What is the most lightweight eclipse install for PyDev project?

Question

I'd like to use eclipse and PyDev as my Python development environment. I have downloaded the eclipse installer (2019-03 version), however this presents options for "Java Developers", "C/C++ Developers", "PHP Developers", etc., with no option for Python developers.

I'm thinking each of the available options may include large amounts of functionality I don't need, leading to a bloated install. So, which is the most stripped-back minimum install that I can install the PyDev plugin over?

Answer 1

The installer offers IDE packages built from software from Eclipse projects, but PyDev is not an Eclipse project.

• The PyDev website recommends to use LiClipse for a PyDev standalone installation
• Alternatively, you can start with the Platform Runtime Binary which can be downloaded from the Eclipse project website. The Eclipse Marketplace Client (which makes it easier to install additional software) can be installed via Help > Install New Software... from the latest Simultaneous Releases update site https://download.eclipse.org/releases/latest.

Answer 2

There are a couple of options for using Eclipse as an IDE for a Python interpreter. It is worth pointing out the following points with respect to PyDev, the plugin that may be used in Eclipse...

1. You can use the latest version of Eclipse. You don't need Eclipse Neon, for example.
2. You need to install a working version of Python, I used 3.8.1.
3. When opening your new Eclipse workspace be sure to click on the marketplace link so that you can search and install PyDev, the plugin you will be using within Eclipse.
4. Once PyDev is successfully installed, be sure your preferences acknowledge that the interpreter is in fact Python in Eclipse: Eclipse >> PyDev >> Interpreter - Python
5. From here you can create and build applications using .py file extension where right clicking your code results in running the selected code.