How to Install PyCharm on Linux Simplified

Installing PyCharm on Linux might seem complicated, but it’s actually straightforward. Whether you’re working on Ubuntu, Fedora, or Debian, ensuring you have PyCharm set up correctly is essential for efficient Python programming.

Having a reliable Integrated Development Environment (IDE) not only boosts productivity but also simplifies coding and debugging processes. PyCharm, developed by JetBrains, offers comprehensive tools tailored for Python developers.

By the end of this guide, you’ll know how to download, install, and configure PyCharm for various Linux distributions, including Arch Linux and CentOS.

We’ll cover everything from using the command line interface (CLI) and package managers like APT and RPM, to configuring your environment for optimal performance. You’ll learn commands involving sudo, how to handle dependencies, and make the most of JetBrains Toolbox.

Let’s dive in and get your PyCharm environment up and running on Linux efficiently, ensuring you have all the development tools you need.

How To Install PyCharm On Linux: Quick Workflow

To install PyCharm on Linux, you can choose between two primary methods: using the Snap package manager or manually installing from a tarball. Here’s a step-by-step guide for both methods.

Method 1: Installing via Snap

1. Ensure Snap is Installed: First, make sure that the snapd service is installed and running on your system. On Ubuntu 16.04 LTS and later, it is usually pre-installed.
2. Open Terminal: Launch your terminal application.
3. Install PyCharm:
   • For the Community Edition (free version), run:
     bash

     sudo snap install pycharm-community --classic

   • For the Professional Edition (paid version), run:
     bash

     sudo snap install pycharm-professional --classic

4. Launch PyCharm: After installation, you can start PyCharm from your applications menu or by typing pycharm in the terminal.

Method 2: Installing from a Tarball

1. Download the Tarball:
   • Visit the PyCharm Download page and download the desired version (Community or Professional).
2. Extract the Tarball:
   • Open your terminal and navigate to the directory where the tarball was downloaded. Use the following command to extract it:
     bash

     tar -xvzf pycharm-*.tar.gz

3. Make PyCharm Executable:
   • Navigate to the bin directory of the extracted folder:
     bash

     cd pycharm-*/bin

   • Make the pycharm.sh script executable:
     bash

     chmod +x pycharm.sh

4. Run PyCharm:
   • Start PyCharm by executing:
     bash

     ./pycharm.sh

5. First Launch Setup: Upon first launch, you’ll be prompted to accept terms and conditions and configure initial settings.

Additional Notes

• Updating PyCharm: If you installed via Snap, updates will be handled automatically.
• Configuration Files: If you prefer managing installation locations and configuration files manually, consider using the tarball method.
• Dependencies: Ensure that you have Java installed as it is required for running PyCharm.

System Requirements for Installing PyCharm

Hardware Requirements

Minimum and recommended specifications for RAM, CPU, and disk space

To get started with PyCharm on your Linux machine, it’s crucial to meet the hardware prerequisites. For a smooth experience, at least 4GB of RAM is essential, though 8GB or more is recommended for larger projects.

Your CPU should be a multi-core processor of at least 2 GHz. As for storage, make sure there’s a minimum of 2.5GB of free disk space available. This ensures PyCharm can run its Integrated Development Environment (IDE) without a hitch.

Monitor resolution requirements

A clear and sharp display is important when working with code. PyCharm requires a monitor resolution of at least 1024×768 pixels.

For optimal usability, a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels or higher is preferred. This will help in comfortably viewing the interface, menus, and multiple panels you’ll often be working with.

Supported Operating Systems

Officially supported Linux distributions

When it comes to Linux distributions, PyCharm has a broad range of support. The IDE runs smoothly on commonly used distributions like Ubuntu and Fedora.

No matter if you’re on CentOS or any other prominent Linux flavor, compatibility shouldn’t be an issue. These distributions come with pre-installed dependencies which simplify the setup process.

Compatibility with desktop environments

Your desktop environment can significantly impact your experience with PyCharm. GNOME and KDE Plasma are fully compatible and offer seamless integration.

Whether you prefer the simplicity of GNOME or the customization capabilities of KDE, PyCharm adapts effortlessly. Ensure your desktop environment is up to date to avoid any interface glitches or performance issues.

Wayland support considerations

Linux is evolving, and Wayland is slowly becoming the standard display server protocol. While PyCharm operates well on X11, its performance on Wayland might require some tweaking.

Certain functions might not perform as expected, given that Wayland support is still maturing. Test PyCharm first to ensure that your development environment remains stable and efficient when using Wayland.

Methods of Installing PyCharm

Installation Using Snap

Snap packages offer a unique way to install PyCharm, providing universal compatibility across various Linux distributions. This method simplifies the process, ensuring that whether you’re running Ubuntu, Fedora, or another distribution, the installation remains consistent.

Steps to install Snap if not pre-installed

First things first, you need Snap. If your system doesn’t have Snap pre-installed:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install snapd

This command installs Snap, setting up the stage for a smooth PyCharm installation.

