

[Nathan]

do you have a favorite Python3 IDE?