Essential PyCharm Plugins for Python Learners to Boost Productivity
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Chapter 1: Introduction to PyCharm Plugins
PyCharm is among the most favored Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) for Python programming. With its robust code assistance, appealing themes, and convenient shortcuts, it significantly simplifies the coding process. However, you can further enhance your coding experience in PyCharm with some essential plugins. The marketplace offers numerous free plugins that can make writing Python code not only more productive but also more enjoyable.
In this guide, we will explore four indispensable PyCharm plugins that every Python developer should consider installing. Many of these plugins are also compatible with DataSpell, an IDE similar to PyCharm that I have recently been using for data science projects.
First Things First – Installing Plugins
To get started with installing any of the plugins mentioned here, you need to follow these steps:
For macOS: Open PyCharm and select Preferences.
For Windows/Linux: Navigate to File and select Settings.
A window will appear; proceed to the Plugins section and click on the Marketplace tab, as illustrated below.
Now, you're ready to search for and install any of the plugins listed below.
Section 1.1: Key Promoter X
- Key Promoter X: Mastering Shortcuts in PyCharm
PyCharm offers numerous shortcuts that can help streamline your coding process by reducing the need to switch between the mouse and keyboard. However, remembering all these shortcuts can be challenging. Before installing Key Promoter X, I often struggled to recall the shortcut for executing scripts or commenting out code.
This plugin assists you in learning shortcuts as you work. Whenever you click a button with your mouse in PyCharm, the plugin will display the corresponding keyboard shortcut that you should have used.
For instance, if you want to execute your script in PyCharm but forget the shortcut, you might right-click and select "Run." If you have Key Promoter X installed, an alert will appear, reminding you to use the shortcut Ctrl + Shift + R instead.
This feature encourages a more efficient, mouse-free development approach.
Section 1.2: String Manipulation
- String Manipulation: Effortless String Editing
As the name suggests, this plugin is designed to simplify string manipulation within PyCharm. With String Manipulation, you can change the case of a word, reverse characters, swap words, encode, decode, and more—all without leaving PyCharm.
Here are the various options available in the "String Manipulation" menu.
Section 1.3: Kite
- Kite: Intelligent Autocompletion
While PyCharm’s built-in autocompletion is adequate, Kite takes it to another level. This plugin provides AI-driven completions that are context-aware, allowing for faster and more relevant suggestions. Kite also offers extensive multi-line completions where traditional tools may fall short.
One of Kite's standout features is its capability to display Python documentation with a simple mouse hover, making it easy to understand methods and find coding examples.
Section 1.4: Rainbow Plugins
- Rainbow CSV / Rainbow Brackets: Enhancing Readability
If you've ever found it difficult to read CSV files or distinguish between paired parentheses in PyCharm, the Rainbow CSV and Rainbow Brackets plugins are perfect solutions. Rainbow CSV enhances the readability of CSV files by coloring each column, eliminating the need for external applications like Microsoft Excel.
Rainbow Brackets assigns different colors to each pair of brackets in your code, which is especially helpful when dealing with complex lines of code filled with nested brackets.
If you enjoy the functionality of these rainbow-themed plugins, consider trying "Indent Rainbow," which offers similar features for code indentation.
Chapter 2: Bonus Features in PyCharm
In addition to these plugins, PyCharm also includes various built-in color schemes that can enhance your coding environment. You can explore these options by navigating to Preferences, selecting Editor, and clicking on Color Scheme. Options such as Classic Light, Darcula (my personal favorite), GitHub, and High Contrast are available, but for those looking for more variety, installing additional themes from the Plugins section is a great idea.
Below is an example of the “Space Gray” theme available in the marketplace.
Other appealing themes you might consider include One Dark Theme, Monokai Pro Theme, and Atom One Theme.
For those venturing into data science with Python, don't forget to grab my FREE Python for Data Science Cheat Sheet by subscribing to my email list, which already has over 10,000 members.
Chapter 3: Additional Resources
Check out this video on the best plugins for PyCharm to enhance your coding experience.
Learn how to install additional plugins in PyCharm with this comprehensive tutorial.