Spyder
Spyder is a free, open-source scientific Python environment for scientists, engineers and data analysts. Its editor includes code completion, real-time analysis, syntax highlighting and split panels, and can run whole files, selected lines or code cells in an IPython Console. The console adds function calltips, debugger integration, a Variable Explorer and plots. Standalone installers for Windows, macOS and Linux include common scientific libraries such as NumPy, SciPy, Pandas and Matplotlib. Spyder can also connect to local or remote Python kernels. Third-party plugins are supported, though the documentation recommends Conda-based installation for plugin use; standalone plugin installation is still under development. For browser access, Binder offers a functional Spyder session without installation, but code and data are lost when the tab is closed or left. Spyder is free to use, and its documentation says anyone can contribute. The documentation points users to an FAQ, troubleshooting guide, GitHub issue tracker and Google Group for help.
Who it is for
Spyder suits scientists, engineers and data analysts working with Python. It may fit users who want a scientific editor, interactive console and bundled scientific libraries, or who need to connect to local or remote kernels.
What is good
- Editor supports code completion and real-time analysis.
- Console includes debugger integration and a Variable Explorer.
- Standalone installers include common scientific libraries.
- Can connect to local or remote Python kernels.
- Free and open-source.
What to know first
- Binder session loses code and data when the tab is closed or left.
- Plugin use is recommended with Conda-based installation.
- Standalone plugin installation is under development.
Verdict
Spyder brings code editing, execution and scientific tools into one free Python environment. Browser users should account for Binder's loss of code and data when leaving the session.
Spyder plans and pricing
All plansCompared on Python IDEs
- Free plan
- Yes
- Integrated debugger
- Yes
- Integrated test runner
- Yes
- Code intelligence
- advanced
- Remote development
- Yes
- Integrated profiler
- Yes
- Supported platforms
- Windows, macOS, Linux, Web
- Python environment tools
- Yes
