As a beginner, should I switch to PyCharm? (I got it for free)
Posted by AcadiaLow9013@reddit | learnprogramming | View on Reddit | 9 comments
Hey guys, I got Jetbrains for free with all of their IDEs via GitHub education. I'm a beginner and only know React, Express, MySQL, some vanilla JS (no TS), Vanilla python (some requests/beautifulsoup, matplotlib but almost nothing else), and that's pretty much it.
I like VSCode and feel no urge to change, but everyone says how Jetbrains is an upgrade. But the reasons why seem too advanced for me. Is it a net positive improvement for someone in my situation?
MR_LAW11@reddit
Honestly, if you already like VSCode, I wouldn’t force a switch just because people call JetBrains an “upgrade.” VSCode is completely fine and a ton of professionals use it daily. The worst thing for a beginner is constantly changing tools instead of building stuff.
That said, since you got it free, I’d definitely try PyCharm for Python and see if it clicks. The beginner-friendly perks are actually pretty nice: better autocomplete, easier debugging, cleaner project structure, warnings when you’re about to do something dumb, and virtual environments feel more guided instead of confusing.
For your level, I’d think of it like this: VSCode = lightweight and flexible, PyCharm = more opinionated but helps hold your hand a bit more for Python. DataGrip instead of MySQL Workbench though? I’d honestly try that, JetBrains database tools are pretty nice 😅
EliSka93@reddit
I think opinionated on Python is a good thing, but I just made my VSCode super opinionated on Python and that works fine.
pyeri@reddit
I'd say stick to a lighter Editor like VSCode or whatever you use for multiple languages. Today's environment requires most coders to switch multiple frameworks, contexts and even languages. Having one place to maintain all your workflows, plugins, configurations, etc. related to various languages is a huge benefit, that's why VSCode is so popular today. You must have experienced it already in react projects where you have to switch between js, typescript, html, css and even plain json files like package.json.
PyCharm is a specialized python IDE, unless you have a project that absolutely needs a Python designer or specialized environment (like PyQt Desktop projects), VSCode will always be a better tool for your needs.
Jonnyluver@reddit
Stick with what you like. Tools aren’t important rn, just build stuff
EngineeringRare1070@reddit
Software engineer here, I’ve used both Pycharm and Vscode in my job. I personally enjoy pycharm for its UI features (running programs and run configurations, testing and db integrations, git operations and more) and I also just prefer the look of it.
If none of that resonates, stay on VSCode, there’s really no reason to switch if your current dev environment satisfies your needs and enables your productivity. If you’re slightly curious, give it a try and deliberate after you give pycharm a fair shake, and keep whatever you like best. Don’t worry too much about what others use, its all personal preference
Familiar-Rip-2031@reddit
Have you considered nvim? The IDE is too nosy to me.
aqua_regis@reddit
Even if you hadn't gotten it with your Github education package, PyCharm in the standard version is free. Only the pro features are paid. Most, if not all, of the Jetbrains IDEs are free in their standard versions.
There is no harm in trying. Yet, if you're happy with VSCode, there is no real reason to change.
I use VSCode for all my Python and haven't felt the urge to change.
AcadiaLow9013@reddit (OP)
Fair enough, I have PyCharm Pro. I'll try it.
LowB0b@reddit
fiddle around with it a bit. It autodetects virtual envs (.venv, uv venv, etc.) so most projects is just load and press run.