- The Xcode IDE is at the center of the Apple development experience. Tightly integrated with the Cocoa and Cocoa Touch frameworks, Xcode is an incredibly productive environment for building apps for Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Apple TV.
- CLION – Best C IDE for Mac. One of the famous company JetBrains has developed Clion.
If you are a programmer and have been using several code editors but need to find a good IDE, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will discuss the 12 best IDE for programming.
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The term IDE stands for Integrated development environment. It is a kind of software platform which is used by many developers and programmers to build software. IDEs were introduced to remove obstacles from the software development process.
They are also used to build new software, applications, web pages, and much more.
Also Read – What is an Ide (Integrated Development Environment)?
There are a number of reasons to use an IDE such as:-
- IDE provides interfaces for users to write code and organize text easily.
- Combines the functionality of multiple programming processes to one.
- Some IDEs focus on a specific programming language, but many have cross-language capabilities.
- IDE comes with 3 key tools used by most of the developers such as source code editors, debuggers, and compilers.
List of 10 Best IDE for programming
1. Microsoft Visual Studio Code
Perhaps the best in the list of best IDE, Microsoft visual studio is an integrated development environment (IDE) software, which is used to develop Windows applications, websites, web applications, computer programs, mobile apps and much more.
Visual Studio has a code editor which supports intellisense (code completion component) and code refactoring (restructuring existing computer code). We can also build apps for Android, iOS, and windows.
It is also used for developing graphical user interface applications along with Windows API, Windows Forms. Visual Studio supports 36 different programming languages as well.
2. Xcode
Xcode is also another famous integrated development environment (IDE) software created by Apple.
Available in mac app store absolutely free of charge. It only runs on Mac OS (operating system). Mainly used to build OS X and iOS. It is packed with all types of editors, compilers and other necessary tools required for the development.
Also Read- Xcode for Windows- Develop apps for iOS or MacOS
Swift is an innovative new programming language for Cocoa and Cocoa Touch and, when combined with Xcode tools, makes programming a delightfully live experience.
3. NetBeans
NetBeans is open source and best IDE for Java developers and programmers. It is used to build desktop, web and mobile applications using Java programming language.
It is also an official IDE for Java 8. Every latest version of NetBeans comes with an improved and efficient Java editor.
Developers can build custom Software applications by highlighting Java code both syntactically and semantically.
In addition to Java development, it has extensions for other languages like PHP, C, C++, HTML5, and Javascript as well.
4. IntelliJ IDEA
IntelliJ IDEA is another good commercial IDE. It enables programmers to perform common coding-related tasks in an editor-centric environment without leaving the code.
It also helps developers to gain deeper insight into the code by providing features like smart completion, chain completion, static member completion, and data flow analysis. It is fast and can handle the loading of multiple projects with no issues at all.
IntelliJ IDEA comes with a great number of shortcuts that helps in easily navigating the code. Plugins are also very handy. Being able to run any kind of test cases and get code coverage effectively.
5. Eclipse
Eclipse is not only famous for Java IDE but for c, c++, and PHP as well.
The developers can choose from a wide range of plug-ins from Eclipse Marketplace Client and at the same time they can use the Plug-in Development Environment (PDE) provided by Eclipse to create custom plug-ins according to their precise needs.
This IDE has a lot of functionality and gets the job done easily.
6. BlueJ
BlueJ was developed as a simple IDE for beginners. It is widely used by Java Programmers around the world.
The developers can inspect object values, call methods on objects, and pass objects as parameters. BlueJ has a very simpler interface as compared with most professional IDEs.
It comes with an editor that allows developers to scan the code visually and create dynamic objects as well. BlueJ is portable and supports deployment on a variety of operating systems.
It can run on Windows, Mac OS X, Linux and other platforms that run Java. BlueJ features include its object bench, code pad, and scope coloring. Also, the programmers can invoke Java code simply by typing it in without compilation.
7.Codenvy
Codenvy is a cloud-based best IDE for coding, building, and debugging apps. It is designed as a cloud-based and on-demand developer workspace.
The custom runtime environment by IDE makes it easy for programmers and developers to test and debug Java code. The cloud-hosted workspaces are operated effortlessly and controlled with multiple APIs.
8. DrJava
Ide For Machine Learning
DrJava is the simplest and lightweight development environment which is primarily written for students. It further enables programmers to evaluate java code in an interactive way.
Also, it has a number of advanced features that meets the requirements of advanced Java programmers. It enables programmers to avail advanced features like syntax coloring, brace matching, etc.
We can even integrate Dr Java with Eclipse through a robust plug-in provided by the developers.
