PyCharm is a Python Integrated Development Environment (IDE) created by JetBrains that streamlines Python development through intelligent code completion, real-time error detection, and integrated debugging. Whether you are writing automation scripts, building Django web applications, or working with data science libraries like NumPy and pandas, PyCharm provides the tools to write, test, and refactor code efficiently. The Community Edition covers core Python development needs at no cost, while the Professional Edition adds database tools, web framework support, and remote interpreter capabilities for more advanced workflows.
This guide covers two reliable methods to install PyCharm on Ubuntu: the JetBrains community APT repository maintained by Jonas Groeger, which integrates with APT for automatic updates, and Snap packages from Snapcraft, which provide sandboxed installations with the latest releases directly from JetBrains. Both methods work identically across supported Ubuntu LTS releases. Before installing PyCharm, ensure you have Python and pip installed on Ubuntu if you plan to manage packages outside of virtual environments.
Choose Your PyCharm Installation Method
Before installing, first review the available methods to select the one that best fits your development environment. Each approach offers different trade-offs between integration, update frequency, and isolation:
| Method | Channel | Editions | Updates | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Community APT Repository | GitHub Repository | Community, Education, Professional | Automatic via APT | Users who prefer native APT package management and system integration |
| Snap | Snapcraft | Community, Professional | Automatic via snapd | Users who want sandboxed installation with automatic updates from JetBrains |
For most users, the community APT repository method is recommended because it provides all three PyCharm editions, integrates with standard Ubuntu package management, and receives automatic updates through apt upgrade. Choose Snap if you prefer containerized applications or want the official JetBrains distribution channel.
This guide supports Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, 24.04 LTS, and 26.04 LTS installations. The JetBrains repository uses a universal package format that works across all current Ubuntu releases, and Snap packages are distribution-agnostic. Commands shown work identically on all supported LTS releases.
Method 1: Install PyCharm via Community APT Repository
The JetBrains community APT repository is maintained by Jonas Groeger and packages PyCharm for APT-based installation. Originally hosted on Launchpad as a traditional PPA, this repository now uses an S3-hosted format that works across all Debian-based distributions. Unlike manual downloads from JetBrains, this method integrates PyCharm into your standard package management workflow. As a result, updates arrive automatically when you run system updates.
Update System Packages
First, update your local package index to ensure you have current information about available packages. This step prevents dependency conflicts during installation:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradeInstall Required Packages
Next, install the packages needed to add and authenticate the JetBrains repository. These utilities handle repository management, secure connections, and GPG key operations:
sudo apt install curl gpg software-properties-commonImport JetBrains Repository GPG Key
GPG keys verify that packages genuinely come from the repository maintainer and have not been tampered with during download. Therefore, this command downloads the repository signing key and converts it to the binary format required by modern APT:
curl -fsSL https://s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/jetbrains-ppa/0xA6E8698A.pub.asc | sudo gpg --dearmor -o /usr/share/keyrings/jetbrains-ppa.gpgAdd JetBrains Repository
Once the GPG key is in place, add the repository to your APT sources using the modern DEB822 format. This configuration file tells APT where to find JetBrains packages and which key to use for verification:
cat <<EOF | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/jetbrains.sources
Types: deb
URIs: http://jetbrains-ppa.s3-website.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com
Suites: any
Components: main
Signed-By: /usr/share/keyrings/jetbrains-ppa.gpg
EOFRefresh Package Index
Then, refresh APT’s package database to make the JetBrains packages available for installation:
sudo apt updateInstall PyCharm
At this point, the repository provides three PyCharm editions. Choose the one that matches your needs:
PyCharm Community Edition: Free and open-source, this edition includes core Python development features, debugger, testing support, and version control integration. It is suitable for most Python scripting, automation, and learning projects:
sudo apt install pycharm-communityPyCharm Professional Edition: Paid license required. In addition to Community features, this edition adds web framework support (Django, Flask, FastAPI), database tools, remote development, and scientific computing features:
sudo apt install pycharm-professionalPyCharm Educational Edition: Also free, this edition is designed for learning and teaching Python programming. It includes built-in courses and exercises for students and educators:
sudo apt install pycharm-educationVerify Installation
Finally, confirm that PyCharm installed correctly by checking the package status. This command shows the installed version and verifies that APT recognizes the package:
apt-cache policy pycharm-communityYou should see output similar to this (the version number will reflect the latest release):
pycharm-community:
Installed: 2025.2.6
Candidate: 2025.2.6
Version table:
*** 2025.2.6 500
500 http://jetbrains-ppa.s3-website.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com any/main amd64 Packages
100 /var/lib/dpkg/status
Method 2: Install PyCharm via Snap
Snap packages provide containerized applications that include all dependencies and update automatically in the background. Unlike the APT method, Snap packages are published directly by JetBrains themselves, making this an official distribution channel. Consequently, you receive updates as soon as JetBrains releases them, without waiting for the community repository to package new versions.
