Thonny is an integrated development environment (IDE) designed for beginners in Python. It has a simple and intuitive interface and supports learning programming. Thonny comes with built-in Python 3.10, allowing you to start learning Python without any additional installation.
Thonny official page:
The main features include a “variable view” that allows you to visually check the state of a variable and a debugger function that allows you to execute steps. These features make it easier to understand the program’s behavior in detail.
Thonny is available for major platforms such as Windows, macOS, and Linux. You can download it for free from the official website.
Which is better, Thonny or Visual Studio Code (VS Code)?
Whether Thonny or Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is better depends on your objectives and the skill level of your users. The features of each and the criteria for choosing them are summarized below.
If Thonny is good
forte
- Designed for beginners
- The simple interface makes it easy to get lost.
- It specializes in Python and can be used immediately without any extra configuration.
- Debugging and visual display of variables support learning.
- Ease of environment construction
- It has built-in Python and does not require a separate installation.
- lightweight
- It is light and easy to use even on low-spec PCs.
Recommended Users
- Beginner programming.
- Students and individual learners who are learning Python for the first time.
- If you want to write a Python program with simple features.
If VS Code is good
forte
- Multifunctional and highly customizable
- Rich extensions (Python extensions, linting, formatter, debugger, etc.).
- Support for other languages and frameworks (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Flask, Django, etc.).
- For professionals
- Compatible with large-scale project developments.
- Integrated Git support for easy version control.
- Increased popularity and support
- The community is active and there is a lot of information on how to use it and troubles.
Recommended Users
- Experienced programming or intermediate or higher.
- If you also use a language or framework other than Python.
- If your project is complex and you need a powerful tool.
Criterias of choice
| criterion | Thonny | VS Code |
|---|---|---|
| purpose | For learning Python, for beginners | Project development, multilingual support |
| Ease of setup | Easy (available only for installation) | Requires extensions and configurations |
| Breadth of functions | Python only, simple | Extremely comprehensive, customizable |
| Learning Curve | lenient | Somewhat steep |
| Resource consumption | lightweight | Somewhat heavy |
conclusion
- Thonny is recommended for beginners who want to learn Python anyway→
- VS Code is best for intermediate and higher users who are looking for project development and scalability→
Whichever you choose, it won’t be difficult to switch environments later. If you’re new to it, it’s a good idea to start learning with Thonny and move on to VS Code once you’re comfortable with it.
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