Developing Plugins for PyCharm with Python

Developing plugins for PyCharm can significantly enhance your development experience by adding custom functionalities tailored to your needs. While PyCharm itself is built on the IntelliJ Platform and primarily uses Java for plugin development, you can still leverage Python in various ways, especially when interacting with Python-specific features within PyCharm.

Why Develop Plugins for PyCharm?

• Customization: Plugins allow you to extend PyCharm’s capabilities, making it more personalized and efficient for your workflow.
• Integration: You can integrate PyCharm with other tools and services, enhancing its utility beyond Python development.
• Community Sharing: Once developed, plugins can be shared with the community, contributing to a richer ecosystem.

Setting Up Your Environment

To start developing plugins for PyCharm, you’ll need:

1. IntelliJ IDEA: Since PyCharm is based on the IntelliJ Platform, you can use IntelliJ IDEA to develop plugins.
2. Gradle or Maven: For building and managing your plugin project.
3. PythonCore Plugin: If your plugin interacts with Python-specific features, you’ll need to depend on the PythonCore plugin.

Gradle Setup

Here’s a basic build.gradle.kts setup for a PyCharm plugin:

plugins {
    id("java")
    id("com.jetbrains.intellij") version "1.13.3"
}

group = "com.example"
version = "1.0-SNAPSHOT"

repositories {
    mavenCentral()
}

intellij {
    version.set("2024.2")
    type.set("PY") // For PyCharm
}

dependencies {
    implementation("com.jetbrains.python:python-core:2024.2")
    implementation("com.jetbrains.python:python-id:2024.2") // If using Pythonid
}

runIde {
    jvmArgs = listOf("-Xmx2048m")
}

Creating the Plugin Structure

A PyCharm plugin consists of several key components:

1. plugin.xml: This file defines your plugin’s metadata and functionality.
2. Java or Kotlin Code: For implementing plugin logic.
3. Resources: Icons, images, or other assets.

plugin.xml Example

<idea-plugin>
    <id>com.example.myplugin</id>
    <name>My PyCharm Plugin</name>
    <description>Example plugin for PyCharm.</description>
    <vendor>Maxim Zhirnov</vendor>
    <depends>com.intellij.modules.python</depends>
    <extensions defaultExtensionNs="com.intellij">
        <!-- Add extension points here -->
    </extensions>
</idea-plugin>

Implementing Plugin Functionality

While PyCharm plugins are typically written in Java or Kotlin, you can leverage Python in certain contexts, such as:

• Python Scripts: Execute Python scripts from your plugin using the ProcessBuilder or similar mechanisms.
• Python API Integration: If your plugin interacts with Python-specific features, ensure you depend on the PythonCore plugin.

Example: Running a Python Script

import java.io.BufferedReader;
import java.io.IOException;
import java.io.InputStreamReader;

public class MyPluginAction extends AnAction {
    @Override
    public void actionPerformed(AnActionEvent e) {
        try {
            ProcessBuilder pb = new ProcessBuilder("python", "-c", "print('Hello from Python')");
            Process p = pb.start();
            BufferedReader reader = new BufferedReader(new InputStreamReader(p.getInputStream()));
            String line;
            while ((line = reader.readLine()) != null) {
                System.out.println(line);
            }
        } catch (IOException ex) {
            System.out.println("Error running Python script: " + ex.getMessage());
        }
    }
}

Extension Points

Extension points allow your plugin to integrate with PyCharm’s features. You can implement various functionalities like inspections, intentions, or even custom UI components.

Example: Implementing an Inspection

1. Declare in plugin.xml:

<extensions defaultExtensionNs="com.intellij">
    <extension point="com.intellij.codeInspection">
        <inspection-group displayName="My Inspections" />
    </extension>
</extensions>

2. Implement the Inspection:

import com.intellij.codeInspection.LocalInspectionTool;
import com.intellij.codeInspection.LocalQuickFix;
import com.intellij.codeInspection.ProblemDescriptor;
import com.intellij.codeInspection.ProblemsHolder;
import com.intellij.psi.PsiElementVisitor;

public class MyInspection extends LocalInspectionTool {
    @Override
    public void runInspection(ProblemsHolder problemsHolder, LocalInspectionToolWrapper toolWrapper, PsiElementVisitor visitor) {
        // Implement inspection logic here
    }
}

Testing Your Plugin

Testing is crucial to ensure your plugin works as expected. You can write unit tests for your plugin logic and manually test the plugin in a development environment.

Running the Plugin

1. Build the Plugin: Use Gradle or Maven to build your plugin.
2. Install the Plugin: Place the plugin jar in the plugins directory of your PyCharm installation or use the runIde task to run PyCharm with your plugin.

Sharing Your Plugin

Once developed and tested, you can share your plugin with the community by publishing it on the JetBrains Marketplace.

Conclusion

Developing plugins for PyCharm can significantly enhance your development experience. While the core plugin development is typically done in Java or Kotlin, Python can still play a role in certain contexts. By following these steps and leveraging extension points, you can create powerful plugins that integrate seamlessly with PyCharm.

Sequence Diagram: Plugin Development Process

Class Diagram: Plugin Structure

Flowchart: Plugin Development Decision