17 Best Python IDE for Chromebook.

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Unlike Windows or Mac, ChromeOS doesn’t support traditional software the same way, so finding a good Python IDE for Chromebook is difficult. Some IDEs run online, some require Linux mode, and others work as Android apps. Choosing the right one depends on what kind of coding you’re doing, web development, data science, or just learning Python for fun.

After testing several options, we found that VS Code (with Linux mode enabled) is hands down the best overall. It’s fast, customizable, and supports tons of extensions. If you prefer something simpler without setup, Google Colab is a great alternative, especially for data science.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the 17 best choices so you can find the perfect Python IDE for Chromebook that fits your needs. Let’s dive in!

Best Online & Cloud-Based Python IDE for Chromebook

If you’re using a Chromebook and want to code in Python without installing anything, online IDEs are the best option. These run entirely in your browser, so there’s no need for Linux mode or complex setup. Here are the best ones:

1. Google Colab: Best for Data Science

Google Colab is one of the most powerful online Python IDEs, especially for machine learning, AI, and data science projects. It’s based on Jupyter Notebook and comes with pre-installed libraries like NumPy, Pandas, TensorFlow, and PyTorch.

Key Features:

Free access to GPUs and TPUs for faster computations.
Seamless integration with Google Drive for saving notebooks.
No installation required—just log in with your Google account.
Supports collaboration, allowing multiple people to edit the same notebook in real-time.

2. Jupyter Notebook: Best for Offline Use

JupyterLite is a lightweight version of Jupyter Notebook that runs entirely in your browser. If you’re into data analysis or scientific computing, this is a great choice. Unlike Google Colab, JupyterLite runs fully in the browser using WebAssembly, meaning no internet connection is required after loading it.

Key Features:

Interactive notebook interface for running Python code in small chunks.
Supports popular data science libraries (though some may require manual setup).
Runs offline after the initial page load.
Good for visualizing data using Matplotlib and Seaborn.

3. Replit: Best for Beginners

Replit is one of the best Python cloud-based IDEs for beginners using chromebook. It works directly in your browser and supports over 50 programming languages, including Python. The interface is simple, and you can code alone or collaborate with friends in real-time.

Key Features:

Beginner-friendly with an intuitive interface.
Built-in package manager for installing Python libraries easily.
Auto-save feature, so you never lose your work.
Multiplayer mode—code with others in real-time, making it great for group projects.
Works on any device, including Chromebooks.

4. PythonAnywhere: Best for Cloud-Based Automation

PythonAnywhere is a web-based platform that lets you write and run Python scripts in the cloud. It’s designed for convenience, allowing you to access your projects from any device. The free version has limitations, but the paid plans offer more storage, scheduled tasks, and better performance.

Key Features:

No setup required, write and run Python code instantly.
Built-in Bash console for running scripts and managing files.
Host web apps using Flask or Django directly from the IDE.
Scheduled task feature for automating scripts.

5. CodeSandbox: Best for Web Development

CodeSandbox is a cloud-based development environment designed mainly for JavaScript, but it also supports Python. If you’re building a web app with a Python backend (such as using Flask or FastAPI), CodeSandbox is a great option.

Key Features:
Fast and responsive web-based editor.
Supports Python-based web development frameworks like Flask.
Built-in terminal for running Python scripts.
Direct integration with GitHub for version control.

Best Linux-Based Python IDE for Chromebook

1. PyCharm: Best for Professionals

PyCharm is one of the most powerful Python IDEs, designed for professional developers. The Community Edition is free and comes with essential features like intelligent code completion, debugging tools, and Git integration.

Key Features:

Smart code suggestions and auto-completion.
Built-in debugger and testing tools.
Supports Django, Flask, and other frameworks.
Git integration for version control.
Highly customizable with plugins and themes.

2. Visual Studio Code: Best for Versatility

VS Code is one of the most popular and lightweight code editors, offering powerful features while keeping performance smooth. It supports Python through extensions and provides an experience similar to PyCharm but with more flexibility.

Key Features:

Fast and lightweight, runs smoothly on Chromebooks.
Supports Python extensions for linting, debugging, and virtual environments.
Built-in terminal and Git support.
Highly customizable with themes, extensions, and key bindings.
Works well with Jupyter Notebooks for data science projects.

3. Thonny: Best Linux-Based Python IDE for Beginners

Thonny is a fantastic IDE for beginners, designed to make learning Python easy. It comes with a built-in Python interpreter and a simple user interface that helps users focus on coding without distractions.

Key Features:

Clean, minimal interface, perfect for learning.
Built-in debugger that highlights variable changes step by step.
Pre-installed with Python, so no additional setup is needed.
Simple package manager for installing Python libraries.

