Lapce: A Versatile Code Editor
Lapce is a standalone code editor developed by the Lapce Project, designed to provide a lightweight and efficient coding environment. It is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, offering broad accessibility across different operating systems. While Lapce does not currently support large language models (LLMs) or local inference, it is built with a focus on simplicity and speed. Users appreciate its free tier, making it an economical choice for developers seeking a straightforward tool without the need for complex integrations or predictive edits. The editor operates under a standard privacy policy and holds a SOC2 Type II certification, ensuring a reliable level of security and compliance.
Pros
- ✓ Free to use
- ✓ Simple and lightweight
- ✓ Cross-platform compatibility
- ✓ SOC2 Type II certification
Cons
- ✕ No support for LLMs
- ✕ Lacks predictive edits
- ✕ No terminal access
PyCharm: A Comprehensive IDE by JetBrains
PyCharm is a standalone Integrated Development Environment (IDE) developed by JetBrains, catering to Python developers with advanced features and extensive support for large language models such as GPT-5 and Claude 4.5. It supports Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it a versatile choice for developers across various platforms. PyCharm offers local inference and full terminal access, enhancing its capability for complex, multi-file agentic editing. The tool provides a free tier as well as premium options, starting at $27 per month, offering flexibility based on user needs. With a standard privacy policy and SOC2 Type II certification, PyCharm ensures data security and compliance.
Pros
- ✓ Supports multiple LLMs
- ✓ Local inference available
- ✓ Full terminal access
- ✓ Multi-file agentic editing
Cons
- ✕ Paid premium plans
- ✕ Complex setup for beginners
Comparison Table
| Feature | Lapce | PyCharm |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture Type | standalone | standalone |
| Supported Os | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Developer | Lapce Project | JetBrains |
| Supported Llms | – | GPT-5, Claude 4.5, Gemini 3.0, o3, Cursor |
| Context Window | 32k tokens | 200k tokens |
| Agentic Editing | No | Yes, multi-file |
| Terminal Access | No | Full |
| Privacy Mode | Standard Privacy Policy | Standard Privacy Policy |
| Certifications | SOC2 Type II (Enterprise) | SOC2 Type II (Enterprise) |
| About Price | Free | Free – $27/mo |
| Config File | Имя файла для промптинга (напр. .cursorrules). | pyproject.toml |
| Migration | Requires setup | Requires setup |
Conclusion
Both Lapce and PyCharm offer unique features catering to different needs. Lapce excels as a lightweight and free tool for straightforward coding tasks, while PyCharm provides a rich set of features for advanced development, especially in Python, with support for large language models and enhanced editing capabilities.