Pycharm is an integrated development environment (IDE) for Python programming language endorsed by JetBrains. The IDE is a powerful coding tool with advanced features to enhance the experience of coding in Python. There are two versions of Pycharm, Community and Professional. The Pycharm Community edition is free and open-source, while the Professional edition comes with a license and has more advanced features.
In this article, we will compare the Pycharm Community and Pro versions to help you decide which one is right for you.
Pycharm Community Edition
Pycharm Community edition is a free open-source Python IDE with a wide range of features tailored for python coders. Some of the features in the Pycharm Community edition include syntax highlighting, code completion, code inspections, and debugging.
The Community version is an ideal choice for beginner Python developers or students who are learning to code in Python. Some of the most notable features of Pycharm Community include:
1. Smart code completion
Pycharm Community edition comes with an intelligent code completion feature that helps coders type their code faster and with fewer errors. Developers can choose code suggestions from a dropdown list provided by Pycharm while typing.
2. Debugging capabilities
Pycharm Community edition offers debugging capabilities for developers who need to fix and modify their code. This feature includes breakpoints, conditional breakpoints, and a range of other debugging features.
3. Open source platform
As an open-source tool, Pycharm Community edition stands out for its ability to adapt rapidly to user feedback, bug fixes, and updates. Being open-source allows developers to contribute their work and enhance the platform.
4. Extensible architecture
Pycharm Community edition supports a range of different plugins and extensions that can improve the functionality and experience of the IDE.
Pycharm Professional version
Pycharm Professional edition is a more advanced version of the Community edition, designed for use by experienced Python developers involved in large scale projects. The Professional edition comes with a license and has an even more extensive range of features that are geared towards high-end software development. Some of the most significant features of Pycharm Professional include:
1. Advanced Web development features
Pycharm Professional comes with advanced web development features such as support for JavaScript, CSS, and HTML frameworks, making it an ideal choice for web development projects.
2. Advanced debugging capabilities
The Pro version offers complex debugging features such as a remote debugger, profiling, and testing. The IDE offers a more in-depth debugging experience with step-by-step execution that allows you to track down bugs and errors quickly.
3. Database and SQL support
The Professional version features database support that includes a built-in database console to interact with databases right from within the IDE. Pycharm Pro also supports SQL features that allow you to query databases and get faster results.
4. Remote development capabilities
The Pycharm Professional version allows developers to edit and run their code on remote machines, which is a useful feature for teams working in distributed development environments.
Difference between Pycharm Community and Pro
There are several differences between the Pycharm Community and Professional editions, which make each version unique in its way.
1. Features
One of the main differences between Pycharm Community and Pro is the set of features offered. As discussed above, the Pro version has advanced features like debugging, database, and remote development support that are not available in the Community edition.
2. Pricing
Pycharm Community is free and open-source, while the Professional version comes with a license at a cost. Pycharm Pro provides users with more advanced features for high-end software development, making it more expensive than the Community edition.
3. Target audience
The Community edition is more geared towards beginners and students who are learning to code in Python, while the Professional edition targets advanced developers involved in high-end software development.
FAQs
Q. Does Pycharm Community Edition have a debugger?
A. Yes, Pycharm Community edition has an in-built debugger that allows developers to fix and modify their code efficiently.
Q. What is the difference between Pycharm Community and Pro?
A. Pycharm Community is free and open-source, while Pycharm Pro comes with a license at a cost. The Professional edition has advanced features like debugging, database, and remote development support that are not available in the Community edition.
Q. Can I use Pycharm Pro for web development?
A. Pycharm Professional is an ideal choice for web development projects. The IDE comes equipped with advanced web development features and support for JavaScript, CSS, and HTML frameworks.
Conclusion
Both Pycharm Community and Professional editions are excellent coding tools that have been developed with the needs of Python developers in mind. The Community edition is an ideal choice for beginners and students, while the Professional edition is designed for advanced developers involved in high-end software development.
Although the Pro version comes with many advanced features and capabilities that the Community version lacks, the Community version remains a powerful and versatile option for most everyday coding needs. Choosing between the two versions depends on the specific needs of the project, the level of expertise of the developer, and the budget.