As an integral part of the JetBrains family, PyCharm is a widely recognized Integrated Development Environment (IDE) that offers a suite of tools exclusively for Python developers. It leverages a compelling combination of first-class features designed to improve developer efficiency, such as intelligent code assistance, smart code navigation, and seamless version control integration.
PyCharm’s Key Features
- Intelligent Code Assistance: PyCharm offers context-based code completion, which means it recommends code snippets or objects based on the current code context. It is also capable of inspecting your code for errors and inefficiencies, even before you execute the code.
- Smart Code Navigation: This feature allows developers to quickly jump to any class, file, or symbol, and even navigate through complex hierarchies with the visual ‘breadcrumbs’ of the code.
- Version Control Integration: PyCharm provides seamless integration with various version control systems such as Git, SVN, Mercurial, and more. It also offers a unified UI to work with all these systems effortlessly.
- Testing and Debugging: PyCharm comes with a powerful debugger and tester. With its visual debugger, developers can easily view what’s happening in their code while it’s running.
- Database Tools: It also features a full-fledged database editor and a unique SQL transpiler.
Among the different flavors of PyCharm, there’s the Community Edition which is a free version, designed to accommodate the needs of Python developers without the necessity of any financial commitment. On the other hand, the Professional Edition and Educational Edition are paid variants, providing an extended set of features to facilitate web development, data science activities, and foster an educational environment.
Why PyCharm for Linux Mint Users?
Linux Mint, renowned for its modern, elegant, and comfortable operating system, makes an excellent host for PyCharm. The Community Edition is especially compelling for Linux Mint users who want to venture into Python development without incurring additional costs. It provides a balance of fundamental tools and features that make Python coding more accessible and efficient, which can lead to increased productivity for developers.
Linux Mint’s inherent stability and security combined with PyCharm’s ease of use and powerful features can create an environment that’s conducive to efficient and streamlined Python development. Whether you’re a seasoned developer looking to optimize your workflows or a newcomer hoping to jumpstart your Python journey, PyCharm Community Edition on Linux Mint 20 or 21 could be your best starting point.
To help you take the first steps, the forthcoming guide will provide detailed instructions on how to install and set up PyCharm on Linux Mint 21 or Linux Mint 20 distribution releases. By using this comprehensive guide, you’ll be ready to harness the power of PyCharm in no time.
Table of Contents
Section 1: Installing PyCharm through the APT PPA
The Advanced Packaging Tool, commonly known as APT, serves as a highly efficient package management system for Linux Mint and other Debian-based distributions. By using a series of high-level commands, it simplifies the process of handling software packages. In this section, we will utilize APT to install the PyCharm IDE on your Linux Mint system.
Step 1: Update and Upgrade the Linux Mint System
Before we start the installation process, it is crucial to ensure that your Linux Mint system’s local package database is up-to-date. This allows your system to access the latest available versions of the packages in the repositories of Linux Mint. To update the package database, execute the following command:
sudo apt updateOnce the package database is updated, proceed with the system upgrade. This will ensure all the installed software packages on your system are updated to their latest versions:
sudo apt upgradeStep 2: Install the Necessary Packages
Next, it’s time to install the required packages which include dirmngr, ca-certificates, software-properties-common, apt-transport-https, curl, and lsb-release. These packages are essential for managing repositories, transferring files, and performing various other tasks. Use the following command to install these packages:
sudo apt install dirmngr ca-certificates software-properties-common apt-transport-https curl lsb-release -y
Step 3: Add JetBrains’ Personal Package Archive (PPA)
Now we are ready to add the JetBrains PPA to our system’s list of repositories. This will allow the APT tool to access PyCharm directly from JetBrains’ PPA.
To ensure the authenticity of the packages downloaded from JetBrains’ repository, we will import the GPG key. The GPG, short for GNU Privacy Guard, is a public-key cryptography implementation that enables secure communication. Importing the GPG key verifies that the packages downloaded from the repository are genuinely provided by JetBrains:
curl -s https://s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/jetbrains-ppa/0xA6E8698A.pub.asc | gpg --dearmor | sudo tee /usr/share/keyrings/jetbrains-ppa-archive-keyring.gpg > /dev/null
With the GPG key successfully imported, we can now add the JetBrains PPA to our system’s package sources:
echo "deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/jetbrains-ppa-archive-keyring.gpg] http://jetbrains-ppa.s3-website.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com any main" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/jetbrains-ppa.list > /dev/null
Step 4: Update APT Package Database
Upon adding a new repository, it’s important to update our APT package database again. This will fetch the package information from the newly added JetBrains PPA:
sudo apt updateStep 5: Install PyCharm
With the system prepared and all prerequisites met, we can now proceed with the PyCharm installation. From the JetBrains PPA, three editions of PyCharm are available: Community, Education, and Professional.
