What is an IDE (Integrated Development Environment)

In the present world, the 21^st era, we are all surrounded by software. Well, there are 5 billion people worldwide who use the internet, of which 67% use laptops to access the internet. We know that the operating system, a piece of software with numerous built-in features that precisely performs this purpose, powers these devices.

Yet again, as a business, you’d agree that throughout the world, software is used for several reasons and to gain many benefits. Every operation uses software, including those in transportation, electrical grids, nuclear power plants, and other domains; and to develop any kind of software program, IDE plays a crucial role.

Integrated Development Environment is known as IDE. It is merely an instrument that may be applied to the production of any sort of software. The IDE can be downloaded from the website of its inventor and installed similarly to other applications. For instance: for windows, you can do it by using a .exe file, and for MacOS, by utilizing a .dmg file.

So, everything you need to know about IDE will be covered in this article. Let's get going!

What is an IDE?

Have you been surfing the web for “integrated web development meaning?” Well, an integrated application development environment (IDE) combines standard developer tools into a single graphical user interface (GUI). What makes up an IDE is as follows:

• Source code editor – A text editor with advanced features that make it easier to create software code, like syntax highlighting, visual cues, language-specific auto-completion, and cross-checking for errors as you go.
• Local build automation – Tools that help developers create local software builds by automating routine activities, such as converting cloud computer source code into binary and packaging codes and running automated tests.
• Debugger – A program that can graphically show where the bug existed in the original code and is used to test other programs.

IDE increases the developer's productivity by combining editing, creating, testing, and packaging features in a user-friendly application, easing out the process of software development.

Want to Automate Your Application Delivery Process in a Reliable and Secured Manner?

Hire DevOps Engineer

History of IDE

If we look back in time, or even if you speak to a developer who has been in the game for more than a decade, you’ll be surprised to know that coding was confined to “text.” Well, it might sound boring, but developers in those days loved it, no matter what!

Developers once wrote code in text editors like Notepad, Emacs, and others. They would create programs in the editors, save them with extensions like Java, and then run the compiler to identify any flaws. They would then make the necessary corrections until the code was error-free.

With time, these tasks began to be integrated into the coding environment and were more mechanized with the push of a few buttons. Additionally, Microsoft's Visual Basic was the first actual IDE, and after that, several businesses produced IDEs for many languages.

I'm sure you're wondering how this works. That is too much with different companies building different development environments, right? In your opinion, they should stick to consistent work rules, right? For instance, an IDE should be made on online or mobile development and support one or more languages. Now that we have IDE's history let us move on to and look at another crucial aspect.

Why is IDE Important?

By now, you must know that you can use any code editor to write. The capability of integrated development environments (IDE) extends beyond text editing. The effectiveness of the software development process is considerably increased by IDEs, which provide a centralized interface for well-known developer tools.

Now that IDEs have enhanced the software development process ensure that you keep ahead with the latest software development trends; it’ll help you analyze what may be on your radar for the upcoming months.

Developers may quickly begin creating new applications without integrating and configuring numerous tools manually. Rather than learning about all the tools, they can focus on just one application. Now let us unleash the reasons why developers use IDEs.

1. Code Editing Automation

There are specific rules about how the statements should be structured in programming languages. Once more, the IDE is highly familiar with these guidelines and offers several innovative capabilities for automatically writing or modifying the source code.

2. Syntax Highlighting

Every programming language has its syntax. For instance, if you speak English, you’ll say Happy Birthday at a birthday party, but if you speak French, you’ll say Joyeux Anniversaire or Alles Gute zum Geburtstag in German. Similarly, every programming language has a different syntax or way of writing or communicating.

Here are a few instances of how, in a different programming language, you might create two variables (a and b) and then combine them to form a new variable (c):

As you can see, they can have some things in common, like a few symbols, i.e., plus (+) and equal (=) symbols, but they also have a few differences, like at the end of the line (;), or the presence of variables (int).

So, when you are using an IDE that is well-versed in the syntax of the programming language that you are using, IDE can easily recognize what a symbol or keyword means and is trying to deliver. It makes your code slightly more accessible to comprehend by displaying it in particular specified colors or formats, such as bold or italic.

Now let us look at the same examples by using a different IDE for each one of them

Note: JavaScript does not specify an IDE but an Editor. As an IDE would, certain text editors also provide syntax highlighting. Once more, an IDE won't be able to benefit you, and even if it did, it wouldn't be as effective as an IDE.

