anaconda-vs-pycharm

PyCharm and Anaconda are both tools used to aid Python developers.  Though they are independent tools, PyCharm and AnaConda can be used together for projects that can benefit from both tools.  PyCharm is an IDE built to make it easier to write Python code, by providing a text editor and debugging, among other features.  Anaconda is a Python distribution focused on data driven projects. Both tools popular with businesses of all sizes that use Python.

Features and Limitations

PyCharm and Anaconda both provide specialized features for Python development, but provide different base functionalities.

PyCharm is an IDE, meaning it is interfaced with directly by developers writing Python code.  PyCharm provides a text editor including coding assistance features such as code navigation through search, and color coding.  Additionally, PyCharm provides support for multiple platforms, as well as complementary front end coding languages such as HTML and JavaScript.  In essence, PyCharm is designed to make it as easy as possible to code in Python, though it does not include any packages by default.  PyCharm also includes built-in support for Anaconda.

Anaconda includes a basic text editor, but its primary role is that of a Python distribution.  Projects using Anaconda can access data science packages of their choice from a library of over 400 popular packages.  Data science projects can use Anaconda to easily load packages to save time and reduce written code.  Anaconda is an ideal tool for performing data science tasks whether a business is using PyCharm or not, but it isn’t ideal for non-data oriented projects.

Pricing

PyCharm professional is priced at $199.00 per year, though its price reduces each year beyond the first. 

Anaconda is free to use for individuals, but pricing for teams starts at $10,000.  Enterprises that need unique features such as custom repositories can reach out to the vendor for a quote.