Python programmers are a positive bunch, but let’s face it: Even the most optimistic of us can have a bad day and get bogged down.

Large projects can suck you in, take you on a ride of ups and downs and then spit you out the other side, a hollow version of your former enthusiastic self. To minimize burn-out, and to keep yourself in tip-top shape, it’s essential to get organized.

There are so many tools floating around for all types of programming languages that sometimes, it’s hard to know which ones work. The biggest problem for busy programmers can be just finding the time to stop, look around, and see what’s what.

Work these days is fast-paced, competition is fierce, and having a sleek, productive system is a must. In this article, we’re going to take a quick look at some of the tools available to Python programmers, and the courses out there if you want to get into this versatile, in-demand method of programming.

Let’s face it; Python has been around for long enough to suggest that it isn’t going away any time soon. This list may or may not offer some options you’ll instantly want to check out. If it doesn’t, it’s going to be a great place to start your search.

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IDEs and text editors for Python: Environment is everything

So, you’re either an established user of Python, or you’re looking to get in on the action. To be productive and to make the most of what Python offers, you’re going to need to create a functional programming environment so that you can keep your output up. Let’s start by looking at some IDEs and text editors – the mainstay of any great programmer’s setup.

Available for Windows, Linux and the Mac, Eclipse is a stalwart of the open-source scene and offers a whole world of add-ons and extensions. There’s a reason this tool gets so widely used, and you’re going to have the options to create a tailored setup if Eclipse is the way you decide to go.

The scope of extensions out there makes Eclipse one of the most versatile options for an extensive range of programming areas. The fact it’s so popular offers the advantage of a well-established community and great support for those who want to push the boundaries and experiment.

One of the proven add-ons available to Eclipse users is the excellent PyDev. You get code completion, debugging, and the interface makes working easy. Extensions on Eclipse tend to be very pleasant to install, and PyDev isn’t a big task for a well-versed Python user to learn.

Eclipse is an excellent route for accomplished developers when getting into Python or just for when they want to make life easier.

Pycharm is a specialized IDE, designed for Python programmers, and used by Python programmers all over. If you’re upping your Python game, the good news is that Pycharm is available in a neat, very capable free version. This provides a good option for those who want to try it because there’s an all singing, all dancing paid professional version you can turn to if you like what you see.

Known for ease of installation, Pycharm will pose no problems no matter if your platform is Windows, Mac or Linux. There’s an absolutely huge community behind Pycharm, and you’ll never be short of advice. It does everything you’ll need it to do, and it’s not too much of a shot in the dark to commit.

Beginners might not want to jump straight into a full IDE environment, and if you want a more straightforward interface on which to start exploring what Python can do, Visual Studio Code might just be for you.

Many developers head straight for Visual Studio Code because it offers an open-source way into Python, that has a very attractive range of add-ons. This versatile and well-supported text editor is an extremely viable route into Python for less seasoned programmers. Worth checking out.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s always room to learn. Depending on your level of competence with Python, you’re going to need the right course for you if you want to progress. The web is full of resources when it comes to improving your knowledge, but we’re going to look at a few of the best courses and tutorials out there.

To get ahead, you need to know more than the next guy, so let’s take a look at some of the best Python programming courses around.

When you want to learn Python from the ground up, this course is an invaluable resource – and it’s free. For those starting out on their Python journey, this excellent option on Udemy is a brilliant first stop, and you get a lot of bang for no bucks.

This course starts out with the basics and takes you right through to advanced techniques and concepts. Even the experienced may learn a trick or two – if you’re going to put some time aside to learn Python – head over here.

You don’t have to be a complete novice at Python to increase your knowledge. Machine learning is advancing technology, and for developers who know more than a thing or two and want to get better placed to take advantage of AI, this Udemy course is worth a look.

You get libraries here which will further your abilities and give you a foot-in-the-door of AI. If you want to keep using Python but get another string to your bow, this course is something you definitely should be checking out.

Whichever tools you use to make your programming time more productive, remember to have fun while you work. Having the right tools in place can allow you more time to be creative, and hopefully, give you the edge you’ll need to get to the top of your game.