PyCharm Free Edition: Create Your First Python Project

A PyCharm project is a folder containing the Python files and settings for one piece of work. Start with a simple project rather than a framework template.

Understanding the Concept

On the Welcome screen, select New Project, or use File > New Project. Choose a user-owned folder such as PythonProjects/first_project. Select Pure Python or the default Python project workflow, and choose a project virtual environment based on Python. PyCharm may offer to generate a starter main.py; that is optional. After creating the project, the Project panel should show its files. Project settings may be stored inside an .idea folder; do not manually edit these before you understand their purpose.

When and Why You Would Use This

The project directory matters because relative file paths later depend on a working directory. Keeping one project per exercise group is easier than mixing unrelated files inside a single huge directory.

Create the Project

Select New Project and choose a directory under your user profile.
Select the local Python project workflow.
Choose Python and a per-project virtual environment.
Create the project and inspect the file tree.

Practical Example

first_project/
    .venv/        # Virtual environment managed by the IDE
    main.py       # Your Python source file

Understanding the Example

This diagram illustrates a typical project layout, not runnable Python. The .venv directory contains interpreter and package files and is normally managed by tooling; you should write your own code in main.py or another source file.

Try It Yourself

Create a project named first_project and locate main.py and .venv in the Project panel.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Creating a project inside a protected system folder and then encountering permissions errors.
Manually modifying .venv contents instead of using package tools.
Selecting the wrong base interpreter when creating the project environment.

Key Takeaways

A project groups source files, settings, and its execution environment.
Use a clear folder name and Python as the base interpreter.
Keep your own code separate from the IDE-managed virtual environment.