3. Text Autocompletion

You must be well-versed in this one. Do you know what Google does when you enter a query or a new search? Well, it gives you several options or suggestions about what you might be searching for. Look at the image for a better understanding.

It happens with Google, right? The same thing occurs with an IDE. Since it is well-versed in the syntax of the language you are programming, it can suggest what you want to write next. It helps you be quicker and faster as you’ll not have to register everything yourself. Well, you can just start writing something, and then auto-completion will help you with a list of possibilities.

There are times when we tend to forget specific keywords, right? Well, that’s not a big deal! If you remember the part of instruction that is needed, instead of checking the programming book, the IDE in programming will try to help you in the best possible ways by allowing you to guess it, and all that you will have to do is choose between the options and press enter to select the same.

You'll then be ready to go! Sounds intriguing, doesn't it? Well, that’s how an IDE can help you.

4. Refactoring Support

The technique of reorganizing source code to make it more effective and understandable without affecting its fundamental functionality is known as "code refactoring." IDEs can partially auto-refactor. It enables developers to fast and quickly improve the code.

Well, if the idea of refactoring is not making sense to you, then read the example for a better understanding;

For instance, renaming a file, changing files to different folders, or even renaming a variable, IDE has got you. Chances are that a few of you must be wondering why you will want to do it if it works the way it is, right?

Well, certain adjustments may be made to improve the readability of the code when it becomes too difficult to grasp, even by the developer who must have authored it. Also, as a developer, you’d agree that manually making changes can be daunting, whereas IDE can give you refactoring options to change the name simply.

5. Importing Libraries

When you are working on a software development project, there are a few challenging requirements that you will have to analyze how to code. In this situation, you won't likely need to write any new code from scratch because another developer online may already have it; you may leverage their work to create a new library.

You should remember that some functions were built by someone else and are available for you to use in your project. Thus, you don't need to invent the wheel in your code if you can just import and utilize a library.

Also, there are times when you remember the function of a library but do not remember the name, which can probably happen to anyone. So again, IDE can act as a rescue or game changer here. You only need to create the function you will use; the IDE will handle the import.

Build High-Quality Mobile Apps at a Great Price for Your Brand !

Get Started

Disadvantages of IDE

Just like every coin has two faces, let us not overlook IDE, which has a few disadvantages.

• It is challenging to keep up with the frequent upgrades, which include new templates, samples, and functionality.
• IDE cannot help you fix the errors automatically – you still would require knowledge to develop better clean codes.
• Some of the IDEs are hard for beginners to understand.

Languages That Are Supported by IDE

When it comes down to the languages that IDE supports or the list of examples of integrated development environments, you first need to know that they are dedicated to a specific programming language or a set of languages. Moreover, it crafts a feature that aligns with a particular language. For instance, Xcode has APIs for Cocoa and Cocoa Touch and Objective C and Swift.

Yet again, multiple language IDE, like

Eclipse – C, C++, Python, PHP, Java, and more

Komodo – Perl, Python, Tcl, PHP, Ruby, JavaScript, and more

NetBeans – Java, JavaScript, PHP, Python, Ruby, C, C++, and more

Developers can often find support for alternative languages through the help of plugins

Different Types of IDE

There are several ways in which developers work to produce the different types of code they craft, which means there is a variety of IDE to use. Some IDEs are designed to work with one specific language; on the latter, others are cloud-based, are tailored to produce mobile apps, or could be for HTML.

IDEs are meant explicitly for Apple and Microsoft development. Now let us look at the best or some of the most commonly used IDEs that every programmer must know.

1. BlueJ

BlueJ is one of the most well-liked IDEs, particularly among Java programmers. Additionally, it is best suited for programmers who operate independently or with a modestly sized software development setup. The developers can test and engage with their code with new items thanks to the layout's interactive features.

2. Eclipse

It is a renowned Java IDE. One of the most appealing features of Eclipse is its cross-platform desktop user interface. One of the ultimate features that comes with it is drag and drop. You can simply analyze your code by using static analysis. Moreover, it supports elements like debugging and profiling.

3. Slick Edit

It is a cross-platform source code editor, text editor, and IDE developed by SlickEdit, Inc. It provides a powerful, highly tailored code editor that can edit up to 2 TBs. Additionally, it supports more than 70 programming languages, making it an excellent option for programmers who need to be able to work across numerous platforms, nd languages.

