An IDE is a software tool intended to integrate all common developer tools into one small GUI application. IDE uses tools in one terminal, such as code compiler, editor, and debugger. IDEs are easy-to-use applications that combine all the features of software editing, building, testing, and packaging. Thus, it boosts developer productivity. Programmers or software developers use IDEs to make the programming journey smooth. For instance, recently Microsoft has added new features in visual studio (Microsoft IDE) i.e. v17.11. That addresses specific issues reported by developers.
Before IDEs were invented, developers wrote their applications using text editors. They would literally author an application in the text editor, then execute the application, making sure to note any error messages, and then go back into the text editor to revise their code.
Why Are IDEs Important?
Basically, to code or develop applications, one does not necessarily have to have an IDE. In fact, a simple text editor like Notepad will do the job of writing code. However, these IDEs come up with some amazing features other than ordinary editing. Developers can start building applications immediately without the hassle of manual configuration and integration by providing all the frequently used developer tools on one simple interface. IDEs offer a huge array of features but normally include:
- Source Code Editor: This is a text editor designed to assist in writing software code. It has features such as language-specific autocompletion, syntax highlighting with visual cues, and checking for bugs as code is being written.
- Compiler: The compiler takes human-readable code and turns it into machine-specific code that can be executed on Windows, Mac, Linux, or other operating systems. Most IDEs, by default, provide a compiler for the language they support.
- Debugger: A facility that can help developers test their applications, debug them, and graphically point out the locations of the bugs or errors. A program for testing other programs capable of graphically displaying the location of a bug in the original code.
- Built-in Terminal: The Terminal is a text-based interface that can interact with the machine’s operating system. The developer can directly run the scripts or commands inside an IDE with a built-in terminal/ console.
- Version Control: Version control helps make the software development process clearer. A few IDEs support version control tools such as Git, which helps users manage and track changes to the software code.
- Code Snippets: IDEs support code snippets, which are usually employed for some single tasks. The code snippets reduce redundant work.
- Extensions and Plugins: Extensions and plugins extend the functionality of IDEs concerning programming languages.
- Code navigation: An IDE is packaged with tools such as refactoring, class and method navigation, and cold folding, which makes it easy to review and analyze code.
Languages Supported by an IDE
In some cases, the focus of an IDE is on one specific programming language or a group of languages so that a feature set is aligned with the peculiarities of the targeted language. For example, Xcode focuses on the Objective-C and Swift languages and the Cocoa and Cocoa Touch APIs.
Additionally, there are multiple-language IDEs as well, such as Eclipse (C, C++, Python, Perl, PHP, Java, Ruby, and more), Komodo (Perl, Python, Tcl, PHP, Ruby, JavaScript, and more) and NetBeans (PHP, C, Java, C++, JavaScript, Ruby, Python, Ruby, and more).
Why Do Developers Use IDE?
IDEs make developers more productive. They help developers create better quality code and enhance the overall development experience by providing a single integrated environment to perform and manage all development activities.
- Productivity: Combining common activities such as testing, building executables, debugging, and editing code as part of software/application development, IDEs directly help to reduce time and increase overall productivity.
- Code Quality: IDE has a set of tools built into a single GUI by which developers can perform actions without having to actually switch between applications. Moreover, it will also be able to help in code refactoring, syntax highlighting, and code analysis, which will help boost overall code quality.
- Integrated Environment: IDEs are featured with a bundle of development tools that permit the developers to start coding new applications right away. In addition, previously, developers were required to download and set up as well as integrate several utilities manually that are no longer required to be performed while installing. Moreover, since all utilities are provided on the same workbench, developers are not required to invest a number of hours in order to learn the use of every utility separately.
- Customizability: IDEs allow developers to personalize their environment. They can choose custom color schemes and keyboard shortcuts. Developers can also select unique layouts, plugins, and add-ons. This helps create a more comfortable and efficient development process.
Types of IDEs
IDEs come in different forms. Some work on the principle of language-specific, whereas some are specific to a device or platform, such as a mobile device. Choosing an IDE that best suits your needs is important, let’s explore types of IDEs;
- Desktop IDEs: This category involves those IDEs that could be installed locally. An active internet connection is not required for building/running programs. The major advantages of using Desktop IDEs are their flexibility in terms of customization, being able to adjust to a particular developer's needs, and the reliability of performance. For example, Microsoft Visual Studio, Eclipse, Netbeans, etc.
