Why PyCharm Lost Its Edge in the AI Age

PyCharm is really at a disadvantage in the AI era. But I think it's not just PyCharm — WebStorm and other JetBrains IDEs have issues as well.

I've used PyCharm since its first trial release in 2011 and loved it until early 2025. My main work revolves around Python: Django, server utilities, and data processing...

The reasons I left PyCharm aren't dramatic; they're just a few small points.

First, when people use AI to help with coding they tend to gravitate toward VS Code. Plugins and supporting technologies also appeared first in the VS Code ecosystem.

Second, because it's built on Java, PyCharm is resource-hungry and becomes sluggish after many hours of use. That has always been an issue; I could accept it years ago, but when using AI agents this weakness becomes much more obvious.

Third, PyCharm's strength is its deep support for frameworks like Django and its good compatibility, so working with code in this IDE is quite pleasant. When I need to trace variables or inspect class declarations from third‑party packages it's very convenient and intuitive. That hasn't changed—PyCharm is still number one. But with AI, I rarely enable PyCharm's autocomplete like I used to.

Fourth, JetBrains has tried to bring AI into its IDEs, but it seems to have been slow to the game. I usually disable JetBrains' built-in AI because it isn't yet as good as competing options.

What path should PyCharm and its sibling IDEs take?!

To be honest, in my view PyCharm is still a premium IDE. When I need to "slow down" or review code I open it. But it is no longer my default editor in 2025. JetBrains should consider lowering the product price to stay competitive and monetize AI services or premium technical support. The IDE itself is no longer the core source of competitive advantage in today's era.