How to Install PyCharm Editor: A Beginner-Friendly Guide

This guide will walk you through the steps to download, install, and configure PyCharm for your Selenium projects.

Why PyCharm?

PyCharm is a powerful Integrated Development Environment (IDE) specifically designed for Python development. It offers various features such as intelligent code completion, on-the-fly error checking, and built-in tools for debugging and testing.

PyCharm is especially beneficial for beginners in programming who prefer a streamlined experience over dealing with numerous extensions found in general-purpose editors catering to multiple languages. If you’re already comfortable using another editor, feel free to skip this guide.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Step 1: Download PyCharm

1. Go to the Official Website: Open your web browser and navigate to the JetBrains PyCharm download page.
2. Choose Your Version: You will see two editions available. At the top you will find PyCharm Professional, scroll down a bit to find PyCharm Community Edition.
   • PyCharm Professional: This version is paid and includes additional features for web development and advanced tools.
   • PyCharm Community Edition: This version is free and open-source, ideal for beginners and educational purposes.

   For most beginners, the Community edition is sufficient.

   We will be using PyCharm Community Edition for our tutorials.
3. Download Installer: Click the download button for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux). The Windows 64 installer is around 460 MB.

Step 2: Install PyCharm

1. Run the Installer: Locate the downloaded installer file and double-click it to run.
2. Setup Wizard: Follow the instructions in the setup wizard.
   Click `Next`.
   • Choose the installation path. (Keep the installation path as default unless you have some project choices.)
   • Optionally, check the boxes to create a desktop shortcut and associate .py files with PyCharm. We recommend checking all boxes.
3. Finish: You would need to Reboot the system to complete the installation. Click “Finish” to exit the setup wizard.

Step 3: Initial Configuration

1. First Launch: Double click the desktop shortcut to launch PyCharm for the first time.
2. Setup Wizard: You will be prompted with a setup wizard. Go through the usual process.
3. UI Theme: On the left, go to `Customize` tab. Choose a UI theme (Dark or Light) based on your preference or simply check `Sync with OS`.

Step 4: Configure Python Interpreter

1. Open a Project: Start a new project or open an existing one.
2. Project Location:  Choose a project location on your file system.
3. Python Interpreter: Ensure you select the System interpreter. Check a quick illustration below.
   

You’re all set to start testing with Selenium!