For beginners writing Python on a Raspberry Pi computer running the desktop version of Raspberry Pi OS, start with Thonny. Raspberry Pi OS desktop editions include it, and it brings an editor, Python shell, and step-through debugging together. For a Pico, headless Raspberry Pi OS, or browser-based coding, the right choice depends on the target and workflow.
Which IDE should you choose?
| What you’re doing | Best-supported starting point | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Learning Python on a Raspberry Pi computer with a graphical desktop | Thonny | Included in Raspberry Pi OS desktop editions, with an editor, shell, and debugging features suited to learning. Raspberry Pi OS documentation and Raspberry Pi Official Magazine’s Thonny guide describe these capabilities. |
| Starting a guided coding activity in a browser | Raspberry Pi Code Editor | Its landing page offers coding with no setup and guided Python or web paths. That does not establish offline use or parity with a desktop IDE. Raspberry Pi Code Editor |
| Programming a Raspberry Pi Pico with MicroPython | Thonny configured for Pico | Select the MicroPython (Raspberry Pi Pico) interpreter to work with the microcontroller. Raspberry Pi Official Magazine’s Pico guide |
| Programming Pico in C/C++ or using another established IDE workflow | Compare the relevant SDK and IDE workflow; Raspberry Pi material identifies Visual Studio Code and Eclipse IDE as options | The cited Raspberry Pi material does not rank these options in a current feature comparison. Raspberry Pi Official Magazine’s Pico programming overview |
| Working on Raspberry Pi OS Lite without a graphical desktop | A terminal editor and remote workflow, as needed | Lite is command-line-only, so a desktop graphical IDE recommendation does not directly apply. Raspberry Pi OS documentation |
Why Thonny is the default for learning Python on Raspberry Pi
Thonny is a practical first IDE when you’re writing Python directly on a Raspberry Pi desktop. The current Raspberry Pi OS documentation says desktop editions include Thonny; Raspberry Pi’s magazine guide describes its editor and shell, along with stepping through code and inspecting variables and objects. Those features let a learner see what a program is doing rather than relying only on its final output.
This is a platform-supported starting recommendation, not proof that Thonny is fastest or best for every project, board, or programming language. Raspberry Pi OS is the official free operating system for Raspberry Pi computers, and the documentation recommends it for most use cases. The same documentation identifies the latest major release as based on Debian Trixie and the previous release as based on Bookworm; check the current OS documentation for release details, which can change.
Raspberry Pi computer or Pico? The distinction changes the answer
A Raspberry Pi computer runs an operating system such as Raspberry Pi OS. A Raspberry Pi Pico is a microcontroller: it is a separate programming target, not a small desktop computer running Raspberry Pi OS. An IDE choice that works for Python on the computer therefore does not automatically configure a workflow for the Pico.
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#1 Best Overall
- Raspberry Pi 5 with 8GB RAM: Model SC1112 featuring a quad-core ARM Cortex-A76 processor running at 2.4GHz. Enhanced Connectivity: Includes dual 4K micro HDMI ports, USB-C power input, and high-speed USB 3.0 ports. PCIe Expansion Support: FPC connector enables M.2 NVMe SSDs when using compatible adapters. Fast Storage Options: Works with microSD cards for booting, or optional NVMe storage for advanced projects. Built for Projects & Learning: Ideal for programming, home labs, DIY electronics, automation, and Linux-based development.
For MicroPython on Pico
Thonny is a supported way to work with MicroPython on Pico, but it must be pointed at the board rather than the computer’s regular Python interpreter. In Thonny, select the MicroPython (Raspberry Pi Pico) interpreter. The documented workflow lets you use the shell to run commands or save and run code on the Pico. Raspberry Pi Official Magazine editor Lucy Hattersley recommends Thonny for this Pico/MicroPython use case; that is a use-case recommendation, not a comparative test of all IDEs. See the Pico with Thonny guide.
For C/C++ or a different Pico workflow
If your project uses C/C++ or you already work in another IDE, compare the required SDK and the IDE’s Pico workflow before choosing. Raspberry Pi magazine material identifies Visual Studio Code and Eclipse IDE as supported options, but does not provide a current head-to-head ranking. The right fit depends on your language and development setup, not the name of the board alone. The Pico programming overview is relevant background.
