What is PyCharm?
PyCharm is an IDE made specifically for Python, built on the same IntelliJ Platform as IntelliJ IDEA. It analyzes Python projects closely enough to offer completion that respects types, highlight errors before code runs, resolve imports and rename symbols safely across modules, drawing on type hints where they exist. A graphical debugger, runners for pytest and unittest, a Python console and Git integration are built in, and each project can use its own virtual environment, Conda environment or Docker-based interpreter.
The IDE serves two overlapping audiences. Web developers get dedicated support for Django, Flask and FastAPI, along with JavaScript and database tools, in the Pro tier. Data scientists and machine learning engineers can run Jupyter notebooks inside the IDE and work with libraries such as pandas, PyTorch and TensorFlow, then turn experiments into tested, version-controlled code without switching tools.
In April 2025, with version 2025.1, JetBrains replaced the separate free Community and paid Professional editions with a single PyCharm. Former Community features stayed free and Jupyter notebook support, previously a paid feature, joined them, while a Pro subscription unlocks the advanced tools. The IDE also includes JetBrains AI, from AI Assistant chat to the Junie coding agent, with a limited free allowance of AI credits and larger quotas on paid AI plans.
Key features of PyCharm
- 01
Python code insight
The editor understands Python modules, classes and type hints, providing type-aware completion, error highlighting, automatic imports and safe renames across an entire project.
- 02
Debugger and testing
A visual debugger with breakpoints, variable inspection and expression evaluation works alongside built-in runners for pytest and unittest that show results and failures in a dedicated panel.
- 03
Jupyter notebooks
Notebooks open directly in the IDE with code completion, debugging and rendered outputs, a capability that moved from the paid edition into the free tier in 2025.
- 04
Web framework support
The Pro tier recognizes Django, Flask and FastAPI projects, adding template editing, navigation between routes and views, framework-aware completion and ready-made run configurations.
- 05
Environment management
Projects can run on virtualenv, Conda or Docker-based interpreters, and the IDE can create environments and install, upgrade or remove packages without leaving the editor.
- 06
Database and SQL tools
Pro users can connect to databases such as PostgreSQL and MySQL, browse schemas, edit data and run queries with SQL completion in dedicated consoles.
- 07
Refactoring and inspections
Refactorings such as extract method, rename and change signature update all usages, while inspections flag unused code, PEP 8 style violations and likely runtime errors.
- 08
AI Assistant and Junie
JetBrains AI provides project-aware chat, code generation and test creation, and the Junie agent can carry out multi-step coding tasks using a free monthly credit allowance or a paid AI plan.
Who uses PyCharm?
- Back-end developers build web applications and APIs with Django, Flask or FastAPI, using the IDE’s framework support, debugger and database tools.
- Data scientists explore data in Jupyter notebooks and move successful experiments into tested Python packages in the same environment.
- Machine learning engineers write and debug training and inference code for libraries such as PyTorch and TensorFlow, often inside containers or virtual environments.
- Students and teachers use the free tier to learn and teach Python, and educational institutions can apply for free licenses that include the Pro features.
History of PyCharm
JetBrains introduced PyCharm in 2010 as a dedicated Python IDE with support for Django web development. Version 1.0 arrived in October 2010, in a year when the company also launched WebStorm and PhpStorm on the same platform. In October 2013 JetBrains released a free, open-source Community Edition under the Apache 2.0 license, keeping web framework, database and other advanced features in the paid Professional Edition.
As Python’s use in data science and machine learning grew, JetBrains added notebook support, data viewers and integrations for scientific libraries. In April 2025 it merged the two editions into a single PyCharm with a free tier that includes Jupyter notebooks, and PyCharm Community 2025.2 became the final standalone Community release.
- 2010
JetBrains releases PyCharm 1.0 in October after a public beta that summer.
- 2013
PyCharm Community Edition is released as free, open-source software under the Apache 2.0 license.
- 2025
PyCharm 2025.1 merges Community and Professional into one product and makes Jupyter support free.
- 2025
PyCharm Community 2025.2 ships as the last standalone release of the Community Edition.
PyCharm pricing
Pricing modelFreemium
Core Python and Jupyter features are free; a Pro subscription for individuals or organizations adds advanced tooling, and new installs include a one-month Pro trial.
Prices change often. Check the official PyCharm website for current plans.
PyCharm alternatives
Well-known alternativesVisual Studio Code, Cursor, Spyder and JupyterLab
PyCharm: frequently asked questions
Who makes PyCharm?
PyCharm is made by JetBrains, the developer tools company founded in Prague in 2000 and now headquartered in Amsterdam. JetBrains builds PyCharm on its IntelliJ Platform, the same foundation used for IntelliJ IDEA, WebStorm and the company’s other IDEs.
What is PyCharm used for?
PyCharm is used to write, run, debug and test Python code. Common uses include building web applications with Django, Flask or FastAPI, analyzing data in Jupyter notebooks, developing machine learning models, writing automation scripts and maintaining large Python codebases that benefit from refactoring tools.
Is PyCharm free?
PyCharm has a free tier. Since version 2025.1 it has been a single product whose core Python features and Jupyter notebook support cost nothing, while a Pro subscription unlocks advanced tools such as web framework and database support. New installations include a one-month Pro trial, and students and teachers can apply for free licenses.
When was PyCharm released?
JetBrains released PyCharm 1.0 in October 2010, following a public beta earlier that year. A free, open-source Community Edition followed in October 2013, and the Community and Professional editions were merged into a single PyCharm product in April 2025.
What happened to PyCharm Community Edition?
PyCharm Community Edition was folded into the unified PyCharm product. Version 2025.2 was the last standalone Community release, and users moved to the single PyCharm download, which keeps the former Community features free and adds Jupyter support. JetBrains still publishes the open-source parts of the code on GitHub.
What is the difference between PyCharm and IntelliJ IDEA?
Both come from JetBrains and share the IntelliJ Platform, but they target different languages. PyCharm is designed for Python, with interpreter management, notebooks and Python web framework support built in, while IntelliJ IDEA focuses on Java and Kotlin and handles Python only through an optional plugin.
Sources
- PyCharm, JetBrains jetbrains.com
- PyCharm, the Only Python IDE You Need, The JetBrains Blog blog.jetbrains.com
- PyCharm, Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
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