The Best Software Development IDE is one of the most important parts of your Software development journey. Now if you are a Veteran Programmer/ Developer you would know the importance of Software Integrated Development Environment already or probably you haven’t paid much attention but if you are new to programming, selecting the IDE for programming is one of the barriers you will face. Some are the best ide for all languages and some are language-specific, you need to understand them accordingly.
Software Development IDE (Integrated Development Environment) is basically a Software Application that provides various tools and features required for programming to a Developer. There are a number of IDE software on the Internet and if you ask any developer “the best IDE”, you will get many opinions and suggestions. So the question you should ask is Which is the best IDE for your purpose. We have made the list of 29 most popular IDE choices to help you figure out which one to pick for your Software Development Journey.
Why Use IDE for Software Development & Not Text Editor?
If you are new to programming, there is a high chance that you are already using a text editor like Notepad++ or Sublime Text or even Atom. Yes, the text editor works fine for time being when are learning programming and your programs are limited to a single file. But soon you will realize that you are working with multiple files and to manage them is a difficult task. As project development goes, you will be adding more and more files and folder which would complicate the managing process. This all maintaining and managing of the files and folders became a lot easy while using IDE. For Example, Have a look at the below image of Microsoft Visual Code I am using for software development, in this particular case, Web Development.
Here you can see the hierarchy and all the files on the left pane that makes it easy to maintain and apply changes if required. And believe me, on this one, this project has just started. So, you see why IDE can be your best ally for the Programming/ Software Development.
Here are the best IDE(s) used and loved by Software Developers and Programmers around the globe.
1) Microsoft Visual Studio IDE-
Microsoft Visual Studio is the IDE developed and Maintained by Microsoft which is used to develop Softwares, Web Apps, Mobile Apps, and Websites. Microsoft Visual Studio supports around 36 Programming languages, either built-in supports for languages like C, C++, Visual Basic .Net, Javascript, or via plugins for languages like Java, Python, Ruby, etc and it is said to be the best ide for a python programming language.
Features-
- Edit and Debug Apps on Any Operating System.
- Built-In Git Support
- Over 10k extensions
- Free and Built on Open Source
- Collaborate in real-time with anyone in your favorite tools
Details-
Developer: Microsoft
Stable Release: 2019 Version 16.7.3 (As of the day of writing this Article)
Operating System Support: Windows 7 & above, macOS
Languages Supported: Chinese, Czech, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, Spanish, and Turkish.
Price:
Community Version- Free
Professional Subscription- Monthly: $45, Standard subscription- $1,199
Link- https://visualstudio.microsoft.com/
2) Netbeans IDE
Netbeans is one of the best Integrated Development Environment specifically used for Java Programming Language. Netbeans is used for building Java Applications from modules. The software has extensions for other programming languages for C, C++, HTML, Javascript, and PHP.
Features-
- Netbeans has a collection of Templates and Sample Applications
- Netbeans gives you access to databases, servers, web services, and Issue Trackers.
- Easy Plugin Manager to add, remove and update plugins
- Customizable Workspace
Details-
Developer: Apache Software Foundation Oracle Corporation
Stable Release: 12.0 LTS(As of the day of writing this Article)
Operating System Support: Windows, macOS, Linux, and Solaris
Languages Supported: Afrikaans, Albanian, Azerbaijani, Catalan, Czech, Dutch, Filipino, French, Galician, German, Greek, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Korean, Lithuanian, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Spanish, Swedish, Traditional Chinese, Turkish, Vietnamese.
Price: Free
Link- https://netbeans.org/
3) PyCharm IDE
PyCharm is the Integrated Development Environment developed by Jetbrains specifically built and used for Python Development. PyCharm provides a graphical debugger, unit tester, code analysis that makes Software Development easier for Developers. The PyCharm also supports frameworks like Django, Web2py, and Flask. PyCharm is the best ide for python development.
