In this blog, we’ll explore the best Python IDEs for Windows in 2025. And we’ll also introduce Keploy, an open-source tool that helps you automatically generate tests—perfect for backend Python developers using frameworks like Flask, FastAPI, or Django.
What Makes a Great Python IDE for Windows?
Before diving into the top IDEs, here are a few essential features that make for a solid Python experience on Windows:
- Easy installation on Windows 10/11
- Python interpreter management and virtual environment support
- Code autocompletion, linting, and debugging
- Git/version control integration
- Ability to work seamlessly with tools like Keploy for testing and automation
Now, let’s look at the top Python IDEs that shine on Windows.
- Visual Studio Code (VS Code)
Overview:
VS Code is Microsoft’s powerful and lightweight code editor that transforms into a full Python IDE with a single extension. It’s one of the most popular choices on Windows.
Why It’s Great:
- Python extension adds IntelliSense, linting, Jupyter support, and debugging
- Built-in terminal and Git integration
- Runs flawlessly on all versions of Windows
- Supports extensions like Keploy CLI, which you can run right inside the terminal
Best For:
Developers of all levels who want flexibility and a rich ecosystem of tools.
- PyCharm Community Edition
Overview:
PyCharm is a dedicated Python IDE by JetBrains. Its free Community Edition offers excellent core features for Python development.
Why It’s Great:
- Smart code navigation and refactoring
- Virtual environment and interpreter management
- Git support and test runner integration
- Pairs well with Keploy for test-driven backend development
Pro Tip:
Run Keploy from PyCharm’s terminal to capture API requests and generate tests automatically, especially when working with Django or FastAPI.
Best For:
Professional developers working on structured Python projects or APIs.
- Thonny
Overview:
Thonny is a minimal Python IDE designed for beginners. It comes bundled with Python and is extremely easy to install on Windows.
Why It’s Great:
- Beginner-friendly interface
- Visual debugger and variable explorer
- One-click installation
- Great for understanding how Python code executes
Best For:
New programmers and students learning Python basics.
- JupyterLab
Overview:
If you’re doing data science, JupyterLab is a must-have. It allows you to write and execute Python code in interactive notebooks with charts, markdown, and real-time output.
Why It’s Great:
- Ideal for exploratory analysis and machine learning
- Rich plugin support for charts, LaTeX, and SQL
- Easily installable via Anaconda on Windows
- Can be paired with Keploy for testing backend components used in ML models
Best For:
Data scientists and researchers using Python for experimentation.
- Spyder
Overview:
Spyder is a scientific Python IDE that looks and feels like MATLAB. It’s often used in engineering and academia.
Why It’s Great:
- Variable explorer and real-time plot support
- Integrated console and debugger
- Bundled with Anaconda, optimized for Windows
- Works well in tandem with testing tools like Keploy for building robust scientific applications
Best For:
Engineers and academic professionals doing data-heavy computation.
Bonus: Keploy – Auto-Generate Tests for Python APIs
Keploy is a developer-first, open-source tool that helps backend developers eliminate manual test writing. It records real API traffic from your Python application and automatically creates:
- End-to-End test cases
- Mocks for external dependencies
- Unit and integration tests based on real-world scenarios
Why Windows Developers Love Keploy:
- Runs seamlessly in Windows terminals like CMD, PowerShell, or Git Bash
- Works with Flask, FastAPI, and Django apps developed in any IDE
- Helps achieve 80%+ test coverage without writing tests manually
- Integrates well with tools like VS Code and PyCharm
Example Use Case:
Building a REST API in FastAPI? Use Keploy to capture real API calls in development and replay them as test cases—no need to write test functions by hand.
???? Get started with Keploy on GitHub
Final Comparison
| IDE | Best For | Keploy Compatible | Windows Support |
| VS Code | General development | ✅ | ✅ |
| PyCharm CE | Professional Python apps | ✅ | ✅ |
| Thonny | Beginners & students | ⚠️ Manual only | ✅ |
| JupyterLab | Data science notebooks | ✅ | ✅ |
| Spyder | Scientific computing | ✅ | ✅ |
Final Thoughts
Windows is a fantastic platform for Python development, and in 2025, there’s no shortage of powerful, free IDEs to choose from. Whether you're starting out or building production-grade applications, these tools have you covered.
And with Keploy by your side, you can take your projects one step further—by automating your testing pipeline and ensuring your code is reliable and bug-free from day one.
So pick your IDE, set up your environment, plug in Keploy, and start building smarter with Python on Windows!
Read more on https://keploy.io/blog/community/top-5-best-ides-to-use-for-python-in-2024