1.4 Setting Up PyCharm as Your IDE

Introduction

PyCharm is a popular Integrated Development Environment (IDE) specifically designed for Python. Created by JetBrains, it offers many powerful features—like intelligent code completion, debugging tools, version control integration, and more—that streamline the development process.

In this section, we will cover:

1. Installing PyCharm (Community Edition vs. Professional Edition)
2. Setting up your first Python project
3. Configuring the Python interpreter
4. Running your first Python script in PyCharm
5. Basic PyCharm features (code completion, debugging)

By the end of this section, you’ll have a functional PyCharm environment ready for Python development!

1.4.1 Which Edition Should You Choose?

Here are a few details about the different versions of PyCharm. You would want to install the Community edition for this course.

Community Edition (CE)

• Free and open-source.
• Ideal for students, beginners, and small projects.
• Contains essential Python features like code completion and debugger.

Professional Edition

• Paid version (free for students with valid credentials).
• Includes advanced features like web development frameworks (Django, Flask), database tools, and remote development support.

As mentioned, for most beginners, the Community Edition is sufficient and will cover all the basics.

1.4.2 Downloading and Installing PyCharm

To install the PyCharm IDE, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

1. In your browser, navigate to https://www.jetbrains.com/pycharm/download/.
2. Scroll further down to where you can see PyCharm Community Edition and click “Download”.

Step 2: Run the Installer

1. Locate the downloaded file (e.g., pycharm-community-*.exe on Windows, .dmg on macOS, or .tar.gz on Linux).
2. Double-click or run the installer.

Step 3: Follow the Installation Wizard

• Windows:
  • You may be prompted to select the installation path.
  • Optional: Choose to create a desktop shortcut or add PyCharm to the PATH.
  • Click “Next”, then “Install”.
• macOS:
  • Drag and drop the PyCharm icon into your Applications folder.
  • Double-click PyCharm in Applications to launch it.
• Linux (.tar.gz):
  • Extract the .tar.gz file.
  • Open the terminal inside the extracted folder and run ./bin/pycharm.sh.

Step 4: Launch PyCharm

1. On first launch, PyCharm will ask if you want to import settings from a previous version. You can click No.
2. You may see a privacy policy and license agreement. Accept and continue.
3. Choose your UI theme (Light or Dark).

Done! PyCharm is now installed. Next we will explore how to develop programs using the IDE.

1.4.3 Creating Your First Project in PyCharm

Step 1: Start PyCharm and Select “New Project”

• When PyCharm opens, you’ll be greeted by the Welcome screen.
• Click “New Project” to begin.

Step 2: Configure Project Settings

1. Location: Choose a folder where you want to store your project. (e.g., C:\Users\Username\PyProjects\FirstProject)
2. Python Interpreter:
   • If you’ve installed Python already (Chapter 1.3), PyCharm should auto-detect it.
   • If not, click on “Add Interpreter” or “Existing Interpreter” to select your local Python installation.
   • Virtual Environment (Recommended): PyCharm creates a virtual environment by default to isolate your project’s dependencies.

Step 3: Click “Create”

• PyCharm will set up the project skeleton and initialize a virtual environment (if chosen).
• This process might take a moment.

1.4.4 Exploring the PyCharm Interface

Once the project is created, you’ll see PyCharm’s main interface, which includes:

1. Project Tool Window (left side): Shows your files and folders.
2. Editor Area (center): Where you write and edit your code.
3. Status Bar (bottom): Displays notifications and virtual environment details.
4. Run/Debug Toolbar (top right): Buttons to run and debug your code.
5. Console/Terminal Window (bottom): Where console output or interactive terminal appears.

1.4.5 Writing and Running Your First Python Script in PyCharm

Step 1: Create a Python File

1. In the Project Tool Window, right-click on your project folder → New → Python File.
2. Name the file hello.py (ensure it has the .py extension).