Also Read- How to Install Pip, Python, Tensorflow 2.0, OpenCV in Windows Easily
Features-
- Provides Code Analysis, Code Completion, Syntax and Error Highlighting, and Quick Fixes
- Integrated Python Debugger
- Integrated unit testing and line-by-line code Analysis
- Supports scientific tools like matplotlib, numpy, Pandas, SciKit Learn, and NLTK.
Details-
Developer: Jetbrains
Stable Release: 2020.1.2 (As of the day of writing this Article)
Operating System Support: Windows, macOS, and Linux
Languages Supported: English
Price:
Community Version (For Pure Python Development): Free
Professional Version: US $89 Annually or the US $8.9 per month
Link- https://www.jetbrains.com/pycharm/
4) IntelliJ IDEA
IntelliJ IDEA is another Integrated Development Environment developed by JetBrains for developing Computer Software. The IntelliJ IDEA IDE is developed in Java & Kotlin and was released in January 2001 and still supported by the developers with regular updates. IntelliJ is said to be the best ide for Java development.
Features-
- IntelliJ IDEA provides deep insights into your code like smart completion, chain completion, data flow analysis, language injection, cross-language refactoring, detecting duplicates, Inspections, and quick fixes.
- IntelliJ IDEA has an Editor-Centric environment, Shortcuts for everything, Ergonomic Interface, and an Inline debugger.
- It also offers Version Control tools like Git, SVN, Mercurial, CVS, Perforce, TFS. Build Tools like Maven, Gradle, Ant, Gant, SBT, NPM, Webpack, Grunt, Gulp, and other build tools.
Details-
Developer: Jetbrains
Stable Release: 2020.1 (As of the day of writing this Article)
Operating System Support: Windows, macOS, and Linux
Price: $149
Link- https://www.jetbrains.com/idea/
5) Eclipse IDE
Eclipse is one of the most used first IDE by Engineers and Software Developers when they start their journey in Software Developing. Eclipse Integrated Development Environment is developed in Java and C Programming Language. Eclipse is the best IDE for Java and C development for beginners as it is simple to understand and easy to work with.
Features-
- Easier IDE Configuration
- Improved Theme and Styling
- Support for AarchLinux64
- Embedded Node.js
- Free and Open Source
Details-
Developer: Eclipse Foundation
Stable Release: 4.16(As of the day of writing this Article)
Operating System Support: Linux, Windows, and macOS
Platforms: Java Platform, Standard Edition, Standard Widget Toolkit, x86-64
Price: Free and Open Source
Link- https://www.eclipse.org/ide/
6) Code:: Blocks
Code:: Blocks is one of the most simple Integrated Development Tool with simple GUI and straight forward configuration. The Code:: Blocks IDE is written in C++ and it requires no interpreted languages or proprietary libs needed. This IDE is extensible through plugins.
Features-
- Multiple Compiler Supported
- Very fast custom build System
- Supports Parallel Builds
- Multi-target Builds.
- External Customizable Tools
- Coding Folding for C, C++, Fortran, XML, and many more files.
Details-
Developer: The Code:: Blocks Team
Stable Release: 20.03 March 29, 2020(As of the day of writing this Article)
Operating System Support: Linux, Windows, and macOS
Price: Free and Open source
Link- http://www.codeblocks.org/
7) Aptana Studio 3
Aptana Studio is an Integrated Development environment mainly used for developing web applications. Aptana also supports the additional plugins which allow the developers to use Aptana for development with languages like Ruby on Rails, PHP, Python, Perl, Adobe AIR, Apple iPhone, and Nokia WRT (Web Runtime). Aptana is available as a Standalone Integrated Development Environment or as a plugin for Eclipse.
Features-
- HTML, CSS, and Javascript Code Assists.
- The easy and straight forward deployment wizard
- Integrated Debugger
- Git Integration
- Built-in Terminal
- IDE Customization
Details-
Developer: Aptana Inc.
Stable Release: 3.6.1 (As of the day of writing this Article)
Operating System Support: Cross-Platform- Linux, Windows, and macOS
Languages Supported: HTML, CSS, Javascript, and upon additional plugins, Python, Perl, Ruby on Rails, etc.
