An IDE (Integrated Development Environment) is software that combines application development and testing features into a single graphical interface. As a rule, an IDE consists of:
- a text code editor;
- a compiler or interpreter – tools that translate written text into a set of machine codes;
- tools for automating code building;
- a debugger to help remove errors from programs so that the code works.
Some IDEs still allow you to install additional plugins to get more features.
What are the criteria for choosing an IDE?
Before choosing an IDE, we advise you to consider the following:
- What programming languages will you be using? There are software that work with only one language, but there are many multi-language IDEs available today.
- Do you need a collaborative development feature? If you are working in a team, you should choose IDE versions with the function of adding participants to the project. It is often available in paid versions of the software.
- What OS will you be using? See if the IDE supports the required OS, but it is better to give preference to cross platform solutions.
- What additional features do you need? Define your project objectives and choose an IDE based on the features available in it that you need.
- What is the cost? Everything is clear here, if you are not ready to pay, then look at free editors. If you need more advanced tools, you can find them in paid subscriptions.
What IDEs and text code editors should you pay attention to?
Microsoft Visual Studio
Microsoft Visual Studio is a development environment from Microsoft that allows you to create both console applications and GUI-enabled applications. Testers have the opportunity to test the application on more than 300 devices and browsers. The cost of the environment depends on the subscription version and edition.
Programming languages: Python, PHP, JavaScript, JSON, HTML, ASP.NET, C++, C#, CSS, Less, Sass and Font Awesome in ASP.NET, F#, Visual Basic and others.
Supported operating systems: Windows and macOS.
Benefits:
- a constantly growing marketplace of extensions;
- built-in IntelliSense smart code completion technology;
- tools for teamwork: project access control and customizable code editor settings;
- individual customization of the working panel to meet your needs;
- support for split screen function (split screen).
Disadvantages:
- Lack of Linux OS support;
- heavy environment, i.e. if you need to perform a simple task, you may consider a lighter code editor;
- the free Community version works with limitations, and the subscription with advanced features for teams starts from $50.
Visual Studio Code
The free Visual Studio Code editor is a simpler counterpart to the IDE. It doesn’t offer as many features as a regular development environment, but it allows you to write code in many programming languages and includes debugging tools.
Programming languages: C++, C#, CSS, Dart, F#, HTML, Java, JavaScript, JSON, Markdown, PHP, PowerShell, Python, SCSS, T-SQL, TypeScript and others.
Supported operating systems: Windows, macOS and Linux.
Advantages:
- support not only on Windows and macOS, but also on Linux system;
- built-in IntelliSense code autocompletion technology;
- cost, or rather its absence. You get a powerful editor for free.
Disadvantages:
- A development shell, where fewer tools are available than in a full-fledged IDE;
- lack of split screen support.
Sublime Text
Without getting too far away from code editors, let’s look at Sublime Text. It is an editor that also contains tools corresponding to full-fledged IDEs. It includes tools to simplify code changes: Goto Anything, bracket matching, multiple selection, and a strong Python API.
Programming languages: C++, Python, CSS, JavaScript, HTML, PHP, PHP, SQL, Textile, XML, XSL and more.
Supported operating systems: Windows, macOS and Linux.
Advantages:
- large selection of syntax and editing function extensions;
- Goto Anything navigation, allowing quick access to files;
- multiple selection, allowing you to make changes to lines of code in several places at once;
- the ability to quickly move between projects while saving changes.
Disadvantages:
- purchase of a license is required for full use, even though the software itself can be purchased for free;
- lack of automatic debugging function and convenient sidebar like in Visual Studio Code.
The developers from JetBrains have created a series of IDEs focused on different languages. The guys are cool and the environments are useful, so let’s get acquainted.