4. CODE:: BLOCKS

It is a free tool for C and C++ programmers. It can be set up following your needs. Its plugins are also very flexible. It enables visual object-oriented object programming for objects. Plus, it supports the auto-completion of code along with debugging.

5. GNAT Studio

Again, another powerful IDE for C, C++, Ada, Spark, and Python developers. It supports debugging, profiling, drag and drop, and auto-complete features.

6. AWS Cloud 9

This IDE is cloud-based. Both spontaneous editing and real-time analysis are supported. More than 40 languages, including Node.js, Python, JS, Ruby, and Go, are supported by AWS.

7. CodeLite

It is an open-source lightweight IDE for backend development. It is primarily known for PHP and Node.js, and one can install it on Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu.

8. NetBeans

As one of the best IDE or web development, it works excellently with all programming languages and provides line indentation. NetBeans is available in several languages and helps highlight the source code with ease. Moreover, if you are looking forward to refactoring code, then NetBeans is the ultimate choice that you’ll make.

9. Microsoft Visual Studio

Microsoft provides it as an integrated development environment. The software has features that might help in the best possible ways to make the coding process easier and more accessible to programmers. Some of the top features offered by my Microsoft visual studio are a graphical user interface, debugger, mobile and web development, code editing, web app development, and data modeling.

10. PyCharm

For Python programming languages, it serves as an integrated development environment. The premium version of this software can also support other languages. It has a complete function and feature that checks for errors while you code. Furthermore, it also has an integrated debugger that can help you in the best possible ways to find any potential errors in your code before compiling.

Wait!! Did You Know with Expert DevOps Services You Can Reduce Your Product's Deployment Time By 65%?

Leverage our DevOps Expertise

Major Differences

We will walk you through a few comparisons in this section. Because it is easy to get confused when choosing the correct toolchain, which one would you choose: an IDE, text editor, or command-line tool?

Well, the answer to it lies in learning the differences between them. So, without delay, let’s get started.

What Is the Difference Between a Text Editor and an IDE?

If you are wondering which one is right for you – a text editor, or IDE, again, the question is not about which, but what matters the most! Choosing between both is entirely personal; yet again, you must know that IDE and text editor are very different programs.

On the other hand, an IDE is a fully-fledged software environment that consolidates the fundamental developer tools needed to create and test software. A text editor is exactly what it sounds like—a simple plain text editor.

The focus of a text editor is on the text itself. You may utilize a single-page application (SPA) for various technologies and languages after you've mastered it. The reason behind the same is text editor is more straightforward than an IDE.

An integrated development environment (IDE) is considerably more than that; it unifies several computer programs features into a single graphical user interface (GUI). With the aid of an IDE, developers can organize their work on several modules of the same project.

An IDE requires more disk space, memory, a faster processor, and a more robust computer. On the latter, a text editor takes comparatively fewer hardware resources to execute, which translates into less memory, computing power, and disc space.

Now that you’ve had a look at the differences between an IDE and a text editor, the choice and which one is right for you depends on your requirements, such as the hardware you are using, the languages, and the technologies you are working on, the features requirements and your budget.

What Is the Difference Between Text Editor and Code Editor?

One of the most essential tools programmers use to alter the source code of computer programs is the code editor. A text editor, or a code editor, is used for writing code. If you struggle to conclude which one to opt for, i.e., a text editor or a code editor, read on.

A set of software development tools, an IDE, is explicitly created for developers to make coding easier. On the latter, a code editor is a tool developers use to change the source code of computer programs.

An IDE combines several operations, including coding, building, and testing, into a single framework service. You should know that a code editor is a text editor with top-notch built-in features and specialized functionalities to make editing code easier and faster.

The key IDE features include text editing, debugging, syntax highlighting, unit testing, code completion, and more. On the contrary, the critical elements of code editor are syntax highlighting, printing multi-view, and preview windows.

What Is the Difference Between Text Editor and Command-Line Tool?

The command line is a term that most tech-savvy people must have heard of, yet they do not understand the same in simple words. To be precise, it is an interface you think of when picturing 1980s computers.

Programmers can access program source code and communicate directly with resources using the command line. They also look relatively archaic, yet some users prefer this traditional, purely text-based interface. Furthermore, to program now into the command line, you need a lot of experience and documentation because users are somewhat blind to visualizations and errors. The main distinctions between a text editor and an IDE are those mentioned above.