Price: Free and Open Source
Link- http://www.aptana.com/
8) Komodo IDE
Developed and introduced in 2007 as a complement to ActiveState’s commercial IDE, Comodo edit is a free and open-source text editor for dynamic programming languages. The Komodo utilizes the Mozilla and Scintilla code base to provide its features and support for many dynamic programming languages and considered as the best ide for python.
Features-
- Change Tracker that allows highlighting the change in the code and revert if necessary
- Split View and Multi Window for Web Development so you have to switch between them less and code more
- Code folding, column/ block editing, line/ block commenting
- Smart Language Detection
- Auto Abbreviation Snippets
Details-
Developer: ActiveState
Stable Release: 11.1 June 2018 (As of the day of writing this Article)
Operating System Support: Linux, Windows, and macOS
Languages Supported:
Price: Free
9) RubyMine
Another Integrated Development Environment developed by JetBrains specifically for Ruby on Rails, Javascript, Coffeescript, HTML, and CSS Development. The RubyMine IDE works best and has been serving the web developers very efficiently and is chosen by them almost all the time.
Features-
- Code Insights and Smart Suggestions
- Basic Support for Liquid Language Support
- Quick Optimization of Codes
- Full support for Git requests
- Provides easy methods for Database tools
- ML-assisted completion
Details-
Developer: Jetbrains Inc
Stable Release: 2020.2 (As of the day of writing this Article)
Operating System Support: Linux, Windows, and macOS
Languages Supported: Ruby on Rails, HTML, Javascript, CSS, Coffeescript, and more
Price: Free and Paid Version
10) Xcode
Xcode is an Integrated Development Environment specifically designed for Apple for developing software for iOS, macOS, watchOS, TvOS, and iPadOS. Xcode includes all the tools and features that help developers create great applications for Apple products. The Xcode is programmed in C language.
Features-
- Provides the facility of Documents Tab
- Code Completion Streamlined
- Multiplatform template
- Improved Auto Indentation
- Store kit Testing B
Details-
Developer: Apple Inc.
Stable Release: 11.7 (As of the day of writing this Article)
Operating System Support: macOS
Languages Supported: C, C++, Objective-C, Objective-C++, Java, AppleScript, Python, Ruby, ResEdit (Rez), and Swift
Price: Freeware with Open Source Components
11) BlueJ
BlueJ is one of the rare Integrated Development Environment designed for Educational purposes and can be used for small-scale development in Java programming language. The BlueJ is written in Java and it runs with help of JDK. BlueJ is one of the best IDE for Java development for its simple yet powerful features.
Features-
- Simple and Clear User Interface- It is specifically designed for beginners that allows them to code and not get overwhelmed by the complex design and User Interface
- Portable Version- BlueJ does not require installation and can be downloaded as a simple executable file.
- Extensive Support- BlueJ has been around for almost 15 years and still getting updates and supports
Details-
Developer: BlueJ Team
Stable Release: 4.2.2 October 2019(As of the day of writing this Article)
Operating System Support: Linux, Windows, Ubuntu/Debian, macOS
Languages Supported: Java
Price: Free
12) Codenvy-
Codenvy is one of the best cloud IDE and developers workspace servers that allows anyone to contribute to the project without installing the software. Codeenvy also has a Google Chrome extension that makes it further easier to contribute to the project. It is the best IDE for all programming languages.
Features-
- Automated Workspace creation and sharing
- Code against multi-machine images
- Integrate your version control
- Share your workspace with users on any OS
- Access Projects from multiple devices and locations
- Easy process to set up a new workspace for any application
Details-
Developer: Eclipse Foundation
Stable Release: (As of the day of writing this Article)
Operating System Support: Linux, Windows, and macOS
Price: Free and Paid Versions Available
13) RJ TextEd
RJ TextEd is an Integrated Development Environment used for web development and supports languages like HTML, CSS, Javascript, PHP, and ASP. The editor also provides various methods for syntax highlighting in the source code. RJ TextEd includes a web browser, a file manager, and a CSS editor for various developers.
