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Eric
What it is
Eric is a free Python editor and IDE written in Python and based on Qt and Scintilla. Its maker identifies eric7, built on PyQt6, Qt6 and Python 3, as the current stable version. Editing tools include syntax highlighting, autocompletion, calltips, source folding, brace matching, error highlighting and project-wide search and replace. For development, Eric includes a Python debugger with multi-thread and multiprocessing support, profiling, code coverage, code checking, task management and unittest support. Python tools include pip and virtual environment management and an interactive shell; rope refactoring is available as an optional plugin. Core plugins provide interfaces for Mercurial, Subversion and Git repositories, and users can load extensions from the Plugin Repository. Eric also lists chat and a shared editor as cooperation functions. It runs on Linux, macOS and Windows, with installation through PyPI or a distribution archive. The maker recommends a Python virtual environment for installation, and directs Windows users to a ZIP archive. The site lists English, German, Russian and Spanish language options.
For and against
For
- Debugger supports multi-threading and multiprocessing.
- Includes profiling, code coverage and unittest support.
- Works with Mercurial, Subversion and Git repositories.
- Available for Linux, macOS and Windows.
Against
- Rope refactoring is an optional plugin.
- Windows installation instructions direct users to a ZIP archive.
- The maker recommends installation in a Python virtual environment.
The verdict
Eric combines Python editing with debugging, testing and project tools at no listed cost. Its plugin system and three-platform support offer options for different workflows, while installation guidance favors a Python virtual environment.
Who it suits
Eric may suit Python developers who want an editor with debugging, testing, profiling and version-control tools. Its stated use covers both quick editing and professional project management.
Plans and prices
eric7
No price or usage limits stated
Read 30 Sep 2026 · eric-ide.python-projects.org
On the record
- Additional integrations
- The site lists support for Google protobuf, omniORB based CORBA, PyLint and packaging interfaces through optional plug-ins, plus Django, Pyramid, and Flask among optional development tools.eric-ide.python-projects.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Collaboration
- The IDE includes chat and a shared editor as cooperation functions.eric-ide.python-projects.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Current version
- The site identifies eric7, based on PyQt6, Qt6, and Python 3, as the current stable version.eric-ide.python-projects.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Debugging and testing
- The IDE includes a Python debugger with multi-thread and multiprocessing support, profiling, code coverage, and unittest support.eric-ide.python-projects.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- Development tools
- Eric includes a class browser, project wide search and replace, a Python debugger, profiling, code coverage, code checking, task management, and unittest support.eric-ide.python-projects.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Download and installation
- The maker offers downloads through SourceForge and describes installation through PyPI or a distribution archive.eric-ide.python-projects.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- Editing
- Features include unlimited editors, configurable layouts and syntax highlighting, autocomplete, calltips, code folding, brace matching, and error highlighting.eric-ide.python-projects.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Extensions
- Eric has a plugin system, and plugins can be loaded from its Plugin Repository.eric-ide.python-projects.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- Installation
- Eric can be installed through PyPI or from a distribution archive, and the site recommends installing it in a Python virtual environment.eric-ide.python-projects.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Intended use
- The maker says Eric is designed for both quick editing and professional project management.eric-ide.python-projects.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- Languages
- The site says Eric is available in English, German, Russian, and Spanish.eric-ide.python-projects.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- License
- The official site displays a GPLv3 logo for Eric.eric-ide.python-projects.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Maker
- The site identifies Detlev Offenbach as the maker and lists an address in Freising, Germany.eric-ide.python-projects.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Operating systems
- The installation instructions cover Linux, macOS, and Windows; Windows users are directed to download the ZIP archive.eric-ide.python-projects.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Plugins
- Users can load plug-in extensions from the IDE's Plugin Repository, and the site documents a plug-in API for developers.eric-ide.python-projects.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Privacy
- The maker's website privacy policy says the site uses cookies and server logs that may include IP addresses, and describes data subject rights under GDPR.eric-ide.python-projects.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Product
- Eric is a Python editor and IDE written in Python and based on Qt and Scintilla.eric-ide.python-projects.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Python tooling
- Eric includes virtual environment management, pip support, an interactive Python shell, and an optional rope refactoring plug-in.eric-ide.python-projects.org · read 30 Sep 2026
