10 Best Python/Django IDEs and Code Editors in 2025
Introduction
Python is one of the most popular programming languages, and Django is its leading web framework for building scalable and secure applications. To maximize productivity, developers rely on feature-rich Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) and code editors tailored for Python and Django.
With so many options available, choosing the right IDE or editor can be overwhelming. In this article, we’ll explore the 10 best Python/Django IDEs and code editors, comparing their key features, advantages, and best use cases.
1. PyCharm 🏆 (Best Overall for Django Development)
Developer: JetBrains
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
License: Free (Community), Paid (Professional)
Why Choose PyCharm?
✅ Best-in-class Django support
✅ Smart code completion and debugging
✅ Built-in database tools and version control
PyCharm is the go-to IDE for Python and Django development, especially for professional developers. Its Django integration includes auto-generation of project structures, templates, and database tools.
🔹 Best For: Full-stack Django projects, enterprise applications
2. Visual Studio Code (VS Code) 🚀 (Best Free & Lightweight Option)
Developer: Microsoft
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
License: Free
Why Choose VS Code?
✅ Lightweight but powerful
✅ Extensive plugin marketplace
✅ Great support for Django and Python
VS Code is one of the most popular editors due to its speed, extensibility, and Python support. With extensions like Python, Django, and Jupyter, it becomes a powerful development environment.
🔹 Best For: Lightweight coding, beginners, and experienced developers
3. Sublime Text ✨ (Best for Speed & Simplicity)
Developer: Sublime HQ
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
License: Paid (Free Trial Available)
Why Choose Sublime Text?
✅ Extremely fast and lightweight
✅ Powerful multi-caret editing
✅ Customizable with Python plugins
Sublime Text is an excellent choice for fast editing and scripting. While it lacks built-in Django support, plugins like DjangoTextMate and Anaconda add useful features.
🔹 Best For: Quick scripting, small projects, customization
4. Atom (Best Open-Source Code Editor)
Developer: GitHub (Now Community Maintained)
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
License: Free, Open-Source
Why Choose Atom?
✅ Open-source and hackable
✅ Great Git and GitHub integration
✅ Django extensions available
Atom is a modern, open-source code editor with a customizable interface. While it's not as fast as VS Code, it provides a flexible development experience.
🔹 Best For: Open-source enthusiasts, web developers
5. Jupyter Notebook 📊 (Best for Data Science & AI)
Developer: Jupyter Project
Platform: Web-based
License: Free, Open-Source
Why Choose Jupyter Notebook?
✅ Best for data visualization and ML
✅ Supports interactive coding
✅ Easy sharing of code and results
Jupyter Notebook is not a traditional IDE, but it's essential for data scientists working with Python. It allows interactive coding, making it perfect for Django applications involving data science.
🔹 Best For: Data analysis, AI, and ML applications
6. Spyder 🐍 (Best for Scientific Computing)
Developer: Python Scientific Community
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
License: Free, Open-Source
Why Choose Spyder?
✅ Designed for scientific computing
✅ Integrated with NumPy, Pandas, and SciPy
✅ Powerful debugging and visualization tools
Spyder is tailored for scientific Python applications and supports Django development when used alongside Conda and Jupyter.
🔹 Best For: Researchers, data scientists, engineers
7. Thonny 🎓 (Best for Beginners)
Developer: University of Tartu
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
License: Free, Open-Source
Why Choose Thonny?
✅ Simple UI for beginners
✅ Built-in debugger
✅ Lightweight and fast
Thonny is an ideal IDE for new Python developers who are just starting with Django. It offers an easy-to-use interface with essential tools like variable tracking and debugging.
🔹 Best For: Students, Python beginners
8. Wing IDE 🦅 (Best for Debugging)
Developer: Wingware
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
License: Free (Personal Use), Paid (Pro)
Why Choose Wing IDE?
✅ Best-in-class debugging tools
✅ Django-specific features
✅ Remote development support
Wing IDE is perfect for debugging Django applications, offering auto-completion, refactoring, and live debugging.
🔹 Best For: Advanced Django developers, debugging-heavy projects
9. Eric Python IDE (Best for Customization)
Developer: Detlev Offenbach
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
License: Free, Open-Source
Why Choose Eric?
✅ Highly customizable UI
✅ Integrated debugging tools
✅ Strong support for Django projects
Eric is a powerful and customizable IDE with syntax highlighting, debugging, and version control integration. It's less popular but highly functional.
🔹 Best For: Developers who prefer deep customization
10. Codeanywhere 🌍 (Best for Cloud Development)
Developer: Codeanywhere
Platform: Web-based
License: Subscription-based
Why Choose Codeanywhere?
✅ Cloud-based IDE
✅ Supports multiple languages
✅ Great for remote development
If you want to code from anywhere, Codeanywhere provides a fully cloud-based Python and Django environment.
🔹 Best For: Developers who need cloud-based access
Conclusion: Which Python/Django IDE is Best for You?
IDE/Editor | Best For | Price | Platform |
---|---|---|---|
PyCharm | Full Django development | Free/Paid | Windows, macOS, Linux |
VS Code | Lightweight & flexible | Free | Windows, macOS, Linux |
Sublime Text | Fast & efficient coding | Paid | Windows, macOS, Linux |
Atom | Open-source & customizable | Free | Windows, macOS, Linux |
Jupyter | Data science & AI | Free | Web-based |
Spyder | Scientific computing | Free | Windows, macOS, Linux |
Thonny | Beginners & students | Free | Windows, macOS, Linux |
Wing IDE | Advanced debugging | Paid | Windows, macOS, Linux |
Eric | Customization & scripting | Free | Windows, macOS, Linux |
Codeanywhere | Cloud development | Paid | Web-based |
Choosing the right Python/Django IDE depends on your experience level and project needs. For professional Django development, PyCharm is the best choice, while VS Code is a great free alternative.
Which IDE do you prefer? Let us know in the comments! 🚀