Features-
- Auto-completion, Code folding, Column mode.
- Multi edit and multi-select
- Document map, Annotation bar, Advanced sorting.
- Handles both ASCII and binary files.
- CSS and HTML wizards.
- Highlighting colors in CSS/SASS/LESS.
- Advanced color hint that can convert between color formats.
- File explorer, text clips, code explorer, project manager…
- HTML validation, format, and repair.
- Tools available like syntax editor, color picker
Details-
Developer: Rickard Johansson
Stable Release: 14.64 (As of the day of writing this Article)
Operating System Support: Windows
Languages Supported: HTML, CSS, Javascript, PHP, and ASP
Price: Free
14) GNAT Programming Studio
Developed by Adacore, GNAT Programming Studio is a multi-language integrated environment that uses Python as its scripting Language and written in Ada Programming Language.
Features-
- GNAT Programming Studio supports a number of file types for the build systems such as Autoconf and Make.
- The new version has been included with text editing features like intelligent autocomplete feature.
- The GNAT Programming studio also supports the various version control systems like Git, CVS, Subversion, etc.
Details-
Developer: Adacore
Stable Release: 6.2.1 (As of the day of writing this Article)
Operating System Support: Cross-platform
Languages Supported: Ada, C, Javascript, Python, and more.
Price: Free and Paid Version available
15) Brackets
Brackets is a Free, open-source, lightweight yet powerful text editor developed by Adobe Systems for fast pace web development. It supports popular extensions based on applications like Emmet for high-speed HTML and CSS workflow, Beautify for formatting HTML, CSS, Javascript, and so on.
Features-
- Provides the quick edit options for editing inline CSS and customize it on runtime
- The live preview that helps to modify on visual-based
- Elements Highlighting that simplifies editing and updating components
- Split View, Multiple file format support
Details-
Developer: Adobe Systems
Stable Release: 1.14.2 April 2019(As of the day of writing this Article)
Operating System Support: Linux, Windows, macOS
Languages Supported: Web Development
Price: Free and Open Source
16) AWS Cloud9
Amazon Web Services Cloud9 is a cloud-based Integrated Development Environment that allows you to write, run, and build the projects using just browser. The AWS Cloud9 provides the text code editor, debugger, and terminal to run the code. AWS Cloud9 comes with a package that includes essential tools for popular programming languages like Java, Python, PHP, Javascript, and so on.
Features-
- Code with just a browser
- Code together in real-time with colleagues
- Build serverless applications with ease
- Direct Terminal Access to AWS
- An easy and simple way to start a new project
Details-
Developer: Amazon Web Services
Stable Release: (As of the day of writing this Article)
Operating System Support: Linux, Windows, and macOS
Languages Supported: All
Price: Paid Premium
17) Code Lite
CodeLite is an open-source cross-platform IDE that is used for the development in HTML, CSS, Javascript, etc. The Code Lite IDE is written in C++ and is maintained, updated regularly by the developer Eran Ifrah.
Features-
- The Code Lite supports all major compilers
- A lightweight and efficient PHP IDE
- Develop, debug, and run Node.js based applications
Details-
Developer: Eran Ifrah
Stable Release: 14.0 February 2020 (As of the day of writing this Article)
Operating System Support: Linux, Windows, macOS, Fedora, ArchLinux
Languages Supported: HTML, CSS, Javascript,
Price: Free and Open Source
18) GreenFoot
GreenFoot is an IDE specifically designed for educational purposes at high school and undergraduate levels. GreenFoot IDE is developed in Java and Stride depending upon the version. Greenfoot provides a simple and fun entry point for novice programmers but also supports the full power of the Java for experienced programmers.
