Getting Started with PyCharm for Python Development: Setting Up Projects and Virtual Environments

PyCharm, developed by JetBrains, is a powerful and community-favorite integrated development environment (IDE) for Python. This post will guide you through the process of setting up a Python project, creating a virtual environment for code isolation, and installing essential libraries like Pytest.

Steps to create project in PyCharm:

Step 1: Installing PyCharm

Visit the JetBrains website, download the PyCharm Community Edition (it's free!), and follow the installation wizard for your operating system. URL: https://www.jetbrains.com/pycharm/download/other.html

Step 2: Creating a New Project

Launch PyCharm and click on "Create New Project." Select "Python" as the project type and specify the location for your project files.

PyCharm Create Project window — PyCharm Create Project

Step 3: Setting Up the Virtual Environment

During project creation, PyCharm will prompt you to create a virtual environment. Choose the option to create one for the new project. A virtual environment ensures that your project's dependencies remain isolated from other Python projects on your system.

Step 4: Installing Pytest, Selenium and Configparser

With the virtual environment set up, you can now install libraries like Pytest for testing. In the PyCharm terminal, type

pip install pytest

and then the other libraries (Selenium, configparser)

to install Pytest and required dependencies within the virtual environment.

PyCharm Screen depicting open terminal — PyCharm Terminal

Config parser I will use to organize test data, leverage its abilities to manage data such as URLs, usernames, and passwords in configuration file(s). This will enhance maintainability and reusability of test scripts.
Selenium is still the most popular library for web ui testing providing robust api.

Step 5: Managing Project Libraries

To install additional libraries, use the terminal within PyCharm and

 pip install <library-name>

(or Python packages). PyCharm will automatically manage your project's dependencies within the virtual environment.

PyCharm screen depicting package manager — PyCharm Python Packages

Step 6: Creating Python Files

Create a new Python file in your project and start coding! PyCharm offers powerful code completion, code inspection, and debugging tools to enhance your productivity.

PyCharm screen depicitng how to add a file — PyCharm Add New File

Step 7: Running Tests with Pytest

Write your test functions using Pytest's simple and expressive syntax. To run the tests, click on the green arrow next to the test function or file, and PyCharm will execute them for you. (example is from unittest however, for pytest it will look identical. Most the time though we will run tests via runner)

PyCharm screen depicting test class with options to run the code — PyCharm Test class

Step 8: Debugging Your Code

When you encounter issues, PyCharm's built-in debugger is your best friend. Place breakpoints, inspect variables, and step through your code to find and fix bugs.

PyCharm screen depicting debug tab — PyCharm Debug tab

Conclusion:

PyCharm is an excellent choice for Python development, offering a user-friendly environment and a range of powerful features. By setting up projects, virtual environments, and installing libraries like Pytest, you'll have everything you need to build robust and efficient Python applications.

Remember to explore PyCharm's extensive documentation and community support to unlock its full potential. Happy coding with PyCharm!