This free beginner guide introduces programming with the Python 3 language.
Thonny
Learn Python with Thonny, a beginner-focused IDE that includes official installers and programming tools.
About Thonny
Thonny is a Python IDE for beginners. Its Windows and macOS installers include Python 3.14, and its initial interface hides features that may distract beginners. It includes a variable viewer, step-by-step execution with separate windows for function calls, highlighting for syntax errors and variable scope, code completion, a system shell, and a graphical tool for installing third-party packages.
The Windows installer requires Windows 10 or 11, with separate builds for Intel/AMD and Arm computers. The Linux installer uses the existing python3 installation, and third-party Linux distributions may provide an older version.
Key features
- Windows and macOS installers that include Python 3.14
- Variable viewer for programs and shell commands
- Step-by-step execution with big steps and small steps
- Function-call windows with separate local variables table
- Highlighting for unclosed quotes, parentheses and variable scope
- Graphical package manager and system shell under Tools menu
Best for: People learning Python who want to observe variables, function calls, and step-by-step execution.
Good for
- Includes Python 3.14 in Windows and macOS installers, reducing setup steps.
- Initial interface omits features that may distract beginners.
- Provides architecture-specific installers for Intel/AMD and Arm computers.
Watch out for
- Windows builds require Windows 10 or 11.
- Linux installer depends on existing python3 instead of bundling Python.
- Third-party Linux distributions may have an older version.
Thonny at a glance
- Website
- thonny.org
- Category
- Education & Learning › Learn to Code
- Type
- Website
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Platforms
- Linux, macOS, Web, Windows
- Open source
- Not stated
- Last checked
- Oct 5, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
Thonny alternatives
Tools and sites you could use instead, ranked by how closely they match.
Sourcecodester publishes free source code projects and tutorials in programming languages including Python, PHP, and Java.
Programiz offers free online compilers and code editors alongside programming tutorials for languages including Python, JavaScript, SQL, and C++.
ZetCode offers accessible programming tutorials covering C#, Go, Python, Java, and other languages.
Read Automate the Boring Stuff with Python, a free-to-read book by Al Sweigart about practical Python programming.
CS50’s Python course introduces programming with Python, covering code reading and writing, testing, debugging, and core concepts.
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Thonny FAQ
Do I need to install Python separately to use Thonny?
No for the official Windows and macOS installers, which include Python 3.14. The Linux installer uses existing python3, and advanced users can reuse an existing installation with pip install thonny.
How can I install additional Python packages?
Select Tools → Open system shell or Tools → Manage packages for graphical installation of third-party packages.
Which Windows versions does Thonny 5.0.0 support?
The official installers require Windows 10 or 11.
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