Features-
- Simple and Plain Design
- Easy to Understand and explain the Programming concepts
- Visual Tools coupled with Programming to make programming Learning
- Large community support
Details-
Developer: Michael Kölling, Computing Education Group, King’s College London
Stable Release: 3.6.0 June 2019 (As of the day of writing this Article)
Operating System Support: Linux, Windows and, macOS
Languages Supported: Java
Price: Free
19) Light Table
Light Table is an Integrated Development Environment that features real-time feedback allowing instant debugging and access to documentation. The Light table at the beginning to support only Clojure, now it is also supporting the Python and Javascript. The developers of Light Table claims that the software can reduce the programming time up to 20%.
Features-
- Instant Feedback features with the real-time data flow of the code
- The Light Table is highly customizable and can be tailored according to the project
- You can embed anything, from graphs to games.
- Lightweight IDE with beautiful and elegant designed
Details-
Developer: Kodowa (Chris Granger; Robert Attorri)
Stable Release: 0.8.1 January 2016 (As of the day of writing this Article)
Operating System Support: Linux, Windows, and macOS
Languages Supported: Clojure, Java, Python
Price: Free
20) PhpStorm
Developed by Jetbrains. PhpStorm is the smart cross-platform IDE specifically made for PHP development. The PhpStorm supports multiple frameworks like Symfony, Laravel, Drupal, Magento, WordPress, Zend Framework, Joomla, etc.
Features-
- PhpStorm supports all the major frameworks that you will use for development
- It supports and provides all the tools you require for PHP and has the best code completion, error prevention, and more.
- All the front-end technologies are included that make your learning and developing Php less worrying about tools and technologies.
Details-
Developer: JetBrains
Stable Release: 2020.1 / April 2020(As of the day of writing this Article)
Operating System Support: Linux, Microsoft Windows, and macOS
Languages Supported: PHP
Price: Free Trial of 30 Days/ $8.90 per month
21) WebStorm
Just like the PhpStorm, WebStorm is also developed by JetBrains Inc specifically for the Javascript Development. WebStorm supports multiple frameworks like Angular, React, Vue.js for Web, Ionic, Cordova, React Native for mobile, and also Servers and Desktop frameworks.
Features-
- Intelligent code completion, on-the-fly error detection
- Powerful navigation and refactoring for Javascript, Typescript, and all other popular frameworks
- Advance Debugger that allows you to put breakpoints in source code
- Unit Testing- Run and debug tests with Karma, Mocha, Protractor, and jest in WebStorm
Details-
Developer: JetBrains Inc
Stable Release: (As of the day of writing this Article)
Operating System Support: Linux, Microsoft Windows, and macOS
Languages Supported: Javascript
Price: $59 for Individual but they provide Free Version for Students
22) Spyder IDE
Spyder is an open-source cross-platform Integrated Development Environment Spyder Team for Scientific programming in Python Programming Language. The Spyder IDE is specifically designed for extensive usage of Python language for Scientists, Engineers, and Data Analysts. It is recommended for Python Development and is the best ide for python programming.
Features-
- Spyder provides the multi-language editor, code analysis tool, automatic code completion, etc.
- Variable Explorer feature allows you to edit the variables at runtime
- View, copy, save figures and images created during your code execution
- Extend the Spyder’s functionality with additional Spyder plugins like Spyder Notebook, Spyder Terminal, Spyder Unit Test, and Spyder reports.
Details-
Developer: Syncfusion Inc.
Stable Release: (As of the day of writing this Article)
Operating System Support: Linux, Microsoft Windows, and macOS
Languages Supported: Python
Price: Free
23) Arduino IDE
Developed by Arduino Software, Arduino Integrated Development Environment is a cross-platform application written in functions from C and C++. The Arduino IDE is used for writing and upload programs to the Arduino Compatible board.
Features-
- The open-source Arduino Software makes it easy to write the code and upload it on the board.
- Sketch editing tools, Serial monitor, Burn Bootloader
- The Arduino IDE software has hundreds of Integrated libraries
- The Arduino IDE can also be used with third-party part hardware components
Details-
Developer: Arduino Software
Stable Release: 1.8.13 June 2020 (As of the day of writing this Article)
Operating System Support: Linux, Microsoft Windows, and macOS
Languages Supported: C, C++, and Java
Price: Free and Open-source
24) The Jupytor Notebook
Jupyter Notebook is a web-based open-source Integrated Development Environment that allows you to share the various types of documents containing codes, equations, visual data, and so on. The Jupytor Notebook supports over 40 different programming languages and provides a perfect environment for the newbies and best ide for python.