Commands to install PyCharm using Snap for different editions

Different PyCharm editions cater to varied needs:

• For the Community edition: sudo snap install pycharm-community –classic
• For the Professional edition: sudo snap install pycharm-professional –classic
• For the Educational edition: sudo snap install pycharm-educational –classic

Choose the one that fits your requirements and execute the respective command.

Advantages of using Snap

Snap takes care of updates automatically, ensuring you always have the latest version. This is a significant advantage, reducing maintenance hassles so you can focus on coding.

Installation Using Tarball

Description of the Tarball method

The Tarball method is a bit more hands-on but offers broad compatibility across all Linux distributions. It involves downloading, extracting, and setting up the software manually.

Step-by-step guide

Downloading the Tarball package from JetBrains

Head over to the JetBrains website and download the PyCharm Tarball package. The file you get will have a .tar.gz extension.

Extracting the package using the tar command

Navigate to your Downloads folder or wherever the package is saved:

cd ~/Downloads
tar -xzf pycharm*.tar.gz

This command extracts the Tarball content.

Making the PyCharm executable using chmod

After extraction, navigate to the bin directory:

cd pycharm*/bin
chmod +x pycharm.sh

This makes the PyCharm script executable.

Running PyCharm from the terminal using the shell script

Finally, launch PyCharm using:

./pycharm.sh

This starts PyCharm, and you’re good to go.

Installation Using Toolbox App

Benefits of using JetBrains Toolbox App for installation and management

JetBrains Toolbox App simplifies installation and management of multiple JetBrains products. It handles updates, multiple installations, and configurations effortlessly.

Steps to install Toolbox App and configure PyCharm through it

First, download the Toolbox App from the JetBrains website. Extract it and run the setup:

tar -xzf jetbrains-toolbox*.tar.gz
./jetbrains-toolbox

Once installed, open the Toolbox App and sign in with your JetBrains account.

Use the app to install PyCharm by selecting it from the list of available tools.

Initial Setup of PyCharm

Launching PyCharm for the First Time

Accessing PyCharm from the system menu or terminal

Once you’ve installed PyCharm, time to fire it up. You can find it in your system menu under Development tools. Prefer the command line? Simply type:

pycharm

and hit enter.

Accepting terms and conditions

Upon launching, you’ll encounter the terms and conditions. Carefully read through and accept them to proceed.

Choosing whether to send anonymous statistics

Next, decide if you want to send anonymous usage statistics to JetBrains. If you value privacy, you might skip this part. If contributing to development, opt-in.

Configuring PyCharm

Setting up the workspace and opening projects

Now, the fun part. Set up your workspace. Choose a preferred theme – Light or Darcula. Navigate through UI customizations. To open a project, just click on Open, navigate to your project folder, and hit the select button.

Connecting version control systems (e.g., Git)

Integrate Git for version control. Go to VCS -> Get from Version Control. Input your repository URL, and clone it.

Connection is complete. Now, manage your code changes, commits, and branches directly within PyCharm.

Installing necessary Python plugins and extensions

Enhance your PyCharm by installing essential Python plugins and extensions. Go to File -> Settings -> Plugins.

Search and install plugins like Python, Markdown, or others you need. These improve code assistance and productivity within the IDE.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Snap Installation Problems

Performance degradation or issues with certain features

Sometimes, when you install PyCharm via Snap, you might experience performance degradation or issues with specific features like JavaScript debugging. This isn’t uncommon. Snap packages, while convenient, can occasionally lead to slower performance or unexpected glitches.

Recommendations to switch to Toolbox App if issues persist

If you find these problems persist, consider switching to the Toolbox App. The Toolbox App offers a more consistent experience with automatic updates and easier management.

Missing Dependencies

Resolving ModuleNotFoundError by installing missing Python packages

A common issue you might face is the ModuleNotFoundError. This usually means you’re missing some Python packages. For instance, if python3-distutils isn’t installed, you can resolve this by:

sudo apt install python3-distutils

This should fix the missing module error and get you back on track.

Checking system libraries and dependencies

Ensure all your system libraries and dependencies are in place. Different Linux distributions (like Ubuntu, Fedora, and their flavors) might require specific libraries. A good practice is to check if you have all necessary dependencies installed.

General Troubleshooting Tips

Verifying installation logs for errors

When in doubt, check the installation logs. Logs provide a detailed account of what’s happening under the hood. Errors often throw hints that can guide you to the root of the problem. Use:

tail -f ~/.PyCharm*/system/log/idea.log

to monitor the logs in real-time.

Reinstalling PyCharm if necessary

If all else fails, sometimes the most straightforward solution is to reinstall PyCharm. It might sound drastic, but it’s efficient. Remove the current installation:

sudo snap remove pycharm-community

Advanced Tips for Optimizing PyCharm Installation

Managing Multiple PyCharm Installations

Using Toolbox App to handle multiple versions

Handling more than one version of PyCharm? The JetBrains Toolbox App makes this a breeze. It allows streamlined installation and management. Just install the Toolbox App, and you can access different PyCharm versions easily. Switching between them is smooth and straightforward.

