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Python developers have several productivity tools at their disposal for enhancing efficiency, improving collaboration, managing projects, streamlining workflows, and producing higher-quality code and software faster. This guide will break down the following top Python developer tools for productivity in terms of their features, pros, cons, and pricing:
- PyCharm, an excellent choice for developers looking for a user-friendly and comprehensive Python IDE to boost productivity via intelligent code analysis, code completion, debugging, version control, refactoring, etc.
- Selenium, a solid pick for Python developers seeking a time-saving, open-source web testing and browser automation tool.
- ClickUp, ideal for Python developers seeking a feature-rich, all-in-one project management solution with capabilities for team collaboration, task management, and time-saving automation.
PyCharm
Best for developers looking for a user-friendly and comprehensive Python IDE to boost productivity via intelligent code analysis, code completion, debugging, version control, and code refactoring.
PyCharm is a user-friendly Python IDE from JetBrains with many features that support developer productivity and routine tasks, including intelligent code completion, code analysis, version control for collaboration, refactoring, and unit testing.
Features of PyCharm
PyCharm’s top features include:
- Intelligent code completion
- Syntax highlighting
- Code analysis
- Version control integration
- Debugging
- Refactoring
- Unit testing
Python developers can improve their coding efficiency with PyCharm’s intelligent code completion and syntax highlighting features. Its code analysis tools improve code quality, while version control integration offers streamlined collaboration.
PyCharm can debug code in multiple environments, including local computers, Docker containers, and virtual machines. It offers versatile refactoring to make your code more concise, readable, and maintainable without changing its original functionality. PyCharm also lets Python developers create and run tests with the help of coding assistance and a GUI-based test runner.
Pros of PyCharm
PyCharm’s strengths as a productivity tool for Python developers include the following:
- Simple setup
- General ease of use
- Comprehensive IDE
- Reliability
PyCharm’s installation is surprisingly seamless. Once everything is set up, it is easy to use, mostly thanks to the user-friendly interface. Do not let such simple setup and user-friendliness fool you, though, as PyCharm is a feature-rich IDE with a plethora of capabilities to help you improve development productivity and code quality; capabilities include code completion, intelligent code analysis, refactoring, debugging, and more. PyCharm also excels in the reliability department, especially when it comes to refactoring. This is a plus for Python developers worried about introducing errors when implementing code changes.
Cons of PyCharm
PyCharm’s weaknesses include the following:
- Most users will need the paid tool for their requirements
- Heavy resource utilization
- Considerable learning curve
JetBrains offers a free PyCharm Community Edition, but it only has basic features, which may not be enough for many Python developers. As such, users may find PyCharm costly, especially compared to other open-source and free IDEs on the market. PyCharm can also be resource-intensive when running on older hardware or working with large, complex projects, and some beginners may find its long list of features to be a bit overwhelming.
Pricing of PyCharm
PyCharm has a free, open-source Community Edition with basic features.. JetBrains also has special offers and discounts available for students, startups, teachers, coding schools, and other groups and individuals who qualify.
PyCharm’s premium pricing plans are priced as follows:
- PyCharm (for individual use): $99 for year one, $79 for year two, and $59 for year three and beyond. A monthly billing option is also available for $9.90 per month.
- PyCharm (for organizations): $249 for year one, $199 for year two, and $149 for year three and beyond. A monthly billing option is also available for $24.90 per user per month.
- All Products Pack (for individual use): $289 for year one, $231 for year two, and $173 for year three and beyond. A monthly billing option is also available for $28.90 per month.
- All Products Pack (for organizations): $779 for year one, $623 for year two, and $467 for year three and beyond. A monthly billing option is also available for $77.90 per user per month.
The PyCharm plans offer just the IDE with all its features, while the All Products Pack plans offer 16 tools, including PyCharm, CLion, IntelliJ IDEA, ReSharper, WebStorm, and more.
Learn more by reading our PyCharm Review.
