Eric
Eric: A capable free Python IDE with debugging, profiling, testing, and environment tools. Ranked #4 of 25 in Python IDEs by our editors (8.6/10); pricing: Free plan; best for free open-source general Python development.
At a glance
- Editor score8.6 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forFree open-source general Python development
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Integrated debuggerYes
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Advanced editing, autocompletion, debugging, profiling, and code coverage
- Supports Git, Mercurial, Subversion, pip, and virtual environments
- Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux with remote debugging support
Where it doesn't
- Remote capabilities focus on debugging and remote files rather than hosted development
- The broad feature set may be more than casual Python scripting requires
- Its desktop IDE model may not suit browser-based development workflows
Our verdict on Eric
Eric is a free, open-source Python editor and integrated development environment for developers working on local Python projects. Written in Python and based on Qt and Scintilla, it combines source-code editing, syntax highlighting, autocompletion, project management, an interactive Python shell, and environment tools in one desktop application. It is intended for casual users through professional project teams and runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Its strongest case is the depth of its built-in development workflow. Eric includes a debugger for multithreaded and multiprocessing applications, remote debugging against a remote Python environment, profiling, code coverage, and integrated unittest support. Virtual-environment management and pip-based package management keep common Python project tasks close to the editor. Its plug-in system and plug-in repository extend the environment, while interfaces for Git, Mercurial, and Subversion connect it to several established version-control options. Framework and packaging integrations include Django, Pyramid, Flask, PyInstaller, CX_Freeze, Qt Designer, and Qt Linguist.
Eric’s main trade-off is its desktop-focused scope. Remote development is described through remote debugging and remote-file or project support, not as a separate hosted development product, so teams seeking a browser-based workspace should look elsewhere. The feature breadth also makes it a stronger fit for users who want an all-in-one Python IDE than for those who only need a lightweight editor for short scripts. There are no commercial plan tiers to compare: the product is free and open source. Choose Eric for a broad, no-license-cost Python environment with integrated debugging, testing, profiling, version control, and environment management; choose an alternative if hosted development or a narrower editor experience is the priority.
Questions about Eric
What does Eric run on? Windows, macOS and Linux. It runs as a desktop app.
What does Eric integrate with? 13 integrations, including Git, Mercurial, Subversion, pip and PyLint.
Who is Eric built for? Solo users, small businesses and mid-market companies (our editorial estimate).
Your product? Our editors can test Eric in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Eric pricing
Eric fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Integrated debugger | Yes |
| Integrated test runner | Yes |
| Code intelligence | Advanced |
| Remote development | Yes |
| Integrated profiler | Yes |
| Supported platforms | windows, macos, linux |
| Python environment tools | Yes |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 13 integrations: Git, Mercurial, Subversion, pip, PyLint, Vulture … |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | eric-ide.python-projects.org |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Eric integrations
Eric lists 13 integrations on its own site.
- Git
- Mercurial
- Subversion
- pip
- PyLint
- Vulture
- Django
- Pyramid
- Flask
- PyInstaller
- CX_Freeze
- Qt Designer
- Qt Linguist
Alternatives to Eric
- PyCharmA full-featured, cross-platform Python IDE with a capable free tier.9.4
- Wing Python IDEA feature-rich Python IDE for teams willing to pay for an integrated workflow.9.0
- SpyderA broad, free Python IDE with strong data inspection, debugging, testing, and remote-development tools.8.8
Eric vs the competition
- Eric vs PyCharm
- Eric vs Wing Python IDE
- Eric vs Spyder
- Eric vs Positron
- Eric vs PyScripter
- Eric vs LiClipse
Compare Eric with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
Eric is ranked in 3 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
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