Creating isolated environments for different projects

Each project can have its own settings and dependencies. Use virtual environments (venv) for Python projects to keep them isolated. This helps in avoiding conflicts between project dependencies. Activate a virtual environment like this:

source venv/bin/activate

Customizing Shortcuts and Settings

Configuring shortcuts for commonly used actions

Customize your workflow by setting up keyboard shortcuts for frequently used actions. Navigate to File -> Settings -> Keymap. From here, you can assign or re-assign shortcuts. For example, set a shortcut for running your code or opening the terminal.

Customizing the appearance and themes for better usability

Boost your productivity by customizing the appearance and themes. Go to File -> Settings -> Appearance & Behavior. Switch between Light and Darcula themes, adjust fonts, or tweak the color scheme to reduce eye strain and match your workflow preferences.

Enhancing Performance

Allocating additional resources (RAM/CPU) to PyCharm

Optimize performance by allocating more RAM and CPU to PyCharm. Modify the pycharm64.vmoptions file:

-Xms2048m
-Xmx4096m

These configurations help improve memory management, especially with large projects.

Disabling unused plugins to improve speed

Speed up PyCharm by disabling plugins you don’t use. Navigate to File -> Settings -> Plugins, and uncheck the plugins not needed. Keep only what’s essential—this declutters the interface and boosts performance.

FAQ on How To Install PyCharm On Linux

How can I download PyCharm for Linux?

Downloading PyCharm for Linux is simple. Head to the JetBrains website and choose the Linux version. There are two editions: Professional and Community. Click “Download,” and the installation package (usually a .tar.gz file) will begin downloading.

What are the steps to install PyCharm on Ubuntu?

After downloading, extract the .tar.gz file. Open the Terminal and navigate to the extracted location. Run ./pycharm.sh to launch PyCharm. To create a desktop entry for convenience, go to Tools > Create Desktop Entry. Ensure you can access PyCharm easily.

Can I install PyCharm using Snap?

Yes, you can. Open the Terminal and type sudo snap install pycharm-community --classic for the Community edition.

For the Professional edition, use sudo snap install pycharm-professional --classic. This method simplifies the installation and ensures automatic updates for PyCharm on Linux.

How do I install PyCharm on Fedora or CentOS?

For Fedora or CentOS, download the .tar.gz file from the JetBrains website. Extract the file and navigate to the extracted directory in the Terminal.

Execute ./pycharm.sh to start PyCharm. You can also use dnf or yum to manage dependencies if needed.

Is there a way to install PyCharm using a package manager?

APT and RPM package managers don’t directly support PyCharm. However, you can use Snap or Flatpak.

For example, on Ubuntu, use sudo snap install pycharm-community --classic. This method simplifies the installation process and ensures you have the latest version.

How to configure PyCharm after installation?

Once PyCharm is installed, open the IDE. Configure your Python interpreter by going to File > Settings > _Project: [yourproject] > Project Interpreter.

Add your Python environment or virtual environment, ensuring your development setup is ready for coding.

What dependencies are required to run PyCharm on Linux?

Most Linux distributions have the necessary dependencies. However, you might need to install Java (JDK) as PyCharm runs on Java.

Use your package manager to install it. For Ubuntu, run sudo apt install openjdk-11-jdk. PyCharm will prompt you if any additional dependencies are missing.

Can I use PyCharm Community Edition for professional projects?

Absolutely. The Community Edition is open source and sufficient for many Python development tasks.

However, the Professional Edition offers more advanced features such as full-stack development tools, database management, and additional plugins, making it more suitable for extensive projects.

How do I update PyCharm on Linux?

Updates for PyCharm on Linux are straightforward, especially if installed via Snap. The Snap system handles updates automatically.

If you installed it via direct download, you’ll need to repeat the download and installation process or use the JetBrains Toolbox app for easier management.

What should I do if I encounter issues during installation?

If you run into issues, check permissions first. Ensure you have sudo access. Verify that all dependencies, like Java, are installed.

Consulting the PyCharm documentation or the JetBrains support forums can also provide solutions.

Conclusion

Mastering how to install PyCharm on Linux ensures you have a powerful Integrated Development Environment (IDE) tailored for Python programming.

First, download PyCharm from the JetBrains website and choose the correct setup for your Linux distribution—be it Ubuntu, Fedora, or Debian.

Next, navigate to the downloaded .tar.gz file, extract it, and run the ./pycharm.sh script.

Utilizing package managers like Snap can simplify updates and maintenance. Make sure your system has the necessary dependencies, such as Java (JDK), installed. Configuring PyCharm correctly involves setting up your Python environment within the IDE and optimizing for your project’s needs.

PyCharm Community Edition offers robust features suitable for many development workflows, while the Professional edition provides additional tools ideal for more complex projects. Following these steps will give you a smooth development environment on Linux, aiding your software development process.

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Bogdan Sandu

Bogdan is a seasoned web designer and tech strategist, with a keen eye on emerging industry trends.

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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