VS Code is a lightweight, versatile IDE good for Python and web development on Raspberry Pi. PyCharm offers powerful tools for Django but needs a stronger Pi. IDLE is simple and pre-installed, best for quick scripts and beginners.
1. Visual Studio Code (VS Code)
- Lightweight and highly customizable
- Excellent support for Python, Django, and frontend stacks like HTMX and AlpineJS
- Runs directly on Raspberry Pi or remotely via SSH from another machine
- Rich extension ecosystem (Python, Git, Docker, etc.)
2. PyCharm (Community Edition)
- Full-featured IDE tailored for Python and Django development
- Includes smart code navigation, debugging, and virtual environment support
- Resource-intensive — best on Raspberry Pi 4 or newer with sufficient RAM
3. IDLE (Integrated Development and Learning Environment)
- Comes pre-installed with Python
- Very lightweight and simple to use
- Good for basic scripting and quick testing, though limited for larger projects
