How to install PyCharm on Ubuntu 20.04

Introduction

PyCharm is a powerful Integrated Development Environment (IDE) created by JetBrains specifically for the Python programming language. With its rich feature set, PyCharm streamlines workflows and boosts productivity, making it a top choice among both novice and experienced developers. Whether you’re working on data science projects, web development, or automation scripts, PyCharm offers a variety of tools and plugins designed to enhance your development experience.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of installing PyCharm on Ubuntu 20.04. You’ll learn how to install it using various methods, including the official JetBrains toolbox, direct installation from the Snap package, and manual installation options. By the end of this guide, you will have a fully functional PyCharm setup on your Ubuntu machine.

Prerequisites

Before we dive into the installation process, let’s cover a few prerequisites to ensure that your system is ready.

1. System Requirements:

   • At least 2 GB of RAM (4 GB is recommended).
   • 64-bit version of Ubuntu 20.04.
   • 5 GB of free disk space is advisable to accommodate PyCharm and associated files.

2. Update Your System:
   It is a good practice to make sure your system’s package list is up-to-date. Open a terminal window (you can use Ctrl + Alt + T) and execute the following command:

   bash
   sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

This commands update your package list and install the latest versions of the installed packages.

Installation Methods

There are several ways to install PyCharm on Ubuntu 20.04. Below, we detail three primary methods: using the Snap package, the JetBrains Toolbox, and manual installation.

Method 1: Installing PyCharm via Snap

Snap packages are self-contained applications that bundle all the necessary dependencies, making installation easy and straightforward.

Step 1: Install Snap

If Snap is not already installed on your Ubuntu system, you can install it by executing:

bash
sudo apt install snapd

Step 2: Install PyCharm

To install PyCharm using Snap, use the following command:

bash
sudo snap install pycharm-community –classic

This command installs the Community Edition of PyCharm, which is free and sufficient for many uses. If you require the Professional Edition with advanced features like remote development tools and database access, you can install it using:

bash
sudo snap install pycharm-professional –classic

Step 3: Launching PyCharm

Once the installation is complete, you can find PyCharm in your application menu. Alternatively, start it from the terminal:

bash
pycharm-community

or for the Professional version:

bash
pycharm-professional

Method 2: Using JetBrains Toolbox

The JetBrains Toolbox App is an excellent way to manage all JetBrains IDEs, including PyCharm. It simplifies version management and ensures you always have the latest updates.

Step 1: Download the Toolbox App

Visit the JetBrains Toolbox App page in your browser and download the .tar.gz file for Linux.

Step 2: Extract the Downloaded File

Open the terminal, navigate to your Downloads folder, and extract the downloaded file with the following command:

bash
tar -xvzf jetbrains-toolbox-*.tar.gz

Step 3: Move to a Suitable Directory

For better organization, you may want to move the extracted folder to /opt:

bash
sudo mv jetbrains-toolbox-* /opt/jetbrains-toolbox

Step 4: Run the Toolbox App

Navigate to the Toolbox directory and run the application:

bash
cd /opt/jetbrains-toolbox
./jetbrains-toolbox

Step 5: Install PyCharm Using Toolbox

Once the Toolbox App is running, locate PyCharm in the GUI and follow the prompts to install it. The Toolbox will manage subsequent updates for you.

Method 3: Manual Installation

If you prefer to install PyCharm manually, perhaps to customize options more precisely, you can do so by downloading and configuring it directly.

Step 1: Download PyCharm

Visit the PyCharm download page and download the latest version of the Community or Professional Edition for Linux.

Step 2: Extract the Downloaded Archive

Navigate to the directory of the downloaded file and execute:

bash
tar -xvzf pycharm-*.tar.gz

This will create a directory named something like pycharm-community-<version>.

Step 3: Move the Directory

For a cleaner setup, move this directory to /opt:

bash
sudo mv pycharm-*-community /opt/pycharm

Step 4: Create a Desktop Entry

To easily launch PyCharm, you can manually create a desktop entry:

1. Create a new file in /usr/share/applications/:

   bash
   sudo nano /usr/share/applications/pycharm.desktop

2. Add the following content to the file:

   plaintext
   [Desktop Entry]
   Version=1.0
   Type=Application
   Name=PyCharm
   Icon=/opt/pycharm/bin/pycharm.png
   Exec=/opt/pycharm/bin/pycharm.sh
   Comment=Python IDE for Professional Developers
   Categories=Development;IDE;
   Terminal=false

3. Save and exit the file (Ctrl + O, Enter, Ctrl + X).

Step 5: Launch PyCharm

You can now find PyCharm in your applications menu. Open it by clicking on the icon or executing:

bash
/opt/pycharm/bin/pycharm.sh

Setting Up Your First Project

Once you’ve successfully launched PyCharm, you’ll be greeted by a welcome screen where you can create a new project or open an existing one.

Step 1: Create a New Project

1. Click on “New Project.”
2. Choose the project type (Pure Python, Django, etc.).
3. Configure the interpreter. If you’ve installed Python via Ubuntu’s package manager, it would typically be automatically detected.

Step 2: Explore the Interface

Familiarize yourself with PyCharm’s layout. The key areas include:

• Project View: where your files and folders will be displayed.
• Editor Window: where you’ll write your code.
• Tool Windows: for accessing various tools like version control, terminal, database, and terminal.

Step 3: Write Your First Python Script

1. Right-click on the project directory.

2. Select “New” > “Python File.”

3. Name your file (e.g., hello.py).

4. Inside the editor, add a simple print statement:

   python
   print(“Hello, PyCharm!”)

5. Run the script by right-clicking within the editor and selecting “Run ‘hello’.”

Congratulations! You’ve successfully set up PyCharm on your Ubuntu machine and created your first Python project.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use PyCharm for languages other than Python?

Yes, while PyCharm is primarily designed for Python, you can use it for JavaScript, TypeScript, HTML/CSS, and more by installing additional plugins.

2. Is there a cost for using PyCharm?

PyCharm offers two versions: the Community Edition, which is free and has sufficient features for general Python development, and the Professional Edition, which is a paid version that includes advanced features.

3. How can I update PyCharm?

If you installed it through Snap or the JetBrains Toolbox, updates will be handled automatically. For manual installations, check the JetBrains website for the latest version and download it to update your installation.

4. What are some plugins I can use with PyCharm?

You can enhance your development experience with plugins for Docker, AWS, Flask, Django, and more. Search for plugins from within PyCharm’s settings under “Plugins.”

5. Are there alternatives to PyCharm?

Yes, there are several alternatives such as Visual Studio Code, Atom, and Sublime Text. Each has its own strengths, and the choice often depends on personal preferences and specific project needs.

Conclusion

Installing PyCharm on Ubuntu 20.04 is an undertaking that opens the door to a comprehensive development environment tailored for Python programmers. Whether you choose to install via Snap, the JetBrains Toolbox, or manual download, the steps outlined in this guide should enable you to set up PyCharm effectively. With its rich feature set, PyCharm helps developers write cleaner code, explore complex projects, and ultimately become more productive. Enjoy coding!