If you’re a Python developer working on Ubuntu, you’ve probably heard about PyCharm – and for good reason! This powerful IDE has become the go-to choice for millions of developers worldwide. But here’s the thing: installing PyCharm on Ubuntu isn’t just about downloading and clicking “install.” There are multiple ways to get it up and running, and choosing the right method can make all the difference in your development experience.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned developer, this guide will walk you through every possible way to install PyCharm on your Ubuntu system. We’ll cover everything from the simplest one-click installations to more advanced manual setups. Let’s dive in!

What is PyCharm and Why Choose It?

PyCharm is JetBrains’ flagship Python IDE that’s designed to make your coding life easier and more productive. Think of it as your Swiss Army knife for Python development – it’s packed with features that help you write, debug, and manage your code efficiently.

The IDE offers intelligent code completion, powerful debugging tools, and seamless integration with version control systems like Git. What sets PyCharm apart is its ability to understand your code context and provide smart suggestions that actually make sense.

PyCharm Community vs Professional Edition

Here’s where things get interesting – PyCharm comes in two flavors, and understanding the difference is crucial for making the right choice:

• PyCharm Community Edition is completely free and open-source. It includes all the essential features you need for Python development, including code completion, debugging, and even Jupyter notebook support. This edition is perfect if you’re working on pure Python projects or learning the language.
• PyCharm Professional Edition is the paid version that unlocks advanced features like database support, web development tools for Django and Flask, and scientific tools for data analysis. If you’re working on web applications or data science projects, this edition is worth the investment.

Key Features That Make PyCharm Popular

What makes developers fall in love with PyCharm? Here are the standout features:

• Smart Code Completion: PyCharm doesn’t just complete your code – it understands context and suggests the most relevant options
• Powerful Debugging: Set breakpoints, inspect variables, and step through your code with ease
• Framework Support: Built-in support for Django, Flask, and other popular Python frameworks
• Integrated Package Management: Install and manage Python packages directly from the IDE

System Requirements for PyCharm on Ubuntu

Before we jump into installation, let’s make sure your Ubuntu system can handle PyCharm. Trust me, checking this first will save you headaches later!

Minimum Requirements

According to JetBrains, here’s what you absolutely need:

• RAM: 2GB of free RAM (but seriously, you’ll want more)
• Disk Space: 3.5GB of free space
• CPU: Any modern CPU will do
• Display: 1024×768 resolution minimum
• Operating System: Any officially released Ubuntu version

Recommended Specifications

For a smooth PyCharm experience, aim for these specs:

• RAM: 8GB of total system RAM
• Storage: SSD with at least 5GB of free space
• CPU: Multi-core processor (PyCharm loves those extra cores!)
• Display: 1920×1080 resolution for comfortable coding

The good news? You don’t need to install Java separately because PyCharm comes bundled with JetBrains Runtime based on JRE 21.

Supported Ubuntu Versions

PyCharm officially supports Ubuntu 18.04 LTS, Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, and Ubuntu 24.04 LTS. If you’re running a newer version, you should be fine too!

Pre-Installation Checklist

Checking Your Python Installation

Most Ubuntu systems come with Python pre-installed, but let’s verify this. Open your terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T) and run:

python3 --version

If Python is installed, you’ll see the version number. If not, install it first:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install python3 python3-pip

Updating Your Ubuntu System

Always start with a fresh system update. This prevents compatibility issues and ensures you have the latest security patches:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Method 1: Install PyCharm Using Snap Package

This is hands-down the easiest method, and it’s my personal recommendation for most users. Why? Because Snap packages are self-contained, automatically updated, and work across different Ubuntu versions.

What Are Snap Packages?

Snap packages are like app containers – they include everything the application needs to run, which means fewer dependency conflicts and easier maintenance.

Installing PyCharm Community Edition via Snap

For the free Community Edition, simply run:

sudo snap install pycharm-community --classic

The --classic flag gives PyCharm access to your system files, which it needs to work properly.

Installing PyCharm Professional Edition via Snap

If you have a Professional license, use this command instead:

sudo snap install pycharm-professional --classic

Verifying Snap Installation

After installation, launch PyCharm by typing in your terminal:

pycharm-community

Or find it in your applications menu by searching for “PyCharm.”

Method 2: Install PyCharm Using Ubuntu Software Center

If you prefer a graphical approach, Ubuntu’s Software Center is your friend. This method is perfect for users who aren’t comfortable with command-line operations.

Accessing Ubuntu Software Center

Click on the “Activities” button in the top-left corner, then search for “Software” and open the Ubuntu Software application.

Step-by-Step Installation Process

1. In the search bar, type “PyCharm”
2. You’ll see both Community and Professional editions available
3. Click on your preferred edition
4. Click the “Install” button
5. Enter your password when prompted

Launching PyCharm from Software Center

Once installation is complete, you can launch PyCharm directly from the Software Center or find it in your applications menu.

Method 3: Install PyCharm Using Official Tarball

This method gives you the most control over your installation. It’s perfect if you want to install PyCharm in a specific location or if you’re managing multiple versions.

Downloading the Official Package

Visit the official JetBrains download page and grab the Linux tar.gz package. Choose between Community (free) and Professional (paid) editions.