Rank #2
- Includes Raspberry Pi 5 with 2.4Ghz 64-bit quad-core CPU (8GB RAM)
- Includes 128GB Micro SD Card pre-loaded with 64-bit Raspberry Pi OS, USB MicroSD Card Reader
- CanaKit Turbine Black Case for the Raspberry Pi 5
- CanaKit Low Noise Bearing System Fan
- Mega Heat Sink - Black Anodized
When a browser-based editor makes sense
The Raspberry Pi Foundation’s Code Editor landing page advertises a no-setup browser start and guided Python or web coding paths. That can be useful when you want to begin a guided activity without installing a desktop IDE. The landing page does not establish whether the editor works offline or whether it offers the same capabilities as a full desktop environment. Check the Code Editor for its current options.
What to use on Raspberry Pi OS Lite
Raspberry Pi OS Lite has no graphical desktop. A graphical IDE running on the Pi’s desktop is therefore not a direct fit; a terminal-based editor or a remote development arrangement may suit a command-line workflow better. Choose based on where the editor will run and how you’ll connect to the Pi. The Raspberry Pi OS documentation distinguishes desktop editions from Lite.
Rank #3
- Includes Raspberry Pi 5 8GB
- CanaKit 45W PD Power Supply for the Raspberry Pi 5
- Set of Heat Sinks
How to make the choice
- Identify the target. Decide whether you’re coding for a Raspberry Pi computer or for a Pico. Pico needs a board-specific interpreter or toolchain.
- Match the language. For Python on the Raspberry Pi desktop, begin with Thonny. For Pico MicroPython, configure Thonny for the Pico. For Pico C/C++, compare the required SDK and IDE workflow.
- Choose where you want to work. Use a desktop IDE for local graphical work, consider the Raspberry Pi Code Editor for its guided browser-based start, or plan for terminal and remote tools on Lite.
- Check the current setup. Raspberry Pi OS releases and bundled software can change. Confirm your installed edition and, for Pico, the interpreter label shown in your IDE rather than relying on setup directions written for an older OS or firmware version.
Is there a universally best or most popular Raspberry Pi IDE?
The available Raspberry Pi sources support recommendations by workflow, not a universal ranking. They do not establish a controlled performance comparison, a fastest IDE, or a representative popularity survey. A community question asking what is “best or most commonly used” reflects a reader’s question; it is not evidence of actual usage. Choose by board, language, desktop versus browser access, and the debugging or learning tools you need.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Includes Raspberry Pi 5 16GB with 2.4Ghz 64-bit quad-core CPU (16GB RAM)
- Includes 128GB Micro SD Card pre-loaded with 64-bit Raspberry Pi OS, USB MicroSD Card Reader
- CanaKit Turbine Black Case for the Raspberry Pi 5
- CanaKit Low Noise Bearing System Fan
- Mega Heat Sink - Black Anodized
Rank #4
- Pi5 8GB Pack: RasTech Pi 5 8GB kit includes 1 x Pi5 8GB board ,1 x 64GB Card, 2 x Card Readers,1 x Active Cooler,1 x Case for Pi5, 2 x 4K Micro HD Out Cable,1 x GaN 27W 5A USB-C Power supply,1 x Screwdriver and 1 x instructions.
- Pi5 8GB Board: The Pi5 board is equipped with a 64-bit quad-core Arm Cortex-A76 processor running at 2.4GHz and an 800MHz VideoCore VII GPU with support for OpenGL ES 3.1 and Vulkan 1.2, which delivers a significant increase in graphics performance. Dual HD Out 4Kp60 display outputs and a built-in dual 4-channel MIPI camera/display transceiver provide state-of-the-art camera support. The Pi 5 offers a 2-3 times increase in CPU performance compare to Pi4.
- Important Graphics Features: Equipped with an 800MHz VideoCore VII GPU and providing better graphics performance, suitable for multimedia applications,gaming,and graphics intensive tasks.Provides 1 UART interface,1 card slot that supports high-speed operation, 2 USB. 3 0.5 ports that support synchronous 0Gbps operation,2 USB 2.0 port ports,2 4Kp60 display outputs that support HDR.Built-in dedicated dual 4-channel 1Gbps MIPI DSI/CSI connectors,triple the total bandwidth.
- Cooling Kit for Pi 5: Compatible with Active Cooler for Raspberry Pi5, It can provide Pi 5 board with better cooling effect in using. The Case can accurately access usb-c power jack,Micro HD Out ports, usb ports, Ethernet jack, card slot, power button, 4-lane MIPI DSI/CSI connectors and so on, and it also supports installation of cooling fan.
- 64GB Card Kit and GaN 27W USB-C Power Supply: With extra 64GB card to store more files and card readers for multiple medium, keep better performance for Raspberry Pi 5, 27W USB C Power Supply is Compatible with Pi5 8GB, offers a variety of output voltage options, including 5.1V at 5A, 9.0V at 3.0A, 12.0V at 2.25A, and 15.0V at 1.8A, providing for different device requirements.
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