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How to Install PyCharm on MacBook Air 2015 with macOS 10.14.6

Install PyCharm Community on MacBook Air 2015 with macOS 10.14.6. Compatible PyCharm versions, alternative Python IDEs, step-by-step instructions, and optimization for older Macs.

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Question

How to install PyCharm Community on an old MacBook Air 2015 with macOS 10.14.6?

I have a 2015 MacBook Air with macOS 10.14.6 installed. Upgrading macOS is not feasible as the computer cannot handle newer versions. Otherwise, the laptop works well, but I need to install PyCharm Community Edition to learn Python.

The problem is that the latest versions of PyCharm are not compatible with my macOS version. On the official JetBrains website, I couldn’t find older versions of PyCharm Community.

Could you advise where I can download a suitable version of PyCharm Community for my system? Perhaps there is a direct download link?

I’m also interested in simple alternative options for learning Python on an old Mac. I’m a beginner programmer learning Python as a hobby.

NeuroAgent

To install PyCharm Community on a MacBook Air 2015 with macOS 10.14.6 Mojave, you’ll need to download an older version of the IDE, as recent versions of PyCharm don’t support outdated macOS. Suitable versions are PyCharm 2018.3.7 or 2019.1, which are officially compatible with your system. You can find these versions on third-party download platforms or through JetBrains archives.

Contents

Compatible PyCharm versions for macOS 10.14.6

According to research and user discussions, the following PyCharm Community Edition versions work on macOS 10.14.6 Mojave:

  • PyCharm 2018.3.7 - the last version in the 2018.x series that officially supports macOS 10.14
  • PyCharm 2019.1.1 - also compatible, but may require additional JDK settings
  • PyCharm 2020.3.4 - works on Mojave, but may have some limitations

Important: JetBrains officially supports macOS 10.13 and later versions, so versions from 2018-2019 are the optimal choice for your system.

Compatibility has been confirmed by the developer community on JetBrains forums, where users have successfully installed these IDEs on macOS 10.14.6 source 1.

Where to download old PyCharm Community versions

Since old versions aren’t always easy to find on the official JetBrains website, there are several reliable sources:

1. MacUpdate

2. JetBrains Archive

3. Alternative platforms

Recommendation: For maximum reliability, prefer the official JetBrains archive or MacUpdate, as these platforms provide verified and safe distributions.

Step-by-step PyCharm installation

Step 1: System preparation

  1. Ensure you have the latest version of macOS 10.14.6 installed
  2. Check available disk space - PyCharm requires a minimum of 2 GB of free space
  3. Close all resource-intensive applications before installation

Step 2: Downloading a suitable version

  1. Go to MacUpdate
  2. Find the PyCharm Community 2018.3.7 or 2020.3.4 version
  3. Download the .dmg file

Step 3: Installation

  1. Open the downloaded .dmg file
  2. Drag PyCharm to the “Applications” folder
  3. Launch the application from the “Applications” folder
  4. Accept the license agreement
  5. Configure JDK (Java Development Kit) - if required, install JDK 8 or 11

Step 4: Initial setup

  1. Create a new project
  2. Select the Python interpreter (usually /usr/bin/python3)
  3. Configure plugins for beginners (CodeGlance, Key Promoter X)

Important: If you have a case-sensitive file system, you may need to reinstall macOS on a non-case-sensitive partition, as some users note source 2.

Alternative IDEs for learning Python

If PyCharm seems too resource-intensive, consider lighter alternatives:

1. Thonny

  • Pros: Ideal for beginners, simple interface
  • System requirements: Minimal, works great on older Macs
  • Where to download: Official Thonny website
  • Features: Built-in debugger, simple package management

2. IDLE

  • Pros: Included with standard Python installation
  • System requirements: None, works on any Mac
  • Where to find: “IDLE” application in the Python folder
  • Features: Basic functionality, but sufficient for learning

3. VS Code (Visual Studio Code)

  • Pros: Free, extensible, lightweight
  • System requirements: Moderate, but less than PyCharm
  • Where to download: Official VS Code website
  • Features: Python support via Microsoft’s Python extension

4. Sublime Text

  • Pros: Very fast, lightweight
  • System requirements: Minimal
  • Where to download: Official Sublime Text website
  • Features: Paid, but can be used freely with periodic reminders

Comparison table of alternatives

IDE Complexity Resource consumption Cost Recommendation for beginners
PyCharm Medium High Free (Community) Excellent choice for serious learning
Thonny Low Minimal Free Best choice for beginners
VS Code Medium Moderate Free Good balance of functionality and performance
Sublime Text Medium Low Paid Good if you need maximum comfort

Solving possible issues

Issue 1: Won’t launch after installation

Solution:

Issue 2: Slow performance

Solution:

  • Close all unnecessary applications
  • Reduce heap memory size in PyCharm settings
  • Use light themes and disable unnecessary plugins

Issue 3: JDK errors

Solution:

  • Install the correct JDK version (JDK 8 or 11 recommended)
  • Configure JDK path in PyCharm settings: PyCharm → Preferences → Project → Python Interpreter

Issue 4: Case-sensitive file system

Solution:

  • Reinstall macOS on a non-case-sensitive partition
  • Or use alternative IDEs (Thonny, VS Code)

Optimal settings for old MacBook

PyCharm performance settings:

  1. Disable automatic indexing for large projects
  2. Limit the number of parallel processes in settings
  3. Use a light theme (Darcula or IntelliJ Light)
  4. Disable animation and visual effects
  5. Regularly clear cache through PyCharm → Clear Caches

System optimization:

  1. Close background applications before working with PyCharm
  2. Increase virtual memory in system settings
  3. Use SSD instead of HDD for better performance
  4. Upgrade RAM to the maximum possible capacity

Usage tips:

  • Work with small projects initially
  • Use virtual environments to isolate projects
  • Save your work regularly
  • Use keyboard shortcuts to speed up your workflow

Sources

  1. JetBrains Community - PyCharm 2018.3.7 on macOS 10.14.6
  2. JetBrains Support - JDK issues on macOS 10.14.4
  3. MacUpdate - Old PyCharm Community versions
  4. JetBrains - PyCharm version archive
  5. JetBrains - PyCharm Community Edition archive
  6. Uptodown - PyCharm for Mac
  7. Softonic - PyCharm Community Edition

Conclusion

  1. To install PyCharm on macOS 10.14.6, use versions 2018.3.7 or 2020.3.4, which are available on MacUpdate or in JetBrains archives.

  2. Alternative options for beginners include Thonny (ideal for newcomers), VS Code (balance of functionality and performance), and IDLE (basic option included with Python).

  3. Performance optimization on an old MacBook Air 2015 requires disabling resource-intensive PyCharm features and properly configuring JDK.

  4. If you encounter issues with launching or performance, consider switching to lighter IDEs or upgrading your system if possible.

  5. For hobbyist Python learning, Thonny or VS Code may be the best choice as they require fewer resources and have a simpler interface for beginners.

I recommend starting with Thonny for basic learning, then moving to PyCharm 2018.3.7 once you’ve mastered Python fundamentals and gotten accustomed to development.

What are the best alternative Python IDEs for older MacBook Air?How to optimize PyCharm performance on MacBook Air 2015?Which JDK versions are compatible with PyCharm 2018.3.7 on macOS 10.14.6?What problems might occur when installing old versions of PyCharm on macOS Mojave?What PyCharm plugins will help beginners learn Python?How to create a virtual environment in PyCharm for project isolation?
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