# Python

> **Note:**
> Make sure that the [Python plugin](https://plugins.jetbrains.com/plugin/631-python) is [installed and enabled](managing-plugins.html). The plugin implements all the features of [PyCharm](https://www.jetbrains.com/pycharm/), the standalone IDE for Python developers. For more information about the supported features, refer to the [PyCharm documentation](https://www.jetbrains.com/help/pycharm/).

Python Plugin extends IntelliJ IDEA with the full-scale functionality for Python development.

## Prerequisites

Before you start working with Python, make sure that the following prerequisites are met:

* Python SDK is downloaded and installed on your machine.

* The required framework SDKs are downloaded and installed on your machine.

For more information, refer to their respective download and installation pages:

* [Python](https://www.python.org/)

* [Django](https://www.djangoproject.com/)

> **Note:**
> To use some Python features, such as debugging and profiling, install and enable the [Python DAP Debugger](https://plugins.jetbrains.com/plugin/28460-python-dap-debugger) plugin.

## Changes to the UI

After installing the Python plugin, the following changes are introduced to the IntelliJ IDEA user interface:

* The Python module type is added to the New Project and New Module wizards. ![Creating a new Python project](https://resources.jetbrains.com/help/img/idea/2026.2/py_plugin_module_type.png)

* The Python file type is added to the `File | New` menu. You can create Python files, Python unit tests, and Python stub files. ![Creating a new Python file](https://resources.jetbrains.com/help/img/idea/2026.2/py_new_python_file.png)

* The Python SDK can be configured in the Add new SDK popup under the [SDKs](sdk.html) node in the Project Structure dialog. ![Adding a Python SDK](https://resources.jetbrains.com/help/img/idea/2026.2/py_plugin_sdk.png)

* Python-specific commands are added to the `Tools` menu.

* Django is implemented as a facet that can be attached to a Python module either when creating a new project, or by using Modules or Facets pages in the Project Structure dialog.

* The plugin also includes Python and Django-specific [run/debug configurations](run-debug-configuration.html), [inspections](code-inspection.html), [intention actions](intention-actions.html), and [refactorings](refactoring-source-code.html).

Besides that, the following elements are added to the Settings dialog:

* Python code style, colors and fonts, live templates.

* [Python Debugger](https://www.jetbrains.com/help/pycharm/debugger-python.html).

* Python-related options on the [Stepping](stepping-through-the-program.html#configure-stepping) page.

* Python [console pages](console.html).

* [Syntax and error highlighting](settings-colors-and-fonts.html).

* [Python External Documentation](settings-tools-python-external-documentation.html) and [Python Integrated Tools](settings-tools-python-integrated-tools.html) pages.

## See also

### External Links

[Python](http://www.python.org/) [Django](https://www.djangoproject.com/)