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Atom vs PyCharm: What are the differences?
Introduction
Atom and PyCharm are both popular code editors used by developers for software development. While they both serve the purpose of editing and writing code, there are several key differences between the two.
Customizability: Atom is known for its high level of customizability. It allows users to extensively modify and personalize the editor through the use of packages and themes. On the other hand, PyCharm provides a more opinionated and focused environment specifically designed for Python development, offering fewer customization options compared to Atom.
Integrated Development Environment (IDE) vs Text Editor: PyCharm is an IDE, meaning it provides a comprehensive set of tools and features beyond just editing code. It includes advanced features such as debugging, testing, code profiling, and more. Atom, on the other hand, is primarily a text editor and lacks some of the advanced IDE functionalities, although it can be extended through packages to some extent.
Python focus: PyCharm is specifically built for Python development and provides extensive support for the language. It offers features like code analysis, refactorings, intelligent code completion, and integration with virtual environments. While Atom has a Python extension package available, it does not have the same level of built-in support and advanced features as PyCharm.
Performance: When it comes to performance, PyCharm is generally faster and more optimized compared to Atom. PyCharm is built with a focus on efficiency and speed, ensuring a smooth experience even with larger projects. Atom, being highly customizable, can potentially slow down with the addition of numerous packages and themes.
Community and ecosystem: Atom has a large and active community that contributes to its development, creating a wide variety of packages and themes. This community-driven aspect of Atom allows for constant improvement and ensures a vibrant ecosystem. PyCharm, on the other hand, is developed and maintained by JetBrains, a software development company known for its robust IDEs across various programming languages. This professional backing brings stability and ensures regular updates and support.
Pricing: Atom is an open-source code editor and is available for free, making it a popular choice among developers who prefer an open and extensible environment without any cost. PyCharm, on the other hand, has both a free Community edition and a paid Professional edition. The Professional edition offers additional features such as web development support, database tools, and support for other programming languages, making it suitable for more advanced development needs.
In Summary, Atom and PyCharm differ in terms of customizability, functionality, language focus, performance, community support, and pricing. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on the specific requirements and preferences of the developer.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Easy to learn and everything you need
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.
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 :)
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.
Since communication with Github is not necessary, the Atom is less convenient in working with text and code. Sublim's support and understanding of projects is best for us. Notepad for us is a completely outdated solution with an unacceptable interface. We use a good theme for Sublim ayu-dark
Pros of Atom
- Free529
- Open source449
- Modular design343
- Hackable321
- Beautiful UI316
- Backed by github147
- Built with node.js119
- Web native113
- Community107
- Packages35
- Cross platform18
- Nice UI5
- Multicursor support5
- TypeScript editor5
- Open source, lots of packages, and so configurable3
- cli start3
- Simple but powerful3
- Chrome Inspector works IN EDITOR3
- Snippets3
- Code readability2
- It's powerful2
- Awesome2
- Smart TypeScript code completion2
- Well documented2
- works with GitLab1
- "Free", "Hackable", "Open Source", The Awesomness1
- full support1
- vim support1
- Split-Tab Layout1
- Apm publish minor1
- Consistent UI on all platforms1
- User friendly1
- Hackable and Open Source1
- Publish0
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
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Cons of Atom
- Slow with large files19
- Slow startup7
- Most of the time packages are hard to find.2
- No longer maintained1
- Cannot Run code with F51
- Can be easily Modified1
Cons of PyCharm
- Slow startup10
- Not very flexible7
- Resource hog6
- Periodic slow menu response3
- Pricey for full features1