Features-
- Provides support for over 40 different programming language
- Simple and Clean User Interface
- The Jupytor Notebook allows Data Cleaning and Transformation, Numerical Simulation, Statistical Modeling, Data Visualization, Machine Learning, and much more.
Details-
Developer: Project Jupyter
Stable Release: NA
Operating System Support: Linux, Microsoft Windows, and macOS
Languages Supported: Python, Java, and 40 more
Price: Free
25) Kite IDE
Kite is a coding assistant powered by Artificial Intelligence that automates and predicts the repetitive parts of programming. If you already use another IDE, Kite provides the autocomplete plugin that works in a similar fashion. The Kite is the best ide for python development and good for beginners.
Features-
- Secure and Easy to use
- Kite uses Deep Learning models
- Easily integrates with the code
- User-friendly Interface
Details-
Developer: Kite Team
Stable Release: 2020 (As of the day of writing this Article)
Operating System Support: Linux, Microsoft Windows, and macOS
Languages Supported: Python
Price: Free and Paid Versions
26) Rider IDE
The Rider is a cross-platform Integrated Development Environment developed by JetBrains Inc. for the development of .NET, ASP.Net, .Net Core, Xamarin, or Unity Applications. Rider provides 2200+ live code inspections, context actions, and refactorings. Even with the enormous size of the projects, Rider is designed to work fast and responsive.
Features-
- Code Analysis, Code Refactoring, and Code editing
- The Rider allows Unit testing, live debugging, and more
- Easy to connect with any SQL database, run queries
Details-
Developer: Jetbrains Inc
Stable Release: 2020.2.3 September 2020 (As of the day of writing this Article)
Operating System Support: Linux, Microsoft Windows, and macOS
Languages Supported: .NET, ASP.NET, .NET Core, Xamarin or Unity applications
Price: Trial period/ $139 Personal License
27) Particle IDE
Particle is an Integrated Development Environment, very easy-to-use software that runs on your browser like AWS Cloud9. Particle is a very light-weight IDE preferred and used by many developers for Cloud-based service.
Features-
- Secure and easy to use
- Light-weight and all you need is a browser
- Large Community and quick support services
Details-
Developer: Particle.io
Stable Release: NA
Operating System Support: Cross-Platform
Languages Supported: Web Development
Price: $1.29 per device/month
28) CLion IDE
Developed by JetBrains Inc., CLion is a powerful cross-platform integrated Development Environment that helps you develop in C and C++ on Linux, Microsoft Windows, and macOS. The CLion also provides on-the-fly code analysis, code regeneration, and additional features.
Features-
- CLion’s provides the friendly debugger user interface with GDB or LLDB
- You get make customize keyboard shortcuts for nearly all its features, action, and commands.
- CLion has the local embedded terminal that can be used to run any command using SSH
Details-
Developer: JetBrains Inc
Stable Release: 2020.2 (As of the day of writing this Article)
Operating System Support: Linux, Microsoft Windows, and macOS
Languages Supported: C and C++
Price: $8.90/ month for Individual
29) Selenium IDE
Selenium IDE is a portable framework mainly used for testing web applications. Selenium IDE doesn’t need to be configured separately for any web app but it works for any web app out of the box. The Selenium IDE provides features like settings breakpoints and pausing on the exception for easier debugging.
Features-
- Automatically record Test cases
- Easy to find bugs
- Third-party plugins are available
Details-
Developer: Selenium Team
Stable Release: NA
Operating System Support: Linux, Windows, and macOS
Languages Supported: Web Development
Price: Free and Open Source
So there are the top Integrated Development Environments used by beginners and experienced Developers. The Best IDE for Software Development depends upon the application and experience of the developer. So choose the right IDE according to your choice and enjoy programming.