The Community edition, being free, is the choice of most users. However, the Education and Professional editions, while being paid versions, offer an extended set of features. Choose the edition that best fits your needs and use the corresponding command below to install it:
For the Community Edition:
sudo apt install pycharm-communityFor the Education Edition:
sudo apt install pycharm-educationFor the Professional Edition:
sudo apt install pycharm-professionalSection 2: Install PyCharm with Flatpak and Flathub
Flatpak is another powerful package manager that offers an alternative method for installing PyCharm IDE on Linux Mint. Although not pre-installed by default in Linux Mint due to its rivalry with Snaps, it is widely used and arguably more mature in other Linux distributions.
Step 1: Enable the Flathub Repository
Our initial step involves enabling Flathub, a large app store containing a multitude of Flatpak applications. Flathub is a user-friendly gateway that provides a wide range of applications packaged in the Flatpak format. To enable Flathub, we use the following command:
sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo
In executing this command, you are adding the Flathub repository to your Flatpak environment. The --if-not-exists option ensures that if the Flathub repository is already present, the command will not return an error, thus making this operation idempotent.
Step 2: Installing PyCharm
Once we have Flathub enabled, we can proceed with the installation of PyCharm. At the time of writing, Flathub supports both the Community and Professional editions of PyCharm. You can choose the version that suits your needs best.
To install the Community Edition, execute the following command:
flatpak install flathub com.jetbrains.PyCharm-Community -y
For users who prefer the Professional Edition, use the following command:
flatpak install flathub com.jetbrains.PyCharm-Professional -ySection 3: Running PyCharm After Installation
Once the PyCharm Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is successfully installed, the next progression in this process is to launch the program. There are several methods to initiate PyCharm based on your preferences or the unique specifications of your Linux Mint system.
Launching PyCharm through the Command-Line Interface
The terminal provides the most direct method to launch PyCharm. Depending on the installation method you chose, the exact command to run PyCharm may differ.
APT Launch Commands
If you’ve installed PyCharm via the APT package manager, the following commands correspond to the different editions:
For the Community Edition:
pycharm-communityFor the Professional Edition:
pycharm-professionalFor the Education Edition:
pycharm-educationalFlatpak Launch Commands
For users who opted for Flatpak for the installation, the following commands will launch the corresponding editions of PyCharm:
For the Community Edition:
flatpak run com.jetbrains.PyCharm-CommunityFor the Professional Edition:
flatpak run com.jetbrains.PyCharm-ProfessionalLaunching PyCharm using the Graphical User Interface
While the command-line interface provides a quick and efficient method to start PyCharm, it may not always be the most convenient, depending on your preferences. You can also initiate PyCharm through your Linux Mint system’s graphical user interface (GUI).
- Open the Taskbar of your desktop.
- Proceed to the Programming tab.
- Next, click PyCharm or initiate a search for “PyCharm” and select the specific edition you’ve installed.
Example of application icons for PyCharm on Linux Mint:
Section 4: Tips for Getting Started with PyCharm Community Edition on Linux Mint
Whether you’re a seasoned developer or a beginner just starting out, the PyCharm Community Edition is an excellent tool for Python development on your Linux Mint system. This powerful IDE offers a myriad of features that can streamline your coding process and significantly enhance your productivity.
To help you make the most out of this tool, here are some practical tips on general usage, customizations, and other strategies to boost your programming efficiency in PyCharm.
General Tips
- Understand the Editor Basics: The PyCharm editor is the main workspace where you will be spending most of your time. Getting familiar with the editor’s basic functionalities such as the different types of highlighting, line numbers, breadcrumbs, and indentation guidelines will provide a smoother coding experience.
- Master the Keyboard Shortcuts: PyCharm comes with a wide range of keyboard shortcuts that can expedite your coding process. For instance, Ctrl+Space activates the code completion feature, Alt+Enter shows intention actions and quick-fixes, and Ctrl+/ comments or uncomments a line or a block of code.
- Use PyCharm’s Integrated Terminal: Instead of switching between windows, utilize PyCharm’s integrated terminal which you can find at the bottom of the IDE. It shares the same environment variables with your system, so you can execute Python scripts and system commands without leaving PyCharm.