Selenium
Best for Python developers seeking a time-saving, open-source web testing and browser automation tool.
Selenium is a popular open-source web testing automation tool that supports multiple platforms, browsers, and programming languages. It integrates with popular testing frameworks and CI/CD tools and offers parallel testing to save time and boost productivity.
Features of Selenium
Selenium’s highlighted features include:
- Multi-platform, language, and browser support
- Parallel testing
- Testing framework integrations
- Headless mode
- Browser automation
- Detailed reporting
Selenium offers ultimate flexibility with support for multiple platforms (Windows, Linux, macOS, etc.), languages (Python, C#, Ruby, Java, JavaScript, etc.), and browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc.) It is capable of parallel test execution, which can boost Python developer productivity by saving time, and it integrates with popular testing frameworks like TestNG and JUnit.
There is a headless mode that lets you execute tests without a visible browser interface and the WebDriver tool that enables browser automation. Selenium also integrates with popular reporting tools, giving you added insights via detailed reports and logs.
Pros of Selenium
Selenium’s advantages as a Python productivity tool include:
- Open-source format
- Parallel testing
- Flexibility
- Active community
Selenium is open-source, making it a solid time-saving solution for Python developers looking to automate testing with limited budgets. Its parallel testing can save a ton of time, as can the flexibility the tool provides via support for a wide range of automated testing scenarios, including cross-browser, performance, functional, etc. Selenium’s large, active community can also save the day when you need additional resources, support, or documentation should you get stuck or need help getting started.
Cons of Selenium
Selenium’s disadvantages include:
- Considerable learning curve
- Configuration complexity
- No support for mobile and desktop testing
If you are new to automated testing, it may take a while to get used to Selenium’s features and potentially complex configuration. Coding knowledge, which is something that all users may not have, will be helpful. Selenium also focuses on web application testing, so if you want to execute mobile and desktop testing, you should look at more compatible alternatives.
Pricing of Selenium
Selenium is an open-source Python automation tool that is free to download and use. However, it is worth noting that you may incur additional costs when using Selenium to fulfill supplemental automated testing needs.
For example, if you want to use third-party tools or libraries to extend Selenium, those could increase your costs. If you prefer cloud-based testing, premium services like BrowserStack or Sauce Labs could increase your costs. Infrastructure, such as dedicated machines or servers for running tests, could increase your costs as well, as could having to pay someone to create and maintain test frameworks, scripts, test cases, etc. Additionally, if you find Selenium is too complex for you to use effectively from the start, you may have to pay for professional training and support or invest extra time and money to adapt to the Python automation tool to your requirements.
Read our Selenium Review for more.
ClickUp
Best for Python developers seeking a feature-rich, all-in-one project management solution with capabilities for team collaboration, task management, and time-saving automation.
ClickUp is a highly-rated project management software solution that is loaded with tons of features to help boost Python developer productivity and team collaboration, including multiple views, task management, templates, time tracking, automations, third-party integrations, and more that can be used to integrate project management and development best practices into a more cohesive, user-friendly platform.
Features of ClickUp
ClickUp’s productivity-boosting highlights include:
- Templates
- Views
- Team collaboration
- Task management
- Gantt charts
- Automations
- Time tracking
- Reporting
- Integrations
ClickUp’s vast collection of templates can save Python developers time right out of the gate, while its 15-plus views offer many ways to track progress and gain instant insights. Development teams can increase efficiency and stay on the same page via the PM software’s collaboration features, which include whiteboards, notes, proofing, comments, chat, and email capabilities. Project managers can additionally benefit from drag-and-drop Gantt charts with critical path capabilities to prioritize tasks.
ClickUp has comprehensive task management capabilities for multiple assignees, subtasks, sprints, milestones, and more, allowing users to automate everyday, recurring tasks with the software to save time. Integrated time tracking lets you measure productivity and efficiency, while real-time reporting offers deeper insights into progress. ClickUp also integrates with popular third-party Python dev tools like Bitbucket, GitHub, and GitLab for added convenience.
