How to install PyCharm on Linux Mint 20

Introduction to PyCharm

PyCharm is a powerful Integrated Development Environment (IDE) specifically designed for Python development. Developed by JetBrains, PyCharm offers a rich set of features that enhances productivity, supports code navigation, debugging, and allows for efficient project management. If you are a Python developer or someone looking to learn Python, installing PyCharm on your Linux Mint 20 system will provide you with the best tools to manage your projects seamlessly.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of installing PyCharm on Linux Mint 20, including essential prerequisites, installation methods, and post-installation tips.

Prerequisites: What You Need Before Installation

Before you dive into the installation process, it’s important to ensure that your system meets certain requirements and that you have all necessary components installed. Here’s a checklist:

1. System Requirements

To run PyCharm effectively, your system should fulfill the following minimum configurations:

• OS: Linux Mint 20, a derivative of Ubuntu 20.04 LTS
• RAM: At least 4 GB (8 GB is recommended)
• Disk Space: Minimum of 2.5 GB free disk space for the IDE installation
• CPU: Any modern processor compatible with 64-bit Linux distributions

2. Update Your System

Before installing new software, it’s always a good idea to ensure your operating system is up to date. You can do this by running:

bash
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

This will refresh the package lists and upgrade any outdated packages.

Installation Methods

There are multiple ways to install PyCharm on Linux Mint 20. You can choose between the Snap package, using JetBrains Toolbox, or manual installation of the tar.gz file. Each method has its advantages, and we will explore each one.

Method 1: Installing via Snap Package

Snap is a package management system that allows you to install apps securely and effortlessly. PyCharm is available in the Snap store, making it a convenient choice.

Steps to Install:

1. Ensure Snap is Installed
   Most modern Linux distributions, including Linux Mint, come with Snap pre-installed. You can check if it’s installed by running:

   bash
   snap version

   If it is not installed, you can do so by executing:

   bash
   sudo apt install snapd -y

2. Install PyCharm Community Edition
   You can install the Community Edition (free version) of PyCharm using the following command:

   bash
   sudo snap install pycharm-community –classic

   If you prefer the Professional Edition (paid version), you can use:

   bash
   sudo snap install pycharm-professional –classic

3. Launching PyCharm
   After installation, you can start PyCharm from your desktop environment or by typing:

   bash
   pycharm-community

   or

   bash
   pycharm-professional

depending on the version you installed.

Method 2: Installing Using JetBrains Toolbox

For those who prefer a more comprehensive management solution for JetBrains products, the JetBrains Toolbox app is a great option.

Steps to Install:

1. Download JetBrains Toolbox
   Visit the JetBrains Toolbox App Download Page to download the Toolbox app for Linux.

2. Extract and Run
   Open your terminal and navigate to the directory where you downloaded the tar.gz file. Run:

   bash
   tar -xzf jetbrains-toolbox-.tar.gz
   cd jetbrains-toolbox-
   ./jetbrains-toolbox

3. Using JetBrains Toolbox to Install PyCharm
   Once the Toolbox app is running, you will see various JetBrains products, including PyCharm. Simply click on PyCharm, choose the edition you want to install, and let Toolbox handle the installation for you.

Method 3: Manual Installation of Tar.gz

If you want more control over the installation, you can download the tar.gz file and install it manually.

Steps to Install:

1. Download PyCharm
   Go to the official PyCharm download page and download the tar.gz file for the Community or Professional edition.

2. Extract the Archive
   Navigate to the directory where you downloaded the file and run:

   bash
   tar -xzf pycharm-*.tar.gz

3. Navigate to the Bin Directory
   Change to the PyCharm bin directory:

   bash
   cd pycharm-*/bin

4. Launch PyCharm
   Start PyCharm by executing:

   bash
   ./pycharm.sh

5. Create a Desktop Entry (Optional)
   To create a desktop shortcut, you can follow the on-screen prompts when PyCharm first launches. It will guide you through setting up a convenient launcher.

Setting Up PyCharm for First Use

After successfully installing PyCharm, you will want to set it up for your projects:

1. Initial Setup Wizard
   The first time you launch PyCharm, you’ll be greeted by an initial setup wizard. Here, you can choose your UI theme (e.g., Light or Dark) and whether to import settings from previous installations.

2. Configure Interpreter
   PyCharm needs to know which Python interpreter you will be using. Go to File > Settings > Project: [Your Project Name] > Python Interpreter to configure the Python version you want to use. PyCharm allows you to create a new virtual environment or select an existing interpreter.

3. Install Essential Plugins
   PyCharm has a rich plugin ecosystem. You can install additional functionalities by going to File > Settings > Plugins. Here, you can browse and install various plugins that suit your development needs.

4. Create a New Project
   To start working on your Python projects, navigate to the main dashboard and click on New Project. You’ll be prompted to choose the project type, interpreter, and other configurations.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sound Not Working

If you encounter issues with sound while using PyCharm, ensure your audio settings are configured correctly. Check your system sound settings or adjust them through PyCharm preferences.

IDE Crashes

If PyCharm crashes frequently, ensure your system meets the recommended requirements. Additionally, consider increasing memory allocation in the configuration files located under the bin directory or updating your graphics drivers.

Outdated Software

Always ensure that you are using the latest version of PyCharm. Regular updates introduce bug fixes and enhance functionality.

Conclusion

Installing PyCharm on Linux Mint 20 is a straightforward process thanks to multiple installation options and the user-friendly interface of the IDE. Whether you choose to install via Snap, JetBrains Toolbox, or manually using a tar.gz file, following the steps outlined above will set you on track to efficiently develop Python applications.

Armed with your new IDE and the tips provided here, you are now ready to embark on your coding journey with PyCharm.

FAQ

1. What is the difference between PyCharm Community and Professional editions?

PyCharm Community Edition is free and open-source, suitable for basic Python programming. The Professional Edition, however, includes advanced features like web development support, database tools, and professional-grade support systems, which are not available in the Community Edition.

2. Can I install multiple versions of PyCharm on the same system?

Yes, you can install multiple versions of PyCharm on your system. Using the JetBrains Toolbox App is especially handy for managing different versions.

3. Is Python required to be installed before setting up PyCharm?

Not necessarily. PyCharm can create a virtual environment during project setup, installing Python for you. However, you might need to have Python installed if you want to use a specific version.

4. How can I uninstall PyCharm from Linux Mint?

To uninstall PyCharm installed via Snap, you can run:

bash
sudo snap remove pycharm-community

For those installed using JetBrains Toolbox, simply use the Toolbox interface to remove the application. For manual installations, remove the extracted directory.

5. Does PyCharm support languages other than Python?

PyCharm is primarily built for Python development, but it does support web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, especially in the Professional Edition. JetBrains offers other IDEs for different programming languages as well.

6. Are there any alternatives to PyCharm?

Yes, alternatives include Visual Studio Code, Atom, and Jupyter Notebook, among others. Each of these IDEs and code editors has its strengths and may cater to specific user needs better than or equal to PyCharm.