IDE or the Integrated Development Environment is one of the most important components of a coder’s life as it provides essential comprehensive facilities to programmers for software development. Truthfully there are no best IDE choices would vary from one to other, so I provide you with the selection of best on basis of most popular choices.
An IDE normally consists of a source code editor, build automation tools, debugger but is not limited only to them. IDE is more than any of these features as it provides a power to connect all of them at one place, besides it, almost all best IDEs have intelligent code auto-completion which suggests what would be possible syntax you are trying to write at real-time.
Check out the list below outlining the features and drawbacks of each of the top 10 best IDE software programs.
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1. Microsoft Visual Studio
Microsoft Visual Studio is an IDE from Microsoft which is used to develop computer programs, websites, web services and mobile apps. It is the premium IDE coming at an enterprise pricing of $2999 annually. It comes with tons tools for compatibility testing so you could test on numerous devices and applications.
Languages Supported: ASP.NET, DHTML, JavaScript, JScript, Visual Basic, Visual C#, Visual C++, Visual F#, XAML and more.
Some key features:
- Automation tools
- Fast and smart code editing
- Easy and efficient project management
- Rapid user interface development
- Support for multiple languages
- Cross-platform Support
- Split screen Support
- Insights for monitoring performance in real time
- Easy refactoring and code snippet insertion
- VCS support
Drawbacks: Because the Visual Studio is a heavyweight IDE, it takes considerable resources to open and run, so making simple edits may be time-consuming on some devices. For the simpler task, it may be easier to use a lightweight editor
2. NETBEANS
NetBeans IDE lets you quickly and easily develop Java desktop, mobile, and web applications, as well as HTML5 applications with HTML, JavaScript, and CSS. The IDE also provides a great set of tools for PHP and C/C++ developers. It is a free and open source and has a large community of users and developers around the world.
NetBeans IDE is the official IDE for Java 8. With its editors, code analyzers, and converters, you can quickly and smoothly upgrade your applications to use new Java 8 language constructs, such as lambdas, functional operations, and method references.
Languages Supported: Java, HTML, HTML 5, C, C++ PHP, and many more
Some key features:
- Best Support for latest Java technologies
- Fast and smart code editing
- Easy and efficient project management
- Rapid user interface development
- Support for multiple languages
- Cross-platform Support
- Rich set of community provided Plugins
Drawbacks: This free IDE consumes a lot of memory, so it may perform sluggishly on some machines.
3. INTELLIJ IDEA
IntelliJ Idea is an IDE developed by Jet Brains. This IDE offers users a free Community Edition, 30-day free trial for the Ultimate Edition, and costs $533 – $693 annually depending on features. IntelliJ IDEA, which supports Java 8 and Java EE 7, comes with extensive tools to develop mobile apps and enterprise technologies for different platforms. When it comes to cost, IntelliJ is a real deal due to the massive of list of features you get.
Languages supported: AngularJS, CoffeeScript, CS, HTML, JavaScript, LESS, Node JS, PHP, Python, Ruby, Sass, TypeScript and more.
Some key features:
- Best Support for latest Java technologies
- Smart code completion
- Framework-specific assistance
- Productivity Boosters
- Developer ergonomics
- Git integration
- Supports Google App engine, Grails, Java EE, Play Spring, Struts and many more
- Cross-platform Support
- Rich set of community provided Plugins
Drawbacks: This IDE comes with a learning curve, so it may not the best for beginners. There are many shortcuts to remember, and some users complain about the clunky UI.
4. ECLIPSE
Eclipse is a free to use open source editor useful for beginners and pros too. Originally was a Java environment but as of now, it has a wide range of capabilities thanks to a large number of plug-ins and extensions. The standard edition of eclipse comes with java and plugin development tooling. There is even plenty of other packages to choose from that includes tools for charting, modeling, reporting, testing and building GUIs. The Eclipse Marketplace Client gives users access to a treasure trove of plugins and information supplied by an expanding community of developers. Before the introduction of Android, Studio Eclipse was used for developing android apps as it was considered best for Java environment development
Languages Supported: C, C++, Java, Perl, PHP, Python, Ruby and more
Some key features:
- Best Support for latest Java technologies
- Smart code completion
- Tooling options for JEE projects
- Productivity Boosters
- Developer ergonomics
- Git integration
- JUnit integration
- Task-focused interface including system-tray notifications
- Cross platform Support
- Rich set of community provided Plugins
Drawbacks: While Eclipse is very versatile software, the many options may be intimidating to newcomers. Eclipse doesn’t have all of the same features as IntelliJ IDEA, but it is open source.
5. Code::Blocks
Code::Blocks is another popular free and open source option. It is a highly customizable IDE that performs consistently across all platforms, so it is great for developers who frequently switch between workspaces. The plug-in framework lets users tweak this IDE to meet their needs.
Built around a plugin framework, Code::Blocks can be extended with plugins. Any kind of functionality can be added by installing/coding a plugin. For instance, compiling and debugging functionality is already provided by plugins!
Languages Supported: C, C++, Fortran
Some key features:
- Compatible with Linux, Mac, and Windows
- Smart code completion
- Easy to navigate tabbed interface
- Customizable external tools
- Support for parallel builds
- Supports many prebuilt and custom built plug-ins
- Integrated intelligent Syntax highlighting
- JUnit integration
- Task-focused interface including system-tray notifications
- Cross platform Support
- Rich set of community provided Plugins
Drawbacks: Though Code::Blocks comes with many features, it is a relatively lightweight IDE, so it’s not suited for larger projects. It is a great tool for beginners, but advanced coders may be frustrated with the limitations.
