Comparing Between Intellij IDEA and PyCharm
Published: 2023-06-16 15:16:53

IntelliJ IDEA and PyCharm are integrated development environments (IDEs) created by JetBrains. IntelliJ IDEA is a [Java IDE](https://www.lightly-dev.com/java/) that offers features such as smart code completion, code analysis, and debugging tools, while PyCharm is a Python IDE that includes features such as syntax highlighting, smart code completion, and code inspections.

Both IDEs offer a variety of plugins, integrations with version control systems, and support for the dedicated programming language. In this article, we will compare the features and functionality of these two IDEs and suggest alternatives to help developers choose the best tool for their needs.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/jddq1dwnf7qqusag0q8y.png)

## What is an IDE?
An [Integrated Development Environment (IDE)](https://www.lightly-dev.com/blog/what-is-cloud-development-environment/) is a software application that provides comprehensive facilities to computer programmers for software development. IDEs increase programmer productivity by combining common activities of writing software into a single application: editing source code, building executables, and debugging.

IDEs may include a [compiler](https://www.lightly-dev.com/blog/csharp-compiler-online/), interpreter, or both, as well as auto-complete, code highlighting, and debugging tools. They typically integrate with version control systems and may include features such as code refactoring, code profiling, and database schema design. IDEs are available for a variety of programming languages and platforms, including Java, Python, C/C++, and web development frameworks like Angular and React.

## Intellij IDEA: A Java IDE developed by JetBrains
Intellij IDEA is an integrated development environment (IDE) used primarily for Java development. It is developed by JetBrains and is available as both a free and paid version. The IDE provides advanced coding assistance, code analysis, and code refactoring tools. It also supports various popular technologies and frameworks such as Spring, Hibernate, and Maven. Intellij IDEA has a user-friendly interface with customizable layouts, themes, and keyboard shortcuts. It also includes various version control system integrations, such as Git, SVN, and Mercurial. Overall, Intellij IDEA is a powerful and versatile IDE that can help developers increase their productivity and streamline their workflows.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/pw348l2kygbi81lhre95.png)


IntelliJ IDEA is a popular integrated development environment (IDE) for Java developers that offers a wide range of features to help with coding, testing, and debugging. The following are some of the key features of IntelliJ IDEA:

- Code completion and assistance: IntelliJ IDEA provides intelligent code completion and assistance, which helps developers write code faster and with fewer errors. The IDE analyzes the code context and suggests relevant code completions, including methods, classes, and variables.
- Refactoring tools: IntelliJ IDEA offers several tools for refactoring code, including renaming, extracting methods, and changing method signatures. These tools are designed to help developers improve the quality and maintainability of their codebase.
- Debugger: IntelliJ IDEA includes a powerful debugger that allows developers to debug code in real-time and locate and fix bugs quickly. The debugger supports remote debugging, breakpoint management, and expression evaluation.
- Version control integration: IntelliJ IDEA integrates with popular version control systems, including Git, SVN, and Mercurial. The IDE provides a unified interface for managing code repositories, including commit, pull, merge, and push operations.
- Plugin ecosystem: IntelliJ IDEA has a large and active plugin ecosystem that extends the functionality of the IDE. There are plugins available for a wide range of use cases, including web development, database management, and cloud integration.

### Pros and Cons of Intellij IDEA
Intellij IDEA is a powerful IDE that is mainly used for Java development. It offers a wide range of features to enhance developer productivity, such as code completion, code navigation, and debugging tools. It is an excellent choice for large-scale projects and enterprise-level development. Intellij IDEA's integration with build tools like Gradle and Maven makes it easy to manage dependencies and build systems. It also supports various web development frameworks such as Spring, Play, and Struts. Intellij IDEA is an ideal choice for developers who work with Java, Kotlin, and other JVM languages. Its advanced features and efficient performance make it a top choice for professional developers.

Pros:
- Intellij IDEA provides excellent code completion, refactoring, and version control system integration, which can significantly increase productivity.
- It supports a wide range of programming languages, including Java, Kotlin, Groovy, Scala, and more.
- The IDE is easy to use and has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for developers to navigate their code.
- Its built-in tools, such as the debugger, profiler, and test runner, are powerful and can help developers quickly identify and fix issues in their code.
- Intellij IDEA has a vast selection of plugins available, allowing developers to customize their IDE to their liking.

Cons:
- The Ultimate Edition of Intellij IDEA is quite expensive, which may not be feasible for small businesses or individual developers.
- The IDE can be resource-intensive, and it may not run smoothly on older or less powerful hardware.
- Its learning curve can be steep, and beginners may find it overwhelming.
- Intellij IDEA's community edition does not include some features, such as support for popular frameworks like Spring or Java EE.