Step 2: Add Python Code

In hello.py, type:

def main():
    print("Hello, PyCharm!")

if __name__ == "__main__":
    main()

Step 3: Run the Script

1. Right-click inside the code editor → “Run ‘hello'”.
2. Or click the green Run triangle button at the top-right corner.
3. In the Run tool window (bottom), you will see:

Hello, PyCharm!

Success! You have executed your first Python script using PyCharm.
This stage is significant to the entire Python learning process. Thus, if you have been able to complete this step, why not post a comment on the forum. If you are having problems with this, mention in the forum as well or contact the tutor directly on this link <a href=”mailto:tutor@culerlearn.com”>Tutor</a>. You could get some direct assistance.

1.4.6 Configuring a Python Interpreter (If Needed)

If PyCharm didn’t auto-detect Python, you can manually configure it:

1. File → Settings (Windows/Linux) or PyCharm → Preferences (macOS).
2. Navigate to “Project: <your_project_name>” → “Python Interpreter”.
3. Click the gear icon → “Add…”
4. Select “Existing Environment” or “Virtualenv Environment”:
   • Existing Environment: Choose the path to your installed Python (e.g., C:\Python39\python.exe).
   • Virtualenv: Let PyCharm create a clean, isolated environment. Just adding here that this could be a solution to many problems where you are unable to install certain libraries due to conflicts.
5. Click OK or Apply to save changes.

1.4.7 Basic PyCharm Features

Here are a few important essentials of PyCharm:

1. Code Completion
   Start typing and PyCharm will suggest variable names, functions, and modules.
   • Press Tab or Enter to accept a suggestion.
2. Syntax and Error Highlighting
   PyCharm will underline errors in red and warnings in yellow.
   • Hover over the underlined text for details.
3. Refactoring Tools
   Right-click on a variable or function name → Refactor to rename or move code without breaking references.
4. Debugger
   • Set breakpoints by clicking in the left margin of the code editor.
   • Use the Debug button (bug icon) to run your script step-by-step.
5. Version Control Integration
   • PyCharm has built-in support for Git, GitHub, SVN, etc.
   • Track changes and commit code directly within PyCharm.

1.4.8 Tips for a Smooth PyCharm Experience

Here are a few PyCharm (or IDE) benefits that help you in development.

• Keyboard Shortcuts: Learn common shortcuts (e.g., Ctrl + Space for code completion, Ctrl + Shift + F for global search).
• Themes and Fonts: Go to Settings → Appearance & Behaviour to customize the look and feel.
• Plugins: Explore the Plugin Marketplace for additional features like Markdown support, Docker, etc.
• Autoformatting: Use Code → Reformat Code (or press Ctrl + Alt + L on Windows/Linux, ⌥ + ⌘ + L on Mac) to keep your code clean and consistent.

Summary

Here is a summary of what we have covered in this section.

1. PyCharm Editions: Community (free) vs. Professional (paid, advanced features).
2. Installation: Download from JetBrains website, follow the installation wizard.
3. Creating a Project: Use the Welcome screen → New Project, select or create a virtual environment.
4. Interface Overview: Project pane, Editor, Status bar, Run/Debug tools, and Console/Terminal.
5. Running Code: Create a .py file, type code, click Run.
6. Key Features: Code completion, debugger, version control, and refactoring tools.

With PyCharm set up, you’re now ready to develop Python applications more efficiently. Again, this stage is very significant. Once you can get across this stage, it is more straight-forward to develop your Python programs. Get in touch with the tutor if you have problems installing PyCharm. Note that only the first few registrants might be able to get direct assistance on this. Afterwards, a video would be provided to assist with this stage of the learning. Nonetheless, you would still be able to call for assistance at some point.

What’s Next?

Now that you’ve configured PyCharm and run your first Python script, head over to Chapter 1.5: Writing Your First Python Program. There, you’ll learn more about the Python syntax and best practices for structuring a simple script.