4. Geany: Best for Speed & Efficiency

Geany is a super lightweight and fast text editor that supports Python. It’s perfect for those who want a simple IDE without unnecessary bloat. Unlike PyCharm and VS Code, Geany focuses on speed while still providing essential coding features.

Key Features:

Extremely lightweight—runs smoothly on low-end Chromebooks.
Simple interface with syntax highlighting and auto-completion.
Built-in terminal for running Python scripts.
Supports multiple programming languages besides Python.

5. Spyder: Best for Data Science

Spyder is a Python IDE built specifically for scientific computing, making it a great choice for data science, engineering, and research. It comes with built-in support for libraries like NumPy, SciPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib.

Key Features:

Interactive coding experience similar to MATLAB.
Variable explorer for viewing and analyzing data.
Built-in integration with Jupyter Notebooks.
Supports multi-language coding (Python, R, etc.).

Best Android-Based Python IDEs on the Google Play Store

If you’re using a Chromebook that supports Android apps, you can install Python IDEs directly from the Google Play Store. Here are the best options:

1. Pydroid 3

Pydroid 3 is the most powerful Python IDE available on Android and works well on Chromebooks. It provides a full Python environment with a built-in interpreter, making it perfect for offline coding.

Key Features:

Full-featured Python 3 interpreter.
Supports external libraries like NumPy, SciPy, and Matplotlib.
Built-in PIP package manager for installing modules.
Interactive REPL (Read-Eval-Print Loop) for testing code quickly.

2. AIDE – Python

AIDE (Android IDE) supports multiple programming languages, including Python. It provides a professional coding experience with real-time error checking, debugging, and an intuitive interface.

Key Features:

Syntax highlighting and auto-completion.
Real-time error checking and debugging tools.
Can work offline once installed.
Supports Android app development using Python.

3. QPython 3L

QPython 3L is an Android-based Python IDE with built-in libraries for automation, scripting, and data processing. It supports both console-based and script-based execution, making it a flexible option.

Key Features:

Comes with useful pre-installed libraries.
Allows script automation and task scheduling.
Includes a built-in terminal and editor.
Supports SL4A (Scripting Layer for Android) for advanced mobile scripting.

4. Juno

Juno is a Jupyter Notebook client designed for Chromebooks. If you prefer working with Jupyter for data science or interactive coding, Juno provides a smooth experience with cloud integration.

Key Features:

Works seamlessly with Google Drive and JupyterHub.
Fully interactive notebook experience.
Supports Markdown, code cells, and rich visualizations.
Minimal setup—just install and start coding.

Best Web-Based Code Editors with Python Support

If you want a Python IDE for Chromebook that combines flexibility and collaboration, web-based code editors are a great choice. These platforms have cloud-based development environments that work directly in your browser.

1. GitHub Codespaces

GitHub Codespaces is a cloud-powered version of VS Code that runs in your browser. It provides a full development environment with GitHub integration, making it an excellent option for serious developers.

Key Features:

Runs a full VS Code experience in the browser.
Direct access to GitHub repositories for seamless development.
Supports extensions, debugging, and virtual environments.
Highly scalable with cloud-based execution.

2. Glitch – Ideal for Collaborative Python Projects

Glitch is a web-based coding platform that allows real-time collaboration. While it’s mainly used for JavaScript and web projects, it also supports Python-based applications, making it useful for backend development.

Key Features:

Real-time editing with team collaboration.
Built-in hosting for instant project deployment.
Supports Flask and other Python-based web frameworks.
Beginner-friendly interface with guided tutorials.

3. Coder – Browser-Based VS Code for Chromebook Users

Coder is a cloud-based platform that lets you run VS Code in the browser. It’s ideal for Chromebook users who want a familiar development environment without needing to install anything locally.

Key Features:

Full VS Code experience with remote development.
Works on any device, including Chromebooks.
Supports Python extensions, debugging, and terminal access.
Secure cloud-based execution.

Conclusion

Choosing the right Python IDE for Chromebook depends on your needs and how you prefer to code. If you want a hassle-free experience without installations, Google Colab or Replit are great cloud-based options. If you’re looking for a full-featured IDE, enabling Linux Mode allows you to use powerful tools like PyCharm or VS Code. For those who prefer mobile-friendly setups, Pydroid 3 or Juno (for Jupyter notebooks) are excellent choices.

Ultimately, whether you’re a beginner learning Python, a data scientist working on research, or a developer building web applications, there’s a perfect IDE for you. Pick the one that fits your workflow, and happy coding on your Chromebook!

victor peter

17 Best Python IDE for Chromebook (Online, Offline & Linux-Based)