Prepare Your Organization for Future IT Innovations with Intelligent Software Development

Know More

Characteristics That Differentiate IDE

IDEs have been around for several years and continue to evolve no matter what. What characteristics differentiate an IDE from other tools are the ultimate features that it offers its users. Let us dive into the standard features that an IDE offers.

1. Code Completion

An essential part of programming is the development cycle. Compilers or interpreters are very good at repetitive tasks. We want tools that help the developers with their functions that can be done more intelligently and with fewer resources.

IDE has code completion, an intelligent feature for guessing what the user intends to do based on the available information and previous usage history. With the aspect of code completion that IDE offers, it is also essential to investigate the factor of understanding the importance of code quality and code standards.

2. Handling of Source Code Files

Source code files can be enhanced by an IDE to look more appealing, making it easier for the user to understand them. In addition, source code files can also be searched in case the user wants to know more about that object. The code completion feature and the code searching can be done incrementally.

3. Building Process

IDEs assist with the process of building software or applications by allowing the user to connect directly with the operating system or libraries. An IDE will enable users to use their coding skills without picking up an additional tool such as a compiler or interpreter. When using an IDE, developers should be familiar with the tools to work at their own pace.

Also, to analyze the performance of the app or software, it would be best for the expert dev to rely on application performance tuning services.

4. Project Structure

IDEs allow for the proper and logical organization of project files into folders, offering ultimate digital transformation. It makes sense since no system as extensive as USV can be organized simply. The structure and setting of all the project files are fundamental since a suitable frame can make it easier for users to find the piece of code they need without wasting time looking through all the files on their computers.

Also, to enhance your project structure and automate your business processes, you can rely on professional ServiceNow Services.

5. Bug Tracking

IDE allows developers to track bugs while they are building their production-ready software. It is essential since bug fixes directly impact efficiency and product quality. Thus, it should be given priority in development techniques. These are a few characteristics that differentiate IDE from other tools.

How to Choose the Right IDE?

It can be challenging to select the best IDE when it comes down to it. There are many aspects to consider, but one of the most vital is where you plan on using it. If you plan on working with a specific language, that is something to remember. But if not, here are some general guidelines when choosing an IDE:

• If you’re just starting and do not require a lot of advanced features (e.g., debugging), it can be wise to choose an inexpensive option that is easy to learn, but again, it might lack power.
• For the users who want all the bells and whistles, however, there are plenty of more robust options with more features for more significant price tags.
• For users with much programming experience who want to use the same tools for many languages, picking an IDE that supports as many as possible is probably the most critical factor. Some popular choices include Microsoft Visual Studio, Visual Studio Express, and Eclipse.
• Several more supportive options might be worth considering for the developers creating an application specifically for Windows. These include Window SDK, and Window Workflow Foundation (WF), which can help you write applications that work fluidly with the graphical user interface (GUI).
• If you plan on programming in a specific language, ensure the IDE is compatible. For instance, several options are available if you plan on using Python, such as Anjuta (Linux), Komodo IDE, and Spyder (Windows, Mac OS X). However, several tools support those languages if you are working with Java or C++.
• Several IDEs have user communities that will help answer any questions you might have while using them. A good IDE should have at least some community support and documentation.

After considering these things, ensure that you also answer a few questions before making a final decision about IDE.

• Do you need to code in several different languages?
• Do you need syntax highlighting?
• Do you need to debug the build into the IDE?
• Do you need extensibility?
• Do you need class browsers?
• And most importantly, do you need an IDE at all?

By now, you must know that there are heaps of IDEs out there, with more coming in regularly. You can choose or get started by tallying up the languages you work in regularly and then get started from there.

Still, Left with Questions in Your Mind About IDE?

Ask Our Experts

ConclusionAn integrated development environment is an essential tool for businesses, especially those that rely heavily on software development. You must have understood that for aspects like increased productivity, standardization, integration with other devices, cost savings, and competitive advantage, IDE can help you in the best possible ways. By investing in IDEs, businesses can enhance their software development capabilities and achieve better results in today’s fast-paced digital economy.Radixweb, a leading software development partner, can assist with your IDE by providing expert advice, customization, support, training, resources, and upgrades. Our experts understand your unique business needs. They can help you customize the IDE to suit your development needs, such as integrating additional plugins, creating custom themes, or configuring your environment to work with specific programming languages.Optimize your development environment and enhance your productivity with us. Contact us to gather more information on the same.