Introduction
PyCharm is a Python IDE created by Jetbrains. When I decided to go beyond Notepad++ for my Python scripting, I used the free Community Edition of PyCharm to help me with the structuring of my projects. There is also a Professional Edition which essentially adds web development frameworks such as Django and Flask to the mix, but these are currently beyond my requirements
PyCharm Educational Edition
A recent announcement brought the good news that a new Educational Edition was being released. This is basically the Community Edition, but with built in training that uses the IDE features to build up your knowledge. The screenshot below gives an idea of how this works (click it to make it bigger in new window). The top left window shows the different lessons and tasks within, which come in the form of real Python scripts. Above the script editing window on the right is a brief and to the point explanation of a different concept with instructions on how to update the presented script further below.
I love a hands on approach to learning new topics and this fits the bill rather well. You read the information, you follow the instructions and then click the tick box for feedback on if you have done it correctly or what you have done wrong so you can have another go or move on to the next topic.
I am also excited about the concept of other people creating learning courses that are available to the entire community using this tool so knowledge can be shared openly and freely, and usable offline too.
You can download this version of PyCharm here.
Summary
PyCharm is a very user friendly IDE for Python programmers. The Educational Edition is a brilliant way of giving people professional tools to learn a subject on which should help them progress to Python Jedi in a much shorter time frame.
Till the next time.