# Using an IDE

## What are IDEs?

IDE means **"integrated development environment**", it is essentially an advanced text editor. It can allow you to run code, auto-complete, etc. \
Examples of existing IDEs : **Pycharm**, **VSCode, Cursor**

## Why Would I Use an IDE?

Well for obvious reasons: it's **easier** to create python files. Some IDEs like pycharm **highlight your syntax** when something can be improved or when there's an issue and it partially explains what and why.

For example IDLE is an IDE that you get when you just get python for windows and it's not that good, but  it 's *way better* than typing in a notepad for your first try of python script.

## Why IDE should I use?

I recommand Pycharm and VSCode, they are both really good IDEs and they both have a *dark-theme* so your eyes won't hurt when you have to solve a bug at midnight. I will cover the tutorial with **Pycharm** but you can use any IDE you want. VSCode can be a bit finicky and a bit harder initially and provides less guidance in general, but an extremely high amount of people start with **VSCode** as well as with **Pycharm**.&#x20;

Pycharm is free for pretty much every feature you'll need as a beginner, even intermediate or advanced. The paid version provides some extra tools if you want it. VSCode is completely free and open-source

In this part of tutorial I'll teach you how to setup **Pycharm**, it will make stuff easier and much more fun, the only disadvantage is that you can easily forget syntax if you use the auto-complete too much.

{% hint style="info" %}
As of right now, every major **Pycharm** update as well as the initial install, applies an automatic free trial of 30 days that gives you access to the premium features. The "writing code" features stay free and will always remain free
{% endhint %}

### How do I setup Pycharm?

The answer is pretty straightforward. Go to <https://www.jetbrains.com/pycharm/download/#section=windows>

Just do a default installation when you are not sure and make sure you check the **dark theme** if that's what you want. After it's done installing, open it up and create a **new project**. First thing you will be asked to do will be to setup a path to the project folder or just the name if you like the default path.

Then you will be asked the project interpreter, and since you installed python in the last lesson, you can pick the **existing python**. Otherwise in the list you can pick any version you want it and it will automatically install it

{% hint style="info" %}
If you don't know what your python path is, go to the windows search bar then type '**python**', then right click on the result that is called **python.exe** and select "**open file location**"
{% endhint %}

At the virtual environment section, leave the default "venv", it will create a lightweight clone of python so when we install packages, it will install only for this one

UPDATE: the tutorial August 2025 update ends here for now. If and when I will edit the rest of it, this message will be removed and the changes will be applied

#### Now that I setup a project , how do I make a python file in it?

You will have to press in the *top left corner* on  "**File**" then "**New**" (or just press **ALT**+**INSERT**) then choose python file , *\[IF however that doesn't display , just cancel the operation of creating a new file and try again. If that doesn't work , try a restart and if that doesn't work either , try to open a file in Pycharm then try to create a new python file]*

### Helpful tips for using Pycharm

* Well just make new files as you need them or recycle old ones.
* After you write your code , you run it by **SHIFT**+**F10** , or by clicking on the **green** arrow in top right
* This IDE will auto-save for you \[even your mistakes so beware]&#x20;
* Don't forget to use **CTRL**+**Z** to undo mistakes , you can undo a lot of times on **Pycharm**

{% hint style="info" %}
Make sure to **change** the file that's being run on top right as you run them.
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