# Access PyCharm's terminal
Alt+F12Customization Tips
- Customize Your Theme: PyCharm allows you to adjust the theme of your IDE to match your visual preference. To change the theme, navigate to File -> Settings -> Appearance & Behavior -> Appearance and select your desired theme from the ‘Theme’ dropdown menu.
- Adjust the Editor’s Font and Size: If you’re not comfortable with the default font or its size in the editor, you can change it by going to File -> Settings -> Editor -> Font. This customization can enhance readability and reduce eye strain during prolonged coding sessions.
- Manage Your Plugins: PyCharm Community Edition supports a wide variety of plugins that can augment your IDE’s capabilities. You can add, remove, or disable plugins through File -> Settings -> Plugins. Be mindful to only install the plugins you need to keep your IDE light and responsive.
Other Tips
- Debugging: PyCharm comes with a powerful debugging tool. Use breakpoints (click on the space next to the line number) to inspect your code. Use the Debug option (Shift+F9) to start a debug session. This tool can significantly reduce the time spent on finding and fixing bugs.
- Version Control Integration: If you’re using Git or any other version control system, PyCharm can integrate with it and provide a user-friendly interface for most version control tasks. This feature can be found under VCS -> Enable Version Control Integration…
- Code Inspection: PyCharm offers robust code inspection capabilities. It automatically checks your code for errors and provides quick-fix solutions. To manually inspect your code, go to Code -> Inspect Code… This is an excellent way to ensure your code adheres to the best coding practices.
Incorporating these tips into your PyCharm usage can significantly enhance your development workflow, enabling you to fully utilize the potential of this powerful Python IDE.
Example (Community) default UI on Linux Mint:
Section 5: Managing PyCharm on Linux Mint
Upon successfully installing and using PyCharm on your Linux Mint system, circumstances may arise where you need to update the IDE or completely remove it from your system. This section dives deeper into the procedures associated with updating and uninstalling PyCharm on Linux Mint.
Updating PyCharm on Linux Mint
Keeping your PyCharm IDE updated ensures you can take advantage of new features, improvements, and vital bug fixes. The command to update your PyCharm installation depends on the third-party package manager you initially used to install it.
APT Package Manager Update Procedure
If your choice for PyCharm installation was the APT package manager, execute the following commands in your terminal:
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgradeRunning these commands will scan for updates for all the applications on your system installed via APT, including PyCharm.
Flatpak Update Procedure
For those who opted for Flatpak for the installation, updating PyCharm is a straightforward process. Execute the following command in your terminal:
sudo flatpak updateUninstalling PyCharm from Linux Mint
There might be situations where you find you no longer need PyCharm on your system. If this is the case, you can uninstall it using the corresponding commands based on your initial installation method.
APT Package Manager Removal Procedure
If you utilized the APT package manager to install PyCharm, you can uninstall it by entering the following commands in your terminal:
To uninstall PyCharm Community Edition:
sudo apt remove pycharm-communityTo uninstall PyCharm Professional Edition:
sudo apt remove pycharm-professionalTo uninstall PyCharm Education Edition:
sudo apt remove pycharm-educationIn addition, if you have no plans to reinstall PyCharm or use the JetBrains PPA for other products, you can remove the repository and its GPG key with these commands:
sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/jetbrains-ppa.list
sudo rm /usr/share/keyrings/jetbrains-ppa-archive-keyring.gpgFlatpak Removal Procedure
If you installed PyCharm via Flatpak, use the following commands to uninstall the IDE:
To uninstall PyCharm Community Edition:
flatpak uninstall --delete-data com.jetbrains.PyCharm-CommunityTo uninstall PyCharm Professional Edition:
flatpak uninstall --delete-data com.jetbrains.PyCharm-ProfessionalWith these procedures, managing your PyCharm installation on Linux Mint becomes a straightforward process, helping you keep your system organized and your IDE up-to-date.
Closing Points and Recap with PyCharm Install on Linux Mint
Successfully installing and managing PyCharm on Linux Mint brings a powerful and feature-rich IDE to your fingertips. The in-depth procedures detailed in this article guide you through the steps of installing, launching, and managing PyCharm on Linux Mint, using both the APT and Flatpak package managers. Armed with this information, you can confidently maintain your PyCharm installation, keeping it updated, and when necessary, completely removing it from your system.
Additional Resources and Links
To delve deeper into the features and capabilities of PyCharm and to enhance your understanding, the following resources are provided:
- PyCharm Official Documentation: The official documentation from JetBrains provides a comprehensive overview of PyCharm, its features, usage, and much more.
- PyCharm Blog: The official PyCharm blog from JetBrains is a goldmine of articles on new features, updates, and tutorials to help you get the most out of PyCharm.