- Cloud IDEs: It saves the overhead of configuring software locally. IDEs run on remote servers, and from there, they can be accessed via desktop browsers. These IDEs give good accessibility and platform independence, and these can be accessed through the Internet irrespective of the client operating system. Pricing models may or may not be there with respect to the provider, and free usage is also possible in certain cases. For example, Gitpod, AWS Cloud 9, Replit, etc.
- IDEs for Mobile App Development: These IDEs are designed for the creation of mobile applications. These IDEs include emulator support and integration. These features develop and test mobile applications. IDEs for mobile development can be in the form of Desktop IDE or Cloud IDE. Due to the increasing demand for apps for both smartphones and tablets, it seems that almost all industries are being influenced by them, and hence, the development of mobile apps is also developed along with conventional web applications.
Among the major factors considered during the development of mobile applications, one important consideration is the selection of the platform. For instance, if a new application is targeted to support iOS, Android, and then the web, it would be wiser to begin with an IDE that supports cross-operating systems. For example, Android Studio, Flutlab.io, etc.
- Database-Specific IDEs: These IDEs are specifically designed for use with databases. They contain query builders for creating and testing mobile applications. Like mobile IDEs, Database IDEs contain Desktop or Cloud IDEs. Examples Include MySQL Workbench and Oracle SQL Developer, which contain query builders for creating and testing mobile applications. Like mobile IDEs, Database IDEs can also be Desktop IDEs or Cloud IDEs.
How Should I Choose an IDE?
With so many IDEs in the market, choosing the correct one has become a tough task. Some of them are open sources and free to use, while some work on a subscription model. Some very popular ones include Visual Studio, PyCharm, Android Studio, etc. Some tips for the right selection could be:
- Programming Language: IDEs are largely a matter of personal preference and often relate to the programming language you will be using most. There are two types of IDEs: one that supports multiple languages and another which is dedicated to a specific language. IDEs dedicated to specific languages offer automated features.
- Operating System: Most IDEs work with different operating systems, but there are a few exceptions that work under specific platforms. You may take into consideration the compatibility of the IDEs with different platforms and different operating systems.
- Pricing Model: There are few IDEs that are free, while for some IDEs, one must take a premium subscription model to unlock most features. Select the IDE according to your requirements and budget.
- Features: Version control, debugger, code highlighter, integrated terminal, code refactoring, code folding, code completion, indentation, syntax error detection, and others are some of the features that can be taken into consideration while opting for an IDE to code.
Advantages of Using IDE
Following are some of the common advantages of using integrated development environments:
- Project Management: Viewing the project directory structure is much easier when using IDEs, thereby breaking down the more tedious jobs of having to work with multiple files. IDEs come with various tools that simplify project management, such as syntax highlighting, code completion, and folding.
- Save lots of Time and Effort: In most cases, IDEs are packed with quite a set of tools for helping you out while organizing your code; it also helps you track down any potential errors within your code at any possible time. They have similar sets of flexible tools to deploy, build, test, and compile the code, through which one can automate these tasks rather than running each of the tasks manually.
- Productivity: From writing, editing, and investigating bugs to building, debugging, and deploying applications, IDEs increase productivity. It makes the engaging process user-friendly and convenient.
Disadvantages of Using IDE
- Not Beginner Friendly: Most IDEs are usually very complicated tools and normally present a very overwhelming UI, which most beginners may have difficulty understanding. To extract their maximum advantage, in most cases, demands a targeted effort.
- Frequent Updates: At times, it becomes a bit tedious to keep up with the frequency of new samples, templates, and features.
- Limitations: An IDE is just an assistive tool for writing code, which means it cannot write code on its own, and it can't auto-correct errors, so one still needs to know how to write clean code.
- Cost: Some IDEs have an expensive up-front cost or need additional costs for some add-ons, something that is out of the budget for most small-scale companies or individual learners.
Summing Up!
The selection of an IDE solely depends on the type of project and other requirements. This is because different IDEs offer varied features, starting from code editing to debugging and version control, that might ease and boost your productivity in the software development cycle. Of course, you must consider budget and personal preference. Overall, applying IDE will help persons and businesses enhance the software development process, reduce the time-to-market, save costs, and improve software quality. It is a good idea to try out two or three different IDEs and then determine which one you are most comfortable with.
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