Verify Snap Availability
Ubuntu includes Snap by default on standard desktop and server installations. However, if you are using a minimal installation, WSL, or a container environment, you may need to install snapd first:
sudo apt install snapdOnce installed, enable and start the snapd service:
sudo systemctl enable snapd --nowEnable Classic Snap Support
PyCharm requires classic confinement mode, which grants the application broader access to system resources than strictly confined snaps. This access is necessary for PyCharm to interact with project files, Python interpreters, and development tools across your system. Therefore, create the required symbolic link:
sudo ln -s /var/lib/snapd/snap /snapInstall PyCharm via Snap
Now, Snap provides two PyCharm editions. Choose based on your requirements:
PyCharm Community Edition: Free, covers core Python development:
sudo snap install pycharm-community --classicPyCharm Professional Edition: Paid license, includes web development and database tools:
sudo snap install pycharm-professional --classicAfter a successful installation, you should see output similar to this:
pycharm-community 2025.2.6 from JetBrains✓ installed
The Educational Edition is not available as a Snap package. If you need PyCharm Edu, use the community APT repository method described above.
Launch PyCharm
After installation, you can launch PyCharm from either the command line or your desktop environment’s application menu.
Launch from Terminal
The launch command varies depending on which installation method you used and which edition you installed. Use the appropriate command from the options below.
APT installation:
pycharm-communitypycharm-professionalpycharm-educationSnap installation:
snap run pycharm-communitysnap run pycharm-professionalLaunch from Applications Menu
Alternatively, for graphical access, open your desktop environment’s application menu, search for “PyCharm,” and click the icon for the edition you installed. The application icon appears automatically after installation completes.
Manage PyCharm
Update PyCharm
Both installation methods provide automatic updates, though the mechanisms differ. Understanding how updates work helps you maintain a current and secure installation. Additionally, knowing the update commands allows you to manually check for new versions when needed.
APT (Community Repository): Updates arrive through your standard system update process. Run the following commands to check for and apply updates to PyCharm along with other system packages:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradeAlternatively, to update only PyCharm without upgrading other packages:
sudo apt install --only-upgrade pycharm-communitySnap: Snap packages update automatically in the background. To manually check for and apply updates:
sudo snap refresh pycharm-communityConfigure Python Interpreter
After launching PyCharm for the first time, you will need to configure a Python interpreter for your projects. PyCharm can use system Python installations or virtual environments. If you need to install additional Python versions, see our guides on installing Python on Ubuntu or creating Python virtual environments.
Remove PyCharm
If you no longer need PyCharm, remove it using the commands that match your installation method. The removal process differs between APT and Snap installations, so ensure you use the correct commands for your setup.
Remove APT Installation
First, uninstall the PyCharm package using the edition you installed:
sudo apt remove pycharm-communitysudo apt remove pycharm-professionalsudo apt remove pycharm-educationThen, if you do not plan to reinstall PyCharm or use other JetBrains products from this repository, remove the repository configuration and GPG key:
sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/jetbrains.sources
sudo rm /usr/share/keyrings/jetbrains-ppa.gpgRemove Snap Installation
Similarly, uninstall the PyCharm Snap package using one of these commands:
sudo snap remove pycharm-communitysudo snap remove pycharm-professionalRemove User Configuration and Data
Regardless of installation method, both approaches leave user configuration files and cached data in your home directory. These files persist after uninstallation so that your settings would be preserved if you reinstall later.
Warning: The following commands permanently delete your PyCharm settings, recent projects list, plugins, and cached data. If you want to preserve these for future installations, skip this step or back up the directories first.
If you want a complete removal, delete all PyCharm user data with these commands:
rm -rf ~/.config/JetBrains/PyCharm*
rm -rf ~/.local/share/JetBrains/Conclusion
You now have PyCharm installed and ready for Python development on Ubuntu. The community APT repository provides all three editions with integrated APT updates, while Snap offers official packages with automatic background updates. Both methods keep your IDE current with security patches and new features as JetBrains releases them.