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Set up PyCharm and start coding

Connect the school licence, create a Python project, switch off automatic code suggestions and learn the small habits that make PyCharm easier to use.

1 · Connect the school PyCharm licence

Follow these steps exactly. The licence is provided through the school JetBrains License Vault, so you do not need to buy anything or start a trial.

Use the 10-minute rule If activation has not worked after 10 minutes, stop troubleshooting and use IDLE for the lesson. Your Python code will work in either tool.
  1. 1
    Open PyCharm

    Wait for the welcome screen or editor to finish loading.

  2. 2
    Open the licence window

    Choose Help → Register… or Help → Manage Subscriptions…. The wording depends on the installed version.

  3. 3
    Enter the License Vault address

    Paste this exact address into Server address:

    https://jghs.fls.jetbrains.com

    Do not enter oauth.fls.jetbrains.com; that different address may appear automatically later.

  4. 4
    Test the connection if the option is shown

    Choose Test Connection. A successful test confirms that PyCharm can reach the school licence service.

  5. 5
    Activate and sign in

    Choose Activate. Your browser should open. Sign in using your school email address ending in @ea.edin.sch.uk.

  6. 6
    Return to PyCharm

    Check that the licence window now says PyCharm is licensed or activated, then close the window.

2 · Create your first Python project

A project is the folder that holds your program files and PyCharm settings. Keep one clearly named project for each task or topic.

  1. 1
    Choose New Project

    From the welcome screen choose New Project. If a project is already open, use File → New Project.

  2. 2
    Choose a sensible location

    Save inside the folder agreed by your teacher—normally your H drive or school OneDrive. Use a clear name such as N5_Python_Practice. Do not save important work only in Downloads.

  3. 3
    Keep the suggested interpreter

    PyCharm needs a Python interpreter to run code. Keep the suggested project environment or interpreter unless your teacher tells you to change it.

  4. 4
    Create the project

    Choose Create and allow PyCharm to finish setting up. Background progress appears at the bottom of the window.

  5. 5
    Add a Python file

    Right-click the project name in the Project panel, then choose New → Python File. Name it hello_setup; PyCharm adds .py.

  6. 6
    Know where your work is saved

    Right-click the file and choose Show in Explorer on Windows or Reveal in Finder on macOS. This is the real location of your file.

Interpreter check If the bottom status bar shows a Python version and your file runs, the interpreter is ready. You do not need to change it.

3 · Turn off automatic code suggestions

PyCharm has two different types of automatic suggestion. Turn off both so that you practise recalling and writing the Python yourself. Error underlines, colour highlighting and the Run button will still work.

A · Stop the popup list

Switch off suggestions that appear underneath your typing

Open Settings using Ctrl + Alt + S on Windows, or ⌘ + , on macOS.

Go to Editor → General → Code Completion → Popup

  • Untick Show suggestions as you type.
  • If shown, untick Automatically insert single suggestions.
B · Stop grey inline suggestions

Switch off full-line and cloud completion

In Settings, go to Editor → General → Code Completion → Inline. In some versions this is called Inline Completion.

  • Untick Enable local Full Line completion suggestions.
  • Untick Enable cloud completion suggestions.

If grey suggested edits still appear, go to Tools → AI Assistant, switch off Next Edit Suggestions and cloud completion, then restart PyCharm.

Recommended result Nothing should pop up or appear in grey while you type. You can still request ordinary help manually with Ctrl + Space if your teacher allows it.

4 · Test that everything works

Put this code into hello_setup.py. Run it and check that both lines appear in the Run window at the bottom of PyCharm.

hello_setup.py 
print("Hello from N5 Computing Science!")
print("PyCharm is ready.")
Right-click inside the editor and choose Run 'hello_setup', or use the green triangle beside the code.
Setup complete when… You can create a .py file, type without automatic suggestions, run the file, see its output and find the saved file in Explorer or Finder.

Hints and tips

Use clear filenames

Prefer ticket_calculator.py to work.py. Never use spaces or symbols in Python filenames.

Run the file you are editing

Right-click inside the editor and choose Run. The top-right Run button may remember a different file.

Read the first useful error

When code fails, start with the last line of the red traceback. It usually gives the error type and the most useful message.

Watch the line number

Tracebacks name a file and line. Click the blue line link in the Run window to jump directly to it.

Indent with care

Use the Tab key for a new block and Shift + Tab to move code back. Python indentation changes meaning.

Save and back up

PyCharm saves frequently, but still use Ctrl + S. Keep assessed work in the agreed school storage location.

Keep the Project panel visible

Use Alt + 1 to show or hide the file tree. The bold top folder is your project root.

Do not accept fixes blindly

Hover over an underline to read the message. Only apply a suggested fix when you understand what it changes.

Useful shortcuts

ActionWindowsmacOS
Open SettingsCtrl+Alt+S⌘,
SaveCtrl+S⌘S
Run current configurationShift+F10Control+R
Comment/uncomment lineCtrl+/⌘/
Find textCtrl+F⌘F
UndoCtrl+Z⌘Z

Troubleshooting

“No Python interpreter configured”

Click the interpreter selector in the bottom status bar. Choose the suggested project interpreter. If none exists, ask your teacher before changing paths.

The wrong program runs

Right-click inside the file you want and choose Run. This creates or selects the correct run configuration.

The Run window disappeared

Choose View → Tool Windows → Run. Drag its top edge upwards if it is too small.

The Project panel disappeared

Choose View → Tool Windows → Project, or press Alt+1 on Windows.

Grey suggestions still appear

Check both Inline Completion and Tools → AI Assistant, then restart PyCharm. These are separate from the popup setting.

Licence sign-in will not finish

Check the License Vault address once. If the 10-minute limit is reached, move to IDLE and return to activation with your teacher later.

Never delete a project to fix a PyCharm problem Your .py files are the important part. Find and back them up before changing project settings, environments or folders.

Setting labels checked against the current JetBrains code completion guide, PyCharm quick-start guide and interpreter guide.