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Spacemacs with Python layer VS PyCharm Community Edition

Compare Spacemacs with Python layer VS PyCharm Community Edition and see what are their differences

Spacemacs with Python layer logo Spacemacs with Python layer

A community-driven Emacs distribution - The best editor is neither Emacs nor Vim, it's Emacs *and* Vim! - syl20bnr/spacemacs

PyCharm Community Edition logo PyCharm Community Edition

"The intelligent Python IDE with unique code assistance and analysis, for productive Python development on all levels."
  • Spacemacs with Python layer Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-26
  • PyCharm Community Edition Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-06

Spacemacs with Python layer features and specs

  • Rich Feature Set
    Spacemacs with the Python layer provides a comprehensive set of features such as code completion, syntax checking, and code navigation. These features enhance productivity and help streamline the development process for Python projects.
  • Consistent Keybindings
    Spacemacs offers a consistent, mnemonic keybinding system that integrates both Vim-like and Emacs-like keybindings. This allows users to benefit from the efficiency of modal editing while still having access to Emacs functionalities.
  • Customizability
    Spacemacs is highly customizable, allowing users to configure their environment to suit specific preferences or project requirements. The layer system makes it easier to add or remove features as needed.
  • Community Support
    Spacemacs has a large, active community that contributes to its development and provides support through forums and chat channels. This ensures that users can find help and resources to resolve issues or learn new functionalities.

Possible disadvantages of Spacemacs with Python layer

  • Steep Learning Curve
    For beginners, Spacemacs can be intimidating due to its complex configuration options and the need to understand both Vim and Emacs concepts. This can result in a longer onboarding period for new users.
  • Performance Overhead
    The extensive customization and feature set of Spacemacs can result in a performance overhead, especially for users on older or less powerful hardware. This may affect the speed and responsiveness of the editor.
  • Dependency Management
    While Spacemacs automates many aspects of configuration, managing dependencies and external tools (like Python interpreters and linters) can still present challenges, requiring manual intervention or additional configuration.
  • Complex Configuration
    Although one of its strengths is customizability, the complexity of Spacemacs' configuration system can be a drawback for those who want a straightforward, out-of-the-box solution and are not interested in tweaking settings.

PyCharm Community Edition features and specs

  • Free and Open Source
    PyCharm Community Edition is free to use and open source under the Apache 2.0 license, making it accessible for individual developers and small teams who do not have the budget for a paid IDE.
  • Intelligent Code Editor
    The IDE provides smart code completion, code inspections, on-the-fly error highlighting, and quick-fixes, which greatly enhance the productivity of developers.
  • Integrated Version Control
    PyCharm Community Edition supports version control systems like Git, SVN, and Mercurial, allowing developers to manage changes and collaborate with team members easily.
  • Cross-Platform
    The IDE is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring developers can work on their preferred operating system without compatibility issues.
  • Debugger and Testing
    PyCharm Community Edition includes a built-in debugger and test runner, which helps developers debug their code and run unit tests efficiently.

Possible disadvantages of PyCharm Community Edition

  • Limited Features
    Compared to the Professional Edition, the Community Edition lacks advanced features such as web development support, database tools, and scientific tools, which might be necessary for certain projects.
  • Performance
    As with many comprehensive IDEs, PyCharm can be resource-intensive, resulting in slower performance on machines with limited hardware resources.
  • Steep Learning Curve
    For beginners who are new to IDEs, the interface and multitude of features might be overwhelming and require time to become accustomed to.
  • Limited Language Support
    The Community Edition focuses primarily on Python, so developers working with additional languages may find the lack of extensive language support limiting.

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Spacemacs with Python layer and PyCharm Community Edition)
IDE
52 52%
48% 48
Text Editors
51 51%
49% 49
Software Development
59 59%
41% 41
Python IDE
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Spacemacs with Python layer seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 7 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Spacemacs with Python layer mentions (7)

  • Emacs bankruptcy
    Spacemacs (most stars & most contributors) and DoomEmacs (most commits) were 1st and 2nd, but I wanted to keep emacs key binding and so I chose spacemacs with emacs bindings. Source: about 2 years ago
  • What "set and forget" flexible VIM setup would you recommend?
    Oh I see. Alternative, and I know it's not Vim, but Spacemacs (the project Spacevim is based on) is quite active. It comes with Vim emulation, some people say it's even better than Vim itself (evil-mode). Source: about 3 years ago
  • What language is .spacemacs written in?
    Open the [https://github.com/syl20bnr/spacemacs](repository) and check the languages used in the github page. It's emacs lisp. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Making Emacs feels less 80s
    If you want a "modern" version of Emacs that "works" out of the box, I would recommend using a distribution like Doom Emacs or Spacemacs. I personally have never used Spacemacs as a daily driver, but it seems to look more modern. Doom Emacs is faster, and more minimal. Depends on your choice. Source: over 3 years ago
  • [Blog post] Recommendations
    Also, if you don't wanna bother configuring all of emacs yourself, there are prebuilt distributions around like spacemacs or doom emacs as well. Source: almost 4 years ago
View more

PyCharm Community Edition mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of PyCharm Community Edition yet. Tracking of PyCharm Community Edition recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Spacemacs with Python layer and PyCharm Community Edition, you can also consider the following products

Doom Emacs - Emacs configuration similar to Spacemacs but faster and lighter.

PyScripter - PyScripter is a free and open-source Python Integrated Development Environment (IDE) created with...

PyCharm - Python & Django IDE with intelligent code completion, on-the-fly error checking, quick-fixes, and much more...

PaizaCloud - PaizaCloud IDE is a programming platform that allows developers to do coding efficiently.

VS Code - Build and debug modern web and cloud applications, by Microsoft

Neovim - Vim's rebirth for the 21st century