Pros of ClickUp
ClickUp’s pros include:
- Free Forever plan
- Team collaboration
- Multiple view options
- Excellent support
Python developers looking to boost productivity without paying a penny will enjoy ClickUp’s generous Free Forever plan. Development teams looking to boost communication to become more productive will enjoy ClickUp’s many collaborative features that eliminate the need to switch between different apps to stay on the same page. ClickUp’s multitude of views is another huge plus, as is its support, which is among the best in the industry.
Cons of ClickUp
ClickUp’s cons include:
- Considerable learning curve
- Lengthy configuration process
- Speed concerns
Beginners new to project management software may encounter a steep learning curve when adapting to all of ClickUp’s features. Setting up the software and getting started can be cumbersome, and ClickUp’s speed and loading times have also been noted as areas for improvement.
Pricing of ClickUp
Python developers looking to boost productivity via ClickUp’s long list of features can do so via one of its following pricing plans:
- Free Forever: No cost for personal use.
- Unlimited: $7 per user per month, billed annually, or $10 per user billed monthly.
- Business: $12 per user per month, billed annually, or $19 per user billed monthly.
- Enterprise: Pricing information only available upon request.
The Free Forever plan offers unlimited tasks and free plan members, collaborative docs, real-time chat, whiteboards, 100 MB of storage, sprint management, kanban boards, calendar view, everything view, in-app video recording, and around-the-clock support. The Unlimited plan for small teams adds unlimited dashboards, Gantt charts, custom fields, integrations, and storage. It also offers email, native time tracking, form view, Agile reporting, resource management, guests with permissions, goals, and portfolios.
The Business plan for midsize teams adds access for unlimited teams, advanced time tracking, automations, public sharing, and dashboard features, plus workload management, timelines, mind maps, custom exporting, goal folders, and Google SSO. The Enterprise plan for large teams adds advanced permissions, white labeling, unlimited custom roles, single sign-on, default personal views, team sharing for spaces, managed services access, live onboarding training, and a customer success manager.
Check out our ClickUp Review for more.
What to Look for in Python Productivity Tools
With so many Python developer tools for productivity, how can you filter through them all to find the right fit? The answer is to consider several factors, beginning with features or functionality. Consider your Python development needs first and where you are looking to become more productive so you can narrow your search. If you are looking for enhanced collaboration features, task management, multiple views, resource management, file sharing, time-saving automation for recurring tasks, reporting, and the like, consider a project management tool like ClickUp or something similar.
Conversely, if you want to boost productivity by increasing efficiency and saving time in areas like code editing, code analysis, debugging, refactoring, etc., you may want to consider a Python integrated development environment like PyCharm. And if you want to enable time-saving automation for an essential development task like testing, Selenium and similar Python dev tools may be right up your alley.
Once you determine your desired functionality or features, look for reviews on Python developer tools within that niche to find one that is user-friendly with an intuitive interface. As you read reviews, check for comments on performance and resource usage to ensure the tool will not hinder your productivity.
Ensure that whatever tool you choose is compatible with your preferred operating system, version control system, and other existing tools and that it has solid documentation and support from a large, active community that can offer additional resources if needed. Lastly, check to see that the Python productivity tool works with your budget. Some Python dev tools are free and open-source, while some charge a premium fee.
Final Thoughts on the Top Productivity Tools for Python Developers
Each of the Python developer tools listed above can help boost your productivity in its own unique ways. Whether you are looking to become more efficient at coding, automate routine tasks, boost team collaboration, or streamline your workflows, you can unlock such functionality with PyCharm, Selenium, ClickUp, and/or other Python dev tools on the market. Before choosing a tool to boost your productivity, make sure it meets your needs regarding user-friendliness, pricing, and features.
Read next: 10 Must-Have Tools for Software Development