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Thonny

Thonny is a lightweight Python IDE aimed at beginners, providing an integrated debugger and package manager.

Open sourceFreeFlatpak
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License
MIT
Latest version
4.1.7 (December 16, 2024)
Developer
Aivar Annamaa
Installs
3,543 (Flathub, 30 days)
Install Website ↗
Thonny stepping through a recursive function
Thonny stepping through a recursive function

What is Thonny?

Thonny was created by Aivar Annamaa as a teaching tool for Python, first released in 2013. It has grown steadily, now available on major Linux distributions and Flathub, and is maintained with regular updates.

The IDE targets students, hobbyists, and anyone new to Python. Its simple interface removes the clutter of commercial IDEs, letting users focus on learning syntax and logic.

Compared to Windows‑centric IDEs like PyCharm, Thonny feels more approachable: fewer settings, a single‑window layout, and a debugger that visualises each step rather than stepping through compiled bytecode.

Best for: Students and hobbyists who want a straightforward Python development environment.

Key features of Thonny

  • Integrated debugger with step‑by‑step visualization
  • GUI package installer
  • Special reference‑mode for learning memory management
  • Simple, single‑window layout
  • Python 3.10+ support
  • Cross‑platform (Linux, Windows, macOS)
  • Open source (MIT)

Pros

  • Easy to learn for beginners
  • Clear visual debugging
  • No heavy configuration needed
  • Free and open source

Cons

  • Limited advanced features compared to PyCharm
  • No built‑in version control integration
  • Not ideal for large projects
  • Occasional UI lag with many files

Windows programs Thonny replaces

PyCharm

How to install Thonny on Linux

Flatpak (Flathub)flatpak install flathub org.thonny.Thonny
Ubuntu / Mintsudo apt install thonny
Debiansudo apt install thonny
Fedorasudo dnf install thonny
openSUSEsudo zypper install thonny

Tips for Windows users

When moving from PyCharm, note that Thonny uses a single project folder and stores settings in a simple config file. File formats are standard .py and .ipynb; you can open existing scripts directly. Shortcuts differ: e.g., F5 runs the script, F9 runs the current line, and the debugger controls are in the toolbar. Workflow is linear: write code, run, debug, install packages via the GUI, then repeat.

There is no built‑in VCS integration; use git from the terminal or a separate GUI client.

The package manager installs to the user’s site‑packages, so you don’t need root access.

Recent releases

  • 4.1.7 —

    Bug-fix release.

  • 4.1.6 —

    Bug-fix release.

  • 4.1.4 —

    Bug-fix release.

  • 4.1.3 —

    Bug-fix release.

Thonny: frequently asked questions

Does Thonny support virtual environments?

Yes, you can create and select virtual environments from the settings menu. Thonny will use the interpreter from the chosen environment.

Can I use Thonny for data science projects?

It works for small scripts, but lacks integrated Jupyter support and advanced libraries. For larger data science work, consider VS Code or PyCharm.

Is Thonny available on Windows?

Yes, it is cross‑platform. The Windows installer can be downloaded from the official site or via the Microsoft Store.

How do I install third‑party packages?

Use the built‑in GUI under the Tools menu, which opens a package manager dialog that runs pip for you.

Updated