Code::Blocks vs PyCharm
Code::Blocks
codeblocks.org
PyCharm
jetbrains.comSide by side
| Figure | Code::Blocks | PyCharm |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $8.33/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 5 |
| Spec score · IDE Software | 7.9 (#24) | 8.9 (#6) |
| Spec score · Integrated Development Environments | 7.9 (#30) | 8.9 (#5) |
| Debugging | The debugger interfaces with GNU GDB and also supports MS CDB, which the site says is not fully featured. | PyCharm includes a configurable visual debugger that works locally, remotely, in virtual environments, and in containers. |
| Extensibility | The IDE uses a plugin framework, and functionality can be added by installing or writing plugins. | The IntelliJ Platform exposes more than 1,700 extension points for adding tool windows, settings pages, language support, and other IDE behavior. |
| License | Code::Blocks is distributed under GNU GPL version 3; its SDK is under GNU LGPL version 3, which allows linking by closed-source plugins. | The open-source PyCharm build consists of open-source software governed by the Apache 2.0 license; proprietary Pro functionality is distributed separately. |
| Purpose | Code::Blocks is a free IDE for C, C++ and Fortran. | PyCharm is an IDE built for web, data, and AI/ML professionals. |
| Support | The site directs users to its manual, wiki and forums for documentation, help and discussion. | PyCharm lists a community forum, bug and issue tracker, plugin repository, and PyCharm blog as support resources. |
Plans
PyCharm
- PyCharm coreFree
- PyCharm FreeFree
- PyCharm Pro personal annual first year$100 a year
- PyCharm Pro$200 a year
- PyCharm Pro commercial annual$200 a year
In their own words
Code::Blocks
Code::Blocks is a free IDE for C, C++ and Fortran on Linux, macOS and Windows. Its editor provides syntax highlighting, code folding, tabs, code completion, a class browser, and smart indent. A custom build system supports parallel builds, multi-target projects, workspaces, and inter-project dependencies. Listed compiler options include GCC, MSVC++, clang, Digital Mars, Borland C++ 5.5, and Open Watcom. The debugger interfaces with GNU GDB and also supports MS CDB, which the site describes as not fully featured. Code::Blocks imports MSVC projects and workspaces, although assembly code is not supported in those imports, and it imports Dev-C++ projects. A plugin framework allows added functionality through installed or written plugins; some are included in official releases and others are maintained externally. The software uses GNU GPL version 3, while its SDK uses GNU LGPL version 3, allowing closed-source plugins to link against it. Documentation is provided through a manual, wiki, and forums.
PyCharm
PyCharm is an IDE for web, data, and AI/ML professionals, with tools for Python development. It provides code completion, PEP 8 checks, inspections, and refactoring, alongside debugging and testing. The IDE includes an integrated terminal, package managers, Docker integration, and support for Pipenv, conda, virtualenv, and Poetry. Version control includes Git, GitHub, GitLab, Subversion, Mercurial, and Perforce; database tools cover MySQL, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, Oracle, Redis, and other providers. Local AI code completion can run local LLMs without sending code over the internet. Remote development supports several listed services, and remote connections use end-to-end TLS 1.3 with SSH security and host-fingerprint verification. PyCharm runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows. Its free plan costs nothing and includes one month of Pro. The listed Pro plan costs $200 a year, billed per user per year. PyCharm Ultimate can be evaluated free for 30 days before purchase and license activation are required.