Extracting and Installing the Tarball

Navigate to your Downloads folder and extract the package:

cd ~/Downloads
tar -xzf pycharm-community-*.tar.gz

For system-wide installation, move it to /opt:

sudo tar -xzf pycharm-community-*.tar.gz -C /opt/

Creating Desktop Shortcuts

Create a desktop entry for easy access:

sudo nano /usr/share/applications/pycharm-community.desktop

Add this content:

[Desktop Entry]
Name=PyCharm Community Edition
Comment=Python IDE for Professional Developers
Exec=/opt/pycharm-community-*/bin/pycharm.sh
Icon=/opt/pycharm-community-*/bin/pycharm.svg
Terminal=false
Type=Application
Categories=Development;IDE;

Setting Up PATH Variables

To launch PyCharm from anywhere in the terminal, add its bin directory to your PATH:

echo 'export PATH="/opt/pycharm-community-*/bin:$PATH"' >> ~/.bashrc
source ~/.bashrc

Method 4: Install PyCharm Using Flatpak

Flatpak is another universal package format that’s becoming increasingly popular. It offers sandboxed applications with good security isolation.

Setting Up Flatpak on Ubuntu

First, install Flatpak if it’s not already available:

sudo apt install flatpak

Add the Flathub repository:

flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

Installing PyCharm via Flatpak

Install PyCharm Community Edition:

flatpak install flathub com.jetbrains.PyCharm-Community

Launch it with:

flatpak run com.jetbrains.PyCharm-Community

Method 5: Install PyCharm Using PPA Repository

Personal Package Archives (PPAs) provide a way to install software that’s not in Ubuntu’s official repositories.

Adding PyCharm PPA

Some third-party PPAs offer PyCharm packages. However, I recommend sticking with official installation methods when possible for security reasons.

Installing via APT Command

If you choose to use a PPA, the installation process typically looks like this:

sudo apt install pycharm-community

Post-Installation Setup and Configuration

Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed PyCharm. But we’re not done yet – let’s get it configured properly.

First Launch and Initial Setup

When you first launch PyCharm, you’ll go through a setup wizard that helps configure the IDE to your preferences. This includes choosing your UI theme, setting up keybindings, and configuring plugins.

Configuring Python Interpreter

PyCharm needs to know which Python interpreter to use. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Open PyCharm
2. Create a new project or open an existing one
3. Go to File → Settings → Project → Python Interpreter
4. Click the gear icon and select “Add”
5. Choose “System Interpreter” and select your Python installation

Setting Up Virtual Environments

Virtual environments are essential for Python development. PyCharm makes creating and managing them incredibly easy:

1. In your project settings, go to Python Interpreter
2. Click the gear icon and select “Add”
3. Choose “Virtual Environment” and configure as needed

Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues

Even with the best instructions, sometimes things go wrong. Here are solutions to the most common problems:

Permission Errors

If you encounter permission errors, make sure you’re using sudo for system-wide installations or install to your home directory instead.

Java Runtime Issues

Although PyCharm comes with its own Java runtime, some systems might have conflicts. If you encounter Java-related errors, try removing conflicting Java installations.

Desktop Integration Problems

If PyCharm doesn’t appear in your applications menu after installation, try logging out and logging back in, or manually refresh your desktop database:

sudo update-desktop-database

Updating and Maintaining PyCharm

Automatic Updates vs Manual Updates

Snap packages update automatically, which is convenient but might not be ideal if you need to stick with a specific version. Tarball installations require manual updates, giving you more control.

Uninstalling PyCharm

If you need to uninstall PyCharm, the process depends on how you installed it:

• Snap: sudo snap remove pycharm-community
• Tarball: Delete the installation directory and desktop entries
• Software Center: Use the same interface to uninstall

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Which PyCharm edition should I choose – Community or Professional?

A: Choose Community Edition if you’re doing pure Python development, learning, or working on open-source projects. It’s completely free and includes all essential features like debugging, code completion, and Git integration. Go with Professional if you need web development tools (Django/Flask), database support, or scientific computing features. The Professional edition also includes remote development capabilities and advanced profiling tools.

Q2: Can I install both PyCharm Community and Professional editions on the same system?

A: Yes, you can install both editions simultaneously using different installation methods. For example, you could install Community via Snap and Professional via tarball. However, make sure to use different installation directories if installing manually to avoid conflicts. Each edition can maintain its own settings and configurations independently.

Q3: How much disk space does PyCharm actually use after installation?

A: PyCharm typically uses between 1.5GB to 2.5GB of disk space initially, but this can grow significantly with caches, indexes, and plugins. The IDE creates project-specific caches that can add several hundred megabytes per project. I recommend having at least 5GB of free space available to account for growth over time, especially if you’re working with large codebases.

Q4: Will PyCharm slow down my Ubuntu system significantly?

A: PyCharm can be resource-intensive, especially on systems with limited RAM. With 8GB of RAM, you should have a smooth experience. With 4GB, you might notice some slowdown when working with large projects. The IDE uses background indexing to provide intelligent features, which can consume CPU resources initially but improves performance long-term. You can adjust memory settings in the IDE’s configuration if needed.

Q5: How do I transfer my PyCharm settings when switching between different Ubuntu installations?

A: PyCharm stores settings in your user profile directory (~/.config/JetBrains/PyCharmCommunity or similar). You can export settings through File → Manage IDE Settings → Export Settings, which creates a ZIP file containing your configurations, keybindings, plugins, and preferences. Import this file on your new installation to replicate your setup exactly. For Snap installations, settings locations might differ slightly, but the export/import functionality works the same way.