## PyCharm: A Python IDE developed by JetBrains
PyCharm is a powerful integrated development environment (IDE) for Python programming language. It is designed to help developers write and maintain high-quality Python code with ease. PyCharm comes with a range of features such as code completion, refactoring, debugging, and testing tools that make it easy for developers to build complex applications. It also has a built-in interpreter and supports various frameworks, including Django, Flask, and Pyramid. PyCharm is available in two editions: Community and Professional. The Community edition is free and open-source, while the Professional edition is a paid version with more advanced features.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/oij4qxgepapfley08exi.png)

PyCharm is a popular [Python IDE](https://www.lightly-dev.com/python/) developed by JetBrains. The IDE has numerous features that make it a favorite among Python developers. Some of the notable PyCharm features include:

- Code completion and assistance: PyCharm offers intelligent code completion that suggests code as you type. It also has a powerful debugger that helps you identify and fix errors in your code. PyCharm also provides assistance with code navigation, making it easy to find and jump to specific files, classes, or functions.
- Refactoring tools: PyCharm has a range of refactoring tools that help you improve the quality of your code. You can use these tools to rename variables, methods, or classes, extract code into functions, or move code to a different location.
- Debugger: PyCharm has a built-in debugger that allows you to test and debug your code with ease. You can set breakpoints, step through code, and inspect variables to identify and fix bugs.
- Version control integration: PyCharm integrates with popular version control systems like Git, Mercurial, and Subversion. This makes it easy to manage your codebase and collaborate with other developers.
- Plugin ecosystem: PyCharm has a rich ecosystem of plugins that extend its functionality. These plugins cover a wide range of areas, including web development, database management, and scientific computing.

### Pros and Cons of PyCharm
PyCharm is an ideal IDE for developers who work primarily with Python. It provides a range of features that make it easy to manage large, complex projects. PyCharm has a highly configurable and customizable interface that can be tailored to suit individual needs. Its powerful code editor and intelligent code completion features help developers write code quickly and efficiently. PyCharm's built-in code inspection tools and debugging capabilities help developers identify and fix errors in their code. PyCharm also supports a variety of popular frameworks, such as Django and Flask, making it a great choice for web development projects. Overall, PyCharm is a versatile and powerful IDE that can be used for a wide range of Python development projects.

Pros
- Powerful Code Editor: PyCharm offers a feature-rich code editor with support for syntax highlighting, code completion, auto-indentation, and code refactoring. It also provides code analysis that helps you detect and fix errors in your code.
- Great for Python Development: PyCharm is specifically designed for Python development. It offers a range of tools and features that make Python development easy and efficient. These include support for virtual environments, testing frameworks, and code debugging.
- Customizable: PyCharm is highly customizable with a range of plugins and themes available. This means you can tailor the IDE to suit your specific needs and preferences.
- Integrated Tools: PyCharm integrates with several tools that make development easier, such as Git, Mercurial, and SVN. It also offers support for popular frameworks and libraries like Django, Flask, and NumPy.

Cons
- Resource Intensive: PyCharm can be resource-intensive, particularly when working with large projects. This can lead to slower performance, longer startup times, and increased memory usage.
- Steep Learning Curve: PyCharm is a highly sophisticated IDE with a large number of features and tools. As a result, there is a steep learning curve for new users, which can make it challenging to get started.
- Expensive: The professional version of PyCharm is quite expensive, which can be a deterrent for some users. However, there is a free community edition available that provides many of the same features.

## What is the difference between Language and non-Language Specific IDE?
Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) can be categorized into two types based on the programming languages they support: language-specific IDEs and non-language specific, or multi-language, IDEs.

Language-specific IDEs are designed to support a specific programming language or a small set of closely related languages. These IDEs are tailored to the nuances and idioms of the particular language they support. They often provide advanced features such as intelligent code completion, refactoring tools, and debugging capabilities that are specifically designed for the supported language.

An example of a language-specific IDE is PyCharm, which is developed specifically for Python programming. Because PyCharm is designed for Python, it can provide advanced features like intelligent assistance for Django, Flask, Google App Engine, Pyramid, and web2py, which are popular frameworks in Python development.

On the other hand, non-language specific IDEs or multi-language IDEs support a variety of programming languages. These IDEs are more flexible and can be used for a wide range of programming tasks, regardless of the language being used. They typically offer syntax highlighting, code completion, and other basic features for many languages, but may not offer the deep language-specific features provided by language-specific IDEs.

Eclipse, NetBeans, and Visual Studio are examples of multi-language IDEs. They support a wide array of programming languages like Java, C++, C#, Python, JavaScript, and more. While they may not offer the same depth of support for each language as a language-specific IDE would, their versatility makes them a popular choice for developers who work with multiple languages.

## Lightly IDE: A Multi-Language Cloud IDE
Lightly IDE is a [cloud-based development environment](https://www.lightly-dev.com/blog/what-is-cloud-development-environment/) that provides a powerful and flexible platform for coding and collaboration. Besides its web platform, Lightly IDE is also available on iPad (and coming soon for Android devices!)

Lightly IDE supports a wide range of programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, C, C++, Java, PHP, and Ruby. It also supports different frameworks, as well as seamless integration with popular version control systems.

