🧭 How to Set Up Odoo 19 Development Environment Using PyCharm in Ubuntu (Step-by-Step Guide)

🚀 Introduction

Odoo 19 is the latest release of the powerful open-source ERP platform, featuring enhanced performance, updated frameworks, and a more modern tech stack.

If you’re planning to develop custom Odoo apps or modules, the best starting point is setting up a reliable Odoo 19 development environment on Ubuntu using PyCharm IDE.

In this detailed guide, ITHorizon walks you through every step — from installing Python and PostgreSQL to configuring Odoo 19 and running it smoothly inside PyCharm.

🧩 Why Choose Ubuntu and PyCharm for Odoo 19 Development

Ubuntu is the most developer-friendly Linux distribution, widely used for both development and production environments.

PyCharm, on the other hand, is one of the best IDEs for Python development — offering smart code completion, debugging, and Git integration.

Key Benefits:

• Stable and secure development platform
• Easy environment configuration
• Built-in Git, linting, and debugging
• Seamless Python virtual environment support

Together, Ubuntu and PyCharm make Odoo development fast, efficient, and professional.

🛠️ Step 1: Install PyCharm IDE on Ubuntu

First, update your system packages:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Then install PyCharm Community Edition using Snap:

sudo snap install pycharm-community --classic

💡 You can also install PyCharm Professional if you want integrated database tools and advanced debugging.

🐍 Step 2: Install Python 3.12 and Dependencies

Odoo 19 is built on Python 3.12. Install it using the following commands:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:deadsnakes/ppa
sudo apt update
sudo apt install python3.12 python3.12-dev python3.12-venv -y

Now, install essential development libraries:

sudo apt install build-essential libpq-dev libxml2-dev libxslt1-dev \
zlib1g-dev libffi-dev libssl-dev libjpeg-dev libldap2-dev libsasl2-dev -y

🌐 Step 3: Install Node.js, npm, and Less Compiler

Odoo’s web interface depends on Less CSS and JS compilation tools.

sudo apt install -y npm
sudo ln -s /usr/bin/nodejs /usr/bin/node
sudo npm install -g less less-plugin-clean-css

🧾 Step 4: Install wkhtmltopdf for Odoo PDF Reports

Odoo uses wkhtmltopdf to generate PDF reports. Install the compatible version (0.12.5):

wget https://github.com/wkhtmltopdf/wkhtmltopdf/releases/download/0.12.5/wkhtmltox_0.12.5-1.bionic_amd64.deb
sudo dpkg -i wkhtmltox_0.12.5-1.bionic_amd64.deb
sudo apt -f install -y

🗃️ Step 5: Install PostgreSQL and Create Odoo User

Install PostgreSQL:

sudo apt install postgresql postgresql-client -y

Create a new PostgreSQL user for Odoo:

sudo su - postgres
createuser --createdb --username postgres --no-createrole --no-superuser --pwprompt odoo19

Assign privileges (optional):

ALTER USER odoo19 WITH SUPERUSER;

Exit the PostgreSQL shell:

\q
exit

📥 Step 6: Clone Odoo 19 Source Code

Use Git to clone the official Odoo repository:

sudo apt install git -y
git clone https://github.com/odoo/odoo.git --branch 19.0 --depth 1 odoo19

This creates an odoo19 directory containing all Odoo source files.

⚙️ Step 7: Create a Virtual Environment in PyCharm

Open PyCharm and load your odoo19 folder.

In the terminal, create a Python virtual environment:

python3.12 -m venv venv
source venv/bin/activate

Install Odoo dependencies:

pip install --upgrade pip
pip install -r requirements.txt

If psycopg2 fails, install the binary version:

pip install psycopg2-binary

📄 Step 8: Configure the Odoo Configuration File

Create a new file named odoo.conf inside your project folder:

[options]
admin_passwd = admin
db_host = localhost
db_port = 5432
db_user = odoo19
db_password = your_password
addons_path = /home/ITHorizon/odoo19/addons
logfile = /home/ITHorizon/odoo19/odoo.log
http_port = 8069

📝 You can add additional custom module directories by separating them with commas in addons_path.

🧠 Step 9: Set Up Run Configuration in PyCharm

Go to Run → Edit Configurations → + → Python

• Script Path: odoo-bin
• Parameters: -c odoo.conf
• Working Directory: Odoo 19 root folder
• Interpreter: Select the venv environment

Now click Run ▶️ or Debug 🐞 to launch Odoo 19.

🌍 Step 10: Access Odoo in Your Browser

Open your browser and visit:

http://localhost:8069

You’ll see the Odoo database creation page — meaning your Odoo 19 development environment is fully set up and ready to use.

💡 Pro Tips from ITHorizon Experts

• Always activate your virtual environment before running Odoo.
• Use Git for version control and collaborative module development.
• Keep separate configurations for dev, staging, and production.
• Use PyCharm’s debugging tools for efficient troubleshooting.
• Regularly update your dependencies to keep your environment stable.

🏁 Conclusion

Setting up an Odoo 19 development environment using PyCharm on Ubuntu provides a professional, scalable foundation for custom ERP module development.

With the right tools—Python 3.12, PostgreSQL, wkhtmltopdf, and a powerful IDE—you can streamline your Odoo development process and focus on what matters most: building great business applications.

✅ About ITHorizon

At ITHorizon, we specialize in Odoo implementation, customization, and integration across the Middle East. Our certified experts help businesses optimize operations using powerful ERP solutions built on Odoo.

Looking to set up your Odoo 19 environment or customize your ERP system?

👉 Contact ITHorizon Today for expert Odoo support and consulting.