Finding the best IDE for Django can transform your Python web development workflow from tedious to truly productive. As Django grows in popularity for building robust web applications, choosing the right development environment becomes crucial for both beginners and experienced developers.
I’ve spent years working with various code editors and integrated development environments for Django projects—from PyCharm’s comprehensive toolset to VS Code’s lightweight flexibility. The right IDE doesn’t just provide syntax highlighting; it offers Django template editing, project navigation, and ORM support that can slash your development time in half.
This guide compares the top Python development environments specifically for Django framework software, examining critical features like code completion, debugging tools, and database integration. Whether you’re building your first Django project or managing complex web applications, you’ll discover which IDE best fits your development workflow and helps you write better Django code faster.
Best IDEs for Django Development
PyCharm
What Is PyCharm?
- JetBrains PyCharm is a Python IDE with comprehensive Django framework support built-in
- Considered the gold standard for Python web development environment
- Created by JetBrains, known for professional development tools
Key Features for Django
- Full Django integration with template language support and Django ORM support
- Intelligent code completion that understands Django context
- Advanced debugging tools with breakpoints and variable inspection
- Database visualization and direct SQL console integration
- Integrated testing framework support with Django unit testing
- Virtual environment management built-in
- Django-specific project scaffolding
Pros
- Unmatched Django-specific features
- Comprehensive code inspection and refactoring tools
- Git integration and version control tools
- Powerful database schema editor
- Terminal integration within IDE
- Django REST framework support
- Seamless Django deployment tools
Cons
- Resource-heavy; requires substantial RAM and CPU
- Steep learning curve for new developers
- Professional version requires a paid subscription
- Can feel overwhelming with too many features
- Slower startup time compared to lightweight alternatives
Best For
- Professional Django developers working on complex projects
- Teams needing robust project management features
- Developers who work exclusively with Python and Django
- Those who prefer a full-featured IDE over a code editor
Price & Licensing
- Community Edition: Free but limited Django features
- Professional Edition: Subscription-based ($89-$199/year)
- Free for students and open-source contributors
Visual Studio Code
What Is Visual Studio Code?
- Lightweight, extensible code editor from Microsoft
- General-purpose IDE with strong Python and Django support via extensions
- One of the most popular coding tools with massive community support
Key Features for Django
- Python extension provides Django template language support
- IntelliSense code completion for Python and Django code
- Debugger for Python applications including Django projects
- Django snippets extensions for faster coding
- Integrated terminal for Django command-line operations
- Linting and code quality tools
- Git integration for version control
Pros
- Lightweight and fast startup time
- Highly customizable with thousands of extensions
- Cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux)
- Active community creating Django-specific extensions
- Regular updates with new features
- Built-in terminal integration
- Free and open-source
Cons
- Requires manual setup of Django-specific tools
- Not as Django-focused as specialized IDEs
- May need multiple extensions for full Django functionality
- Can become resource-intensive with many extensions
Best For
- Developers working with multiple languages beyond Python
- Those who prefer customizing their development environment
- Beginners who want a free, capable IDE
- Web developers handling Django frontend and backend
Price & Licensing
- Completely free and open-source
- MIT license
- Microsoft-backed with regular updates
Wing Pro
What Is Wing Pro?
- Specialized Python IDE designed by Wingware
- Purpose-built for Python development with solid Django support
- Less known but highly regarded among professional Python developers
Key Features for Django
- Django-aware code intelligence
- Django template debugging
- Test-driven development tools for Django
- Remote development capabilities
- Django shell integration
- Django code navigation
- Project management for Django applications
Pros
- Extremely fast and responsive even for large projects
- Focused design specifically for Python development
- Advanced debugging capabilities
- Excellent code completion and inspection
- Lower resource usage than PyCharm
- Remote development for cloud-based Django projects
Cons
- Smaller community than VS Code or PyCharm
- Fewer extensions and plugins
- Less polished UI than more mainstream options
- Limited non-Python language support
Best For
- Python purists who want a specialized tool
- Developers focused exclusively on Python and Django
- Those who need powerful debugging in a lighter package
- Experienced programmers who value speed over flashy features
Price & Licensing
- Commercial product with 30-day trial
- Personal license: $95
- Professional license: $179
- Free for educational use
PyDev (with Eclipse)
What Is PyDev?
- Python plugin for the Eclipse platform
- Open-source extension that transforms Eclipse into a Python IDE
- Has been around for many years with mature Django integration
Key Features for Django
- Django template editing support
- Django models code navigation
- Integrated Python interpreter
- Debug and unittest integration
- Code analysis and refactoring
- Django-aware code completion
- MVC architecture support for Django projects
Pros
- Integrates with existing Eclipse workflows
- Mature and stable development environment
- Free and open-source
- Good for developers already familiar with Eclipse
- Solid refactoring tools
- Cross-platform compatibility
Cons
- Eclipse platform can be resource-intensive
- User interface feels dated compared to modern alternatives
- Setup process can be complex
- Less active development than newer alternatives
- Steeper learning curve for Eclipse beginners
Best For
- Developers already using Eclipse for other languages
- Teams with existing Eclipse-based workflows
- Java developers who also work with Django
- Those who prefer a mature, stable IDE
Price & Licensing
- Completely free and open-source
- Available under the Eclipse Public License
Gitpod
What Is Gitpod?