Lightly IDE makes it easy for developers to work on their projects from anywhere. With its intuitive interface and flexible pricing plans, Lightly IDE is an excellent choice for developers looking for an efficient and cost-effective Cloud IDE.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/8vbh15nuq9p377b08bj8.png)


Lightly IDE Pros
1. Cross-platform friendly: Lightly IDE is a cloud-based development environment, which means that developers can access their projects from anywhere with an internet connection.
2. Flexibility: Lightly IDE supports a wide range of programming languages and frameworks, making it a versatile platform for a variety of development projects.
3. Collaboration: Lightly IDE makes it easy for developers to collaborate on projects with its seamless integration with popular version control systems like Git.
4. Intuitive interface: Lightly IDE's user interface is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy for developers to navigate and use.
5. Cost-effective: Lightly IDE offers flexible pricing plans that allow developers to pay for only the features and resources they need, making it a cost-effective option for small teams or individual developers.

Lightly IDE Cons
1. Internet connectivity: As a cloud-based platform, Lightly IDE requires a stable internet connection to function properly. Developers working in areas with limited or unreliable internet connectivity may encounter challenges.
2. Limited customization: Lightly IDE's preconfigured environment may not allow for as much customization as local development environments.
3. Storage limitations: Lightly IDE's storage capacity may be limited compared to local development environments, which may pose challenges for larger projects or those with significant storage needs.

## IntelliJ vs PyCharm: Choose Your IDE by Language
IntelliJ IDEA and PyCharm are both popular Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) developed by JetBrains. 

IntelliJ IDEA is a multi-language IDE designed for Java development but with extensive support for other languages, including JavaScript, Kotlin, and Scala, among others. It comes with a broad array of features such as advanced code completion, static code analysis, a visual version control system interface, and many others.

On the other hand, PyCharm is a language-specific IDE designed exclusively for Python development. PyCharm offers deep Python support including features like intelligent code completion, on-the-fly error checking, quick-fixes, automated code refactoring, and rich navigation capabilities.

When comparing the two, the choice largely depends on the primary programming language used. If you are primarily a Python developer, PyCharm's specialized features might make it a more suitable choice. Conversely, if you are a Java developer or if you work with multiple languages, IntelliJ IDEA's extensive multi-language support may make it a better option.

## Lightly IDE vs IntelliJ: Choose between cloud and local environment
Lightly IDE is a cloud-based multi-language IDE, while IntelliJ is a desktop-based IDE with a strong focus on Java development.

Lightly IDE's key advantage is its cloud-based nature, allowing developers to access their projects from anywhere with an internet connection. This makes it ideal for remote teams or developers who like to work from different devices.

On the other hand, IntelliJ offers more advanced features especially in Java development. It also has superior code analysis and debugging tools. However, it's limited to desktop use and requires installation, unlike Lightly IDE. Overall, Lightly IDE offers superior accessibility, while IntelliJ provides more advanced functionalities, especially for Java developers.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/twv2i7145fjd4ly4y84u.png)


## Lightly IDE vs PyCharm: Choose between language specific support
Lightly IDE, being a cloud-based IDE, offers the convenience of working on your projects from any location and device with an internet connection. It supports a broad range of languages and offers good collaboration tools.

PyCharm, on the other hand, is a Python-specific IDE that offers advanced support for Python development. It has features like intelligent Python assistance, web development frameworks support, and scientific tools integration, which might not be as comprehensive in Lightly IDE. 

While Lightly IDE is perfect for developers seeking flexibility and accessibility, PyCharm is more suitable for developers seeking deep, advanced Python-specific functionalities.

## Recommendations for which IDE to choose based on specific use cases
both IntelliJ IDEA and PyCharm are powerful IDEs with unique features that cater to different programming needs. IntelliJ IDEA is an excellent choice for Java development, while PyCharm is a great option for Python development.

Both IDEs provide a comprehensive set of tools for debugging, testing, and code analysis. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and the language you are working with. However, if you are a developer who works with both Java and Python, IntelliJ IDEA may be the better option due to its multi-language capabilities. Regardless of which IDE you choose, you can't go wrong with either option.

- Java development: If you're primarily developing Java applications, IntelliJ IDEA is the clear choice. It has great support for Java and offers a lot of features that are specific to Java development.
- Python development: PyCharm is designed specifically for Python development and offers a lot of great features for working with Python code. If you're primarily developing Python applications, PyCharm is the way to go.
- Web development: Both IntelliJ IDEA and PyCharm offer great support for web development, but IntelliJ IDEA may be a better choice if you're working with multiple languages and frameworks. It has great support for HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as support for popular frameworks like Angular, React, and Vue.js.
- Data science: PyCharm has great support for data science and scientific computing with its integration of Jupyter Notebook, support for scientific libraries like NumPy and SciPy, and its ability to work with virtual environments. If you're primarily working in data science, PyCharm is likely the better choice.

Ultimately, the choice between IntelliJ IDEA and PyCharm comes down to your specific use case and personal preferences. Both IDEs offer a lot of great features and functionality, so try them both out and see which one works best for you.