Summary

In this chapter, we introduced the Python language itself, as well as the background behind Python IDEs in general and, specifically, PyCharm.

We also discussed the usability of PyCharm for Python programmers. Specifically, to be able to take full advantage of all the features and functionalities that PyCharm offers without becoming too dependent on the IDE, a programmer should first master the fundamentals of the Python language and its core syntax. We also looked at comparisons between PyCharm itself and various other Python editors/IDEs and the reason why PyCharm is considered the best development environment of them all.

Finally, we compared the two editions of PyCharm that are available for download: the paid Professional edition and the free Community edition. If you are working with large, complex projects with many moving parts, including database management, web development languages, and viewability in scientific reports, then you will most likely benefit from using the Professional edition.

In the next chapter, you will learn how to download PyCharm, set it up on your system, and configure its environment for your Python projects. This will serve as the first step in getting started with PyCharm, after which we will start discussing the specific features PyCharm offers that this book covers.