6. Pycharm
Developed at JetBrains Pycharm is an IDE mostly used by Python programmers, with an ever going interest of Python language in programmers, Pycharm popularity is increasing exponentially, as it provides many premium features for Python. It has a free community edition which is released under Apache license and also a professional license which is released under a proprietary license.
Languages Supported: AngularJS, Coffee Script, CSS, Cython, HTML, JavaScript, Node.js, Python, TypeScript and template languages
Some key features:
- Compatible with Linux, Mac, and Windows
- Smart code completion
- Super Intelligent Python assistance
- Offers great frameworks for modern web development
- Comes with Interactive console
- Supports anaconda and many more Scientific packages including matplotlib and Numpy
- Integrated intelligent Syntax highlighting
- Supports cross technology Development
- Remote Development capabilities
- Cross platform Support
- Rich set of community provided Plugins
Drawbacks: Users complain that PyCharm has some bugs, such as the autocomplete feature occasionally not working, which can be a minor inconvenience.
7. Aptana Studio 3
It is the professional, open source development tool for the open web, Perhaps the most powerful of the open source IDEs, Aptana Studio 3 is a massive improvement over its predecessors. Since Aptana Studio 3 supports most browser specs, compatibility challenges are minimal, so users can quickly develop, test and deploy web apps from this single IDE.
Languages Supported: HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, Ruby, Rails, PHP, and Python
Some key features:
- HTML, CSS and JavaScript code assist
- Deployment wizard
- Integrated Debuggers for Ruby for Rails and JavaScript
- Git Integration
- User-friendly full IDE customization
- Integrated intelligent Syntax highlighting
- Rich set of community provided Plugins
Drawbacks: Although Aptana works well for students juggling multiple small projects, it has stability issues and runs slowly, so professional developers might prefer a more powerful IDE.
8. Xcode
Xcode is an integrated development environment (IDE) for macOS containing a suite of software development tools developed by Apple for developing software for macOS, iOS, watchOS, and tvOS.
It is free, open-source, and part of Xcode, which is a collection of tools for making apps for Apple devices such as the iPad, iPhone, and Mac.
Registered developers can download preview releases and prior versions of the suite through the Apple Developer website. Integration with Cocoa Touch makes development in the Apple environment a breeze, and you can enable services such as Game Center or Passbook with a single mouse click. Built-in communication with the developer’s website helps users produce fully functioning apps on the fly.
Languages Supported: AppleScript, C, C++, Java, Objective-C, Swift
Some key features:
- Automatically builds, analyzes, tests, and archives projects thanks to Integration with OX X server
- Smart code completion
- Jump bar permits quick navigation
- Workflow is highly customizable with Tabs, Behaviors, and Snippets
- Comes with Interactive console
- Single button to capture a complete representation of the current OpenGL frame
- Integrated intelligent Syntax highlighting
- With the iOS SDK, Xcode can build, install, run, and debug Cocoa Touch apps in a Mac-based Simulator
Drawbacks: You obviously need an Apple machine to run Xcode, and keep in mind that you need a developers license to upload apps to the Apple Store.
9. Komodo
Komodo IDE is an integrated development environment (IDE) for dynamic programming languages. It was introduced in May 2000. Many of Komodo’s features are derived from an embedded Python interpreter. It has an open-source counterpart known as Komodo edit.
Both Komodo Edit and IDE support user customizing via plug-ins and macros. Komodo plug-ins are based on Mozilla Add-ons and extensions can be searched for, downloaded, configured, installed and updated from within the application.
Languages Supported: CSS, Go, JavaScript, HTML, NodeJS, Perl, PHP, Python, Ruby, Tcl and more.
Some key features:
- Powerful editor with autocomplete, refactoring and other smart features
- Visual debugger and more to debug, inspect and test your code
- Support for Git, Mercurial, Subversion, CVS, Perforce and Bazaar
- Tons of add-ons for customizing and extending features
- Great tools for pair programming and collaboration
- Define your own workflow with easy file and project navigation
- Integrated intelligent Syntax highlighting
- Backed by ActiveState, trusted by developers and enterprises
- Split View and multi-window Support
- Quickly place numeric bookmarks and go to them
- Type an abbreviation to automatically trigger snippet selection
Drawbacks: One of the few complaints about Komodo is that the free version doesn’t enable all of the features, but the premium version is still considered well-worth the cost.
10. RubyMine
RubyMine is another superb IDE by JetBrains that offers a 30-day free trial and costs $687 annually. As its name implies, RubyMine is a favorite among Ruby enthusiasts; however, this IDE supports other programming languages as well. Easy navigation, logical workflow organization, and compatibility with most platforms make RubyMine a workplace favorite.
Languages Supported: CoffeeScript, CSS, HAML, HTML, JavaScript, LESS, Ruby and Rails, Ruby and SASS.
Some key features:
- Powerful editor with autocomplete, refactoring and other smart features
- Visual debugger and more to debug, inspect and test your code
- Support for Git, Mercurial, Subversion, CVS, Perforce and Bazaar
- Tons of add-ons for customizing and extending features
- Bundled keyboard schemes
- Rails Model Diagram
- Integrated intelligent Syntax highlighting
- Split View and multi-window Support
- Ruby motion allows for the iOS development
Drawbacks: Your machine needs at least 4GB of RAM for RubyMine to run smoothly. Some users also complain about the lack of GUI customization options, also non-availability of standard edition is an issue.
These were some of the best IDE according to me but if you find your favorite IDE missing do mention them in comments.
