Best Python IDEs – Part 2: VS Code vs. JupyterLab vs. Anaconda Cloud

In Part 1 we narrowed down the selection from 13 IDEs to 3. Let’s dive deep into our final three Python IDE contenders: JupyterLab Desktop, Anaconda Cloud, and VS Code.

JupyterLab Desktop

Update: JupyterLab Desktop is no longer being developed. The built-in browser created security issues the development team couldn’t keep up with. See our 2025 IDE comparison for current alternatives.

JupyterLab Desktop stood out with several powerful features:

Key Features:
– Intuitive launcher for creating new notebooks, consoles, and terminals
– Built-in plot zooming functionality that worked out of the box
– Ability to create new views for cell output (useful for keeping plots visible)
– Easy drag-and-drop functionality for copying cells between notebooks
– Visual indicators for modified cells (orange for unsaved changes)
– Separate console feature for debugging without cluttering your main notebook

Environment Management:
– Quick environment switching from the top-right menu
– Easy access to environment settings
– Support for Conda environment installation via terminal
– Ability to set default environments

Anaconda Cloud

Advantages:
– Online version of JupyterLab – no installation required
– Pre-installed environments available
– Built-in Anaconda Assistant for AI support
– Similar interface to JupyterLab Desktop
– Strong privacy focus – data collection disabled by default

Limitations:
– 5GB storage limit (one environment uses about 80%)
– Some features like plot widgets may require additional setup
– Limited environment customization options
– Free version has usage limits (30 AI responses per day)

VS Code

Unique Features:
– Platform independent (Windows, macOS, Linux)
– Hybrid Python files with cell execution capability
– Built-in variable explorer
– Table of contents navigation
– Support for multiple programming languages

Considerations:
– Less intuitive folder management
– More complex configuration through JSON files
– Additional features that may not be needed for Python-only development
– Missing some JupyterLab features like persistent plot views

Final Recommendation (2024)

Note: These recommendations have changed significantly. See our 2025 IDE comparison for current advice.

For beginners, our 2024 recommendation depended on your situation:

Choose JupyterLab Desktop if: (Now discontinued)
– You want the most user-friendly local installation
– You need reliable plot interaction features
– You prefer a clean, focused interface

Choose Anaconda Cloud if:
– You can’t install software locally
– You want built-in AI assistance
– You need access from multiple devices

Choose VS Code if:
– You’re already familiar with VS Code
– You work with multiple programming languages
– You need hybrid Python files for both notebook and script usage

2025 Update

Since publishing this comparison, the landscape has changed dramatically:

– JupyterLab Desktop: Discontinued
– PyCharm Community: Now includes free Jupyter support (previously paid-only)
– AI-first IDEs: Cursor and Windsurf have emerged but aren’t ideal for learning
– Package Managers: Anaconda now requires paid licenses for most institutions

Current Recommendation: For beginners in 2025, I recommend PyCharm Community Edition – it works out of the box with zero configuration and has a cleaner interface than VS Code.

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This article is part of our comprehensive guide to Python IDEs. Check out Training Scientists for more detailed insights and video tutorials.