Developing software applications is a complex activity. You need to build many things that work together: code, UI, project structure, environment configurations, and more.
Efforts to simplify the software development process have resulted in a wide array of software tools that facilitate many different design and development aspects.
One such collection of tools is an integrated development environment (IDE).
An IDE, or integrated development environment, is a software application that combines all the tools needed for a software development project in one place.
Developers use an IDE to write, manage, and execute code while running their applications. It makes the development process much easier by abstracting different aspects of editing code into standalone programs.
An IDE provides an editor, compiler, and debugger, streamlining the coding process. It typically performs tasks like code completion and generic code management. While some IDEs focus on specific programming languages, such as Python or Java, many offer cross-language capabilities.
Developers use a variety of tools throughout the software development lifecycle, including top text editors, code libraries, bug-tracking software, compilers, and software testing tools. Without an IDE, developers must choose, deploy, integrate, and monitor these tools individually, which can be time-consuming and complex.
By integrating various development-related technologies into a single framework, an IDE reduces the time spent learning to operate each tool separately. This is particularly beneficial for new developers, who can use an IDE to familiarize themselves with a team’s standard tools and practices.
Tip: Experienced developers use IDEs. If you're interested in trying your hand at coding, consider using no-code or low-code development software as a starting point.
In terms of text editing, IDEs often support the insertion of frameworks and element libraries, allowing developers to build upon base-level code. During the development process, users can create hierarchies within the IDE and assign groups of code to designated regions. These groupings can then be compiled and executed together.
Did you know? It's possible to develop apps without using an IDE. Developer can create their own IDE by manually integrating services with a lightweight text editor such as Vim. This method appeals to certain developers since it allows for extreme flexibility and control. However, in the workplace, the productivity gains, environment uniformity, and automation capabilities of current IDEs generally outweigh other factors.
IDEs have existed for decades. From being merely a platform for debugging and testing purposes to an integrated piece of software that can be an extension of the developer, IDEs continue to evolve and change with time.
Here are some standard features of an IDE:
While IDEs have a significantly more extensive range of capabilities, there are situations when text editors are easier to use and better suited to complete a task. Users who write a simple script or whip up some basic HTML will likely utilize a text editor rather than a complex IDE. Text editor software still has syntax highlighters and search capabilities.
"Command line" is a term most relatively tech-savvy people have heard of but often don't understand; in simple terms, it is the interface you think of when picturing 1980s computers. Command lines let programmers communicate directly with resources and access program source code.
They look relatively archaic, but some users prefer this traditional, purely text-based interface. To program directly into a command line interface (or portal if you’re a Mac user), you need a lot of experience and documentation because users are somewhat blind to visualizations and errors.
There are IDEs for virtually every programming language in existence. Each offers different features that help programmers develop high-quality code quickly and efficiently.
There are several reasons to use an IDE, most of which revolve around software development. The platform centralizes three critical tools most developers use: source code editors, debuggers, and compilers. This allows users to write, perfect, and process code within a single environment.
Centralizing these tools also makes it easier to navigate the source code in question. Many include additional capabilities to test, organize and refactor code. Other features such as autocomplete, along with build and deployment capabilities, significantly expand a developer's capabilities and improve their development speed.
Other benefits include:
IDEs are not just faster, they also considerably shorten the time spent on testing and debugging. After all, who doesn't want to save time and be more productive? However, there are also some disadvantages you should be aware of before deciding whether or not to use one.
The “integrated” component of IDEs is really what sets these tools apart from simple code-editing tools. Debuggers, compilers, and automation capabilities contribute as well. But one of the biggest reasons IDEs can be more beneficial than other tools is the ability to customize an environment with plugins and integrations. Plugins help customize workflows and add functionality.
The plugins can be as simple as color themes and schedules or as complicated as continuous deployment and database development extensions. The following are some of the top multifunctional IDE solutions that support C, C++, PHP, Java, JavaScript, Python, and many other languages.
*These are the 5 leading IDE software providers from G2’s Fall 2024 Grid® Report.
Python integrated development environments contain all of the tools required for Python software development. It supports the automation of processes and increases the developer's productivity and efficiency. Python's expanding popularity across a wide range of computer and scientific applications, as seen by the development of analytics and business intelligence, necessitates the need for an IDE to execute it.
While elementary programs don't necessitate the use of specialized tools, once reaching that point, some sort of Python IDE is required; however, there are several types, and some are better at supporting specific languages than others.
Looking for an IDE specific to Python development? Here are the top 5 Python IDE software providers:
*These are the five leading Python IDE software providers from G2’s Fall 2024 Grid® Report.
Java is a popular programming language. It's widely used for creating powerful and secure desktop, workplace, mobile, and online applications. Java integrated development environments are platforms that offer programmers a complete set of software development tools. Java IDEs are designed to operate with specific application platforms and reduce the software development life cycle (SDLC) hurdles.
Here are the best available IDEs for Java developers:
*These are the five leading Java IDE software providers from G2’s Fall 2024 Grid® Report.
Developers use integrated development environments to facilitate their work. They help make the coding process a lot more streamlined and straightforward, especially for complex codes.
Choosing an IDE depends on the scope of the project and other factors such as programming language, version control system, and budget. Of course, businesses must also consider their personal preferences.
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This article was originally published in 2021. It has been updated with new information.
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