PyTogether Google docs for Python. A fully browser-based collaborative Python IDE with real-time editing, chat, and visualization.
Features
- Real-time Collaboration - Edit Python code together instantly using Y.js.
- Secure Authentication - Log in manually or with Google OAuth.
- Groups & Projects - Organize your work into teams and projects.
- Live Drawings - Draw directly on the IDE to assist with note-taking or teaching.
- Live Cursors/Selections - Google docs-like live selections for smoother collaboration.
- Live Chat and Voice Calls - Real-time messaging, and Discord-like voice chats for each project.
- Code Linting - Integrated CodeMirr…
PyTogether Google docs for Python. A fully browser-based collaborative Python IDE with real-time editing, chat, and visualization.
Features
- Real-time Collaboration - Edit Python code together instantly using Y.js.
- Secure Authentication - Log in manually or with Google OAuth.
- Groups & Projects - Organize your work into teams and projects.
- Live Drawings - Draw directly on the IDE to assist with note-taking or teaching.
- Live Cursors/Selections - Google docs-like live selections for smoother collaboration.
- Live Chat and Voice Calls - Real-time messaging, and Discord-like voice chats for each project.
- Code Linting - Integrated CodeMirror linting for cleaner, error-free code.
- Smart Autosave - Code is automatically saved every minute and on exit.
About
When starting out in programming, many beginners find traditional IDEs overwhelming: full of plugins, extensions, configuration steps, paywalls, and complex UIs. PyTogether removes these barriers by offering a lightweight, distraction-free environment where you can focus on writing Python code right away.
The platform is designed for learning, teaching, and pair programming, making it ideal for classrooms, coding clubs, or quick collaborations.
Note: PyTogether is intended for educational purposes and beginner use. It is not optimized for large-scale production development.
Why PyTogether?
While there are many online IDEs (Replit, Jupyter, Google Colab, etc.), PyTogether is built with a different goal: simplicity first.
- ⚡Instant Setup⚡- No downloads, no pip installs, no hidden complexity. Just create a group, create a project, and bam!
- Beginner Focused - No confusing menus, terminals, or configuration. Just code and run.
- Real-Time Collaboration - Work together with classmates, friends, or mentors in the same editor.
- Safe Learning Space - Limited features by design to reduce distractions and keep beginners focused.
Unlike production-grade IDEs, PyTogether prioritizes ease of use and collaboration for learners rather than advanced features.
Technologies
- Backend: Django, Django REST Framework (DRF)
- Real-Time: Y.js, WebSockets (Django Channels)
- Async Processing: Celery
- Data Store: PostgreSQL (via Supabase)
- Caching, Broker, & Channel layers: Redis
- Frontend: React, Tailwind CSS, CodeMirror (code linting)
- Python Execution: Pyodide (via Web Worker)
- Deployment: Vercel (Frontend), Docker on VPS (Backend), Nginx (reverse proxy)
- CI/CD: GitHub Actions (deploy backend to VPS on push to main)
Contributing & Local Setup
- Requirements: Docker, Node
Running PyTogether locally is a simple two-step process. Run the following commands from the project root:
# 1. Install all dependencies (automatically does it for root and frontend)
npm install
# 2. Start the servers
npm run dev
This will install all required packages and run the backend container and start the frontend. It should take around 2-5 minutes on initial launch. The frontend will be live on http://localhost:5173. You can do CTRL+C to stop the program/containers.
Note Two superusers are created automatically:
- Email:
test1@gmail.com- Email:
test2@gmail.comBoth have the password
testtest. You can log in with them on the frontend.
You may also adjust the settings in backend/backend/settings/dev.py
Author
Jawad Rizvi
Applied Mathematics & Computer Engineering student at Queen’s University.