- Cloud-based development environment
- Browser-based IDE built on VS Code
- Focuses on instant, ready-to-code Django workspaces
Key Features for Django
- Pre-configured Django environments
- Cloud-based development with no local setup
- GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket integration
- Full terminal access for Django management commands
- Collaborative coding features
- VS Code extension compatibility
- Containerized development environments
Pros
- Zero setup time for new Django projects
- Consistent development environment across team members
- Access Django projects from any computer with a browser
- Automatic saving and versioning
- No local resources required
- Prebuilt Django project templates
- Pay only for what you use
Cons
- Requires internet connection
- Can have latency issues
- Limited by cloud resources
- Less control over development environment
- Potential privacy concerns with cloud-based code
Best For
- Remote teams working on Django projects
- Quick prototyping and experimentation
- Open-source contributors
- Beginners who want to avoid complex setup
- Developers who work across multiple devices
Price & Licensing
- Free tier: 50 hours/month
- Personal Professional: $9/month
- Team Professional: $20/user/month
- Custom enterprise plans available
FAQ on The Best IDE for Django
What makes PyCharm the most recommended IDE for Django development?
PyCharm stands out with its dedicated Django support including template debugging tools, ORM visualization, and integrated Django console. JetBrains designed it specifically for Python web development with features like Django-aware code completion and project structure templates. Its database explorer and migration management tools are unmatched, though it requires more system resources than lightweight alternatives.
Can VS Code effectively replace PyCharm for Django projects?
Yes, with the right extensions. Visual Studio Code transforms into a powerful Django development environment when configured with Python and Django extensions. It offers template autocomplete, URL routing helpers, and excellent Git integration for Django projects. VS Code is lighter, faster, and free, but requires manual setup of Django-specific functionality that comes built-in with PyCharm.
What free alternatives exist for Django coding?
Several excellent free options exist:
- VS Code with Django extensions
- Sublime Text with Django plugins
- Atom with Django packages
- PyDev with Eclipse
- Standard code editors with Django syntax highlighting
These provide core functionality like code navigation for Django and varying levels of web framework IDE capabilities.
How important is database integration in a Django IDE?
Extremely important. Django’s ORM is central to development, making database integration crucial. Look for IDEs offering:
- Visual database explorers
- SQL query tools
- Migration management
- Model relationship visualization
- Django shell integration for database queries
These features dramatically improve workflow when working with Django models and complex data relationships.
Which IDE offers the best debugging tools for Django applications?
PyCharm provides the most comprehensive Django debugging experience with template debugging, Django test runner integration, and breakpoints that work in Django view code. VS Code offers strong debugging capabilities through extensions but requires more configuration. Both support remote debugging for Django applications running in Docker containers.
Do I need different IDEs for frontend vs. backend Django development?
No, most modern Python development environments handle both effectively. The best IDE for Django supports full-stack development with:
- Django template editing
- Static files management
- JavaScript/CSS support
- Django REST framework tools
- Form builder capabilities
Look for environments that smoothly transition between frontend templates and backend Python code.
How do IDEs handle Django project setup and virtual environments?
Top Django IDEs streamline project initialization with:
- Virtual environment support
- Django project structure templates
- Settings configuration helpers
- Dependency management
- Docker integration for Django
PyCharm automatically detects and configures Django projects, while VS Code requires manual but straightforward configuration through its Python extension.
What IDE features specifically help with Django REST framework development?
For REST API development, prioritize IDEs with:
- API endpoint navigation
- Serializer visualization
- Request/response testing tools
- Django REST framework support
- API documentation generation
PyCharm Professional and VS Code with extensions both offer specialized tools for building REST APIs with Django.
How do different IDEs handle Django testing?
Testing capabilities vary significantly:
- PyCharm integrates the Django test runner and provides coverage visualization
- VS Code requires test discovery configuration but runs tests efficiently
- Both support pytest for Django
- Look for IDEs with test-specific debugging features
- Code coverage reporting helps identify untested Django code paths
Are there any cloud-based IDEs suitable for Django development?
Yes, cloud IDEs are increasingly viable for Django work. Options include GitHub Codespaces (based on VS Code), Cloud9, and Gitpod. These platforms offer Django framework support, collaborative coding features, and consistent development environments. They’re excellent for team projects but may have limitations with complex Django applications requiring extensive computing resources.
Conclusion
Choosing the best IDE for Django ultimately depends on your specific web development workflow and preferences. JetBrains PyCharm offers the most comprehensive Django coding platform with built-in features like migration management tools and template autocomplete. VS Code provides a lightweight alternative with excellent Django extension support.
Your ideal Python development environment should align with your project needs. Consider these factors:
- Development speed – Look for code snippets and Django URL routing helpers
- Learning curve – Some web application IDEs require extensive configuration
- Team compatibility – Git integration with Django projects simplifies collaboration
- System resources – Full-featured IDEs demand more computing power
- Cost considerations – Open source options can match commercial software features
Whether you choose PyCharm, Visual Studio Code, or another web framework IDE, the right development tools dramatically enhance productivity. The Django community continues to improve plugin support across all platforms. Test several options on small projects before committing to your Django development environment of choice.
If you enjoyed reading this article on the best IDE for Django, you should check out this one about the best IDE for web development or this one with open-source mobile app development software.
We also wrote about a few related subjects like the best IDE for Java, Flutter, Javascript, and for Mac.
And we managed to create comparative articles like Sublime vs Notepad++, and Sublime vs PyCharm.
With over a decade in the tech field, Bogdan blends technical expertise with insights on business innovation in technology.
A regular contributor to TMS Outsource's blog, where you'll find sharp analyses on software development, tech business strategies, and global tech dynamics.
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