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Eclipse IDE vs PyCharm

Eclipse IDE logo

Eclipse IDE

Software

Open-source, extensible IDE historically centered on Java development

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
PyCharm logo

PyCharm

Software

The IDE for Professional Python Development

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Eclipse IDE startup time and UI responsiveness lag behind newer editors like VS Code.; PyCharm pyCharm Pro commercial licence is USD 299/year (USD 29.90/month); personal licence is USD 109/year dropping to USD 68.25 by year three with loyalty discounts, per jetbrains.com/store inline pricing JSON checked 19 Aug 2026
  • They diverge on capability: Eclipse IDE covers Java Development Tools (JDT), PyCharm covers Intelligent code editor.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Eclipse IDE and PyCharm actually diverge.

Attributes where Eclipse IDE and PyCharm differ
AttributeEclipse IDEPyCharm
Pricing modelopen-sourcesubscription
Platformswindows, mac, linuxWindows, Macos, Linux
Founded20012010

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Eclipse IDE

  • Java Development Tools (JDT)
  • Plugin Architecture
  • Git Integration
  • Refactoring Tools
  • Workspace and Project Management

Only in PyCharm

  • Intelligent code editor
  • Smart code navigation
  • Fast and safe refactorings
  • Debugging and testing
  • VCS integration
  • Scientific development tools
  • Web development support
  • Database tools

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Eclipse IDE

  • Enterprise Java application developmentnot PyCharm
  • Academic and educational programming coursesnot PyCharm
  • Extending the IDE for niche languages via pluginsnot PyCharm
  • Multi-module builds with Maven or Gradlenot PyCharm

PyCharm

  • Python developmentnot Eclipse IDE
  • Data science projectsnot Eclipse IDE
  • Web developmentnot Eclipse IDE
  • Machine learningnot Eclipse IDE
  • Scientific computingnot Eclipse IDE

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Eclipse IDE

  • Startup time and UI responsiveness lag behind newer editors like VS Code.
  • Plugin quality and compatibility can be inconsistent across versions.
  • Modern language support (e.g. for web frameworks) is weaker than dedicated tools.
  • Configuration and workspace setup has a steeper learning curve for newcomers.

PyCharm

  • PyCharm Pro commercial licence is USD 299/year (USD 29.90/month); personal licence is USD 109/year dropping to USD 68.25 by year three with loyalty discounts, per jetbrains.com/store inline pricing JSON checked 19 Aug 2026

Pricing, plan by plan

Eclipse IDE

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full IDE and plugin ecosystem, no paid tiers

PyCharm

Free
  • CommunityFree
    • Intelligent Python editor
    • Graphical debugger and test runner
    • Navigation and refactoring
  • Professional$24.9/month
    • Everything in Community
    • Web development frameworks
    • Database tools

Which should you pick?

Choose Eclipse IDE if

  • You need java development tools (jdt).
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on windows, mac, linux.
  • You also want plugin architecture.
Eclipse IDE review

Choose PyCharm if

  • You need intelligent code editor.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux.
  • You also want smart code navigation.
PyCharm review

Questions people ask

Is Eclipse IDE or PyCharm better?
Neither clearly leads. Eclipse IDE starts at Free and PyCharm at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Eclipse IDE or PyCharm?
Eclipse IDE starts at Free and PyCharm at Free.
Does Eclipse IDE or PyCharm run on more platforms?
Eclipse IDE runs on windows, mac, linux. PyCharm runs on Windows, Macos, Linux.
Can I use Eclipse IDE for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Eclipse IDE best used for?
Eclipse IDE is most often used for enterprise java application development, academic and educational programming courses, extending the ide for niche languages via plugins, multi-module builds with maven or gradle. Of those, enterprise java application development and academic and educational programming courses are not what PyCharm is typically brought in for.
What can Eclipse IDE do that PyCharm cannot?
Eclipse IDE covers Java Development Tools (JDT), Plugin Architecture, Git Integration, Refactoring Tools. PyCharm covers Intelligent code editor, Smart code navigation, Fast and safe refactorings, Debugging and testing.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Eclipse IDE: Is Eclipse IDE free to use, including commercially?

Yes, Eclipse is released under the Eclipse Public License 2.0, a free and open-source license that permits commercial use with no purchase required.

Source
Eclipse IDE: How do I extend Eclipse with plugins?

Extensions are installed from the Eclipse Marketplace, which hosts over 1,300 solutions spanning tools, languages, IoT support, and RCP applications, using drag-and-drop installation via the Marketplace Client.

Source
Eclipse IDE: What license do Eclipse Marketplace plugins use?

Marketplace listings can be filtered by license type, including EPL, GPL, Apache 2.0, and MIT, since individual plugin authors choose their own licensing terms.

Source
Eclipse IDE: Where can I get help with Eclipse?

Support channels include community forums, project office hours, and a contact page maintained by the Eclipse Foundation, in addition to the official Eclipse Platform help documentation.

Source
Eclipse IDE: Is Eclipse limited to Java development?

No, while Eclipse's Java Development Tools are its best-known feature, the plugin architecture and marketplace extend it to C/C++, PHP, JavaScript, and many other languages.

Source
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