9. JGrasp
JGrasp is a lightweight Integrated development environment. The developers can run jGRASP on any platform with Java Virtual Machine (JVM) 1.5 or higher.
GRASP is implemented in Java and can run on any platform with a Java Virtual Machine (Java version 1.6 or higher).
It is a useful source code editor and can be configured to work with most free and commercial compilers regarding any programming language.
10. WebStorm
Webstorm is a very powerful IDE for programming and perfectly equipped with complex client side and server side development via Node.js. it is packed with features which you haven’t expected from IntelliJ IDEA.
It also offers code completion, suggesting what you might possibly be meaning to type in, which is helpful or not.
Moreover, It also offers a built-in debugger, supporting FireFox and Google Chrome, which is extremely helpful for web development. It helps eliminate the need to switch back and forth between WebStorm and some debugger application.
11. Android Studio
By now you have guessed it’s working and why it is used. It’s an official integrated development environment (IDE) for the Android operating system.
Many developers use it to develop android apps. It’s a very popular IDE which was built on the JetBrains’ IntelliJ IDEA software and designed specifically for Android development.
You can download it on any operating system such as MacOs, Windows and Linux. It is often called as the replacement of Eclipse Android Development Tools (ADT) as the primary IDE for native Android application development.
12. Adobe Dreamweaver
If you have an interest in web development then Adobe Dreamweaver is for you. it was created by Macromedia in 1997 and developed by them until Macromedia was acquired by Adobe Systems in 2005.
This IDE has lots of potential in it. It’s a fact.
The reason we are saying it because it’s one of the most preferred IDE’s for web development. It also has many amazing features in it such as real-time syntax checking and code introspection and much more. Rest you can experience it by using it. So best of luck.
Also Read- Top 5 Programming Languages that may Dominate the Future
Conclusion-
So these were some of my suggestions regarding 10 Best IDE for programming. If you have any better suggestions let us know in the comment section below.
C++ is one such high level of programming that’s still popular since it’s inception. It’s still actively applied in the development of many applications and systems across the world. C++ is a unique language that forms the base of the main programming languages such as, Java, C#, Python, etc. Moreover, these programming languages are widely used by professional programmers for hardware development.
So, those who wish to gain knowledge of C++, must know that an IDE (Integrated Development Environment) is the best place to make programming work smoothly. This is because IDEs come integrated with functions like debugging, code completion, compiling, and more.
IDEs are primarily used to offer different elements of software programs while the application is under development. The best part about the software is its attractive interface. Let’s explore some of the best IDE for C++ on Windows shortlisted by us.
Visual Studio
It’s a fully featured IDE that works with all major platforms like Windows, web, cloud, and Android. Visual Studio IDE allows you to write codes correctly and effectively without losing the existing file conditions. One can easily zoom into the specifics like the call structure, associated functions, sign-ins, and test status. You can also take advantage of the services that help to refactor, analyze, and repair code problems.
Visual Studio walks you through with live support as you code, despite the language used (C#/VB, C++, JavaScript, Python, and more). What’s interesting is, IntelliSense predicts the APIs as you write and auto-completes to enhance speed and efficiency. Moreover, it helps you make your way through a large code base easily without losing the context of the code.
Price: free version available; upgrade starts from $45/month
CodeBlocks
Code::Blocks is a C, C++, and Fortran IDE that’s available for free. This is designed to suffice the most demanding requirements of the users. This IDE is developed to be extremely flexible and entirely configurable. It features all that you need, offers a steady look, feels, and control across different platforms.
This IDE is designed around plugin support that can be enhanced with plugins. You can add any type of functionality by coding or installing a plugin. For example, assembling and debugging functionalities is already offered by the plugins.
Price: free and open source
Ide For Mac
Eclipse
Eclipse is one of the leading IDE’s for C and C++ that’s based on Eclipse platform. It offers support for project development and administered framework for different toolchains, classic make framework, source navigation, etc. It also supports different source knowledge tools, for instance, grading, macro definition browser, folding and hyperlink navigation, visual debugging tools, code editor with syntax highlighting, and more.
It’s a free and open source software that works with all major platforms that include, Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux. It boasts a wonderful user interface that helps arrange the elements with drag and drop facility.
Price: free
Clion
Clion is a powerful and a cross-platform IDE for C and C++ that includes contemporary C++ standards, libc++, and Boost. This IDE knows the codes very well and manages the routine while you focus on the core things. One of its major features is, refactoring that allows you to rename symbols, shift members up or down the rankings, modify function signature, and also ensure that its automated refactoring will correctly generate the required changes across the code.
Integrated debugger analyses and solves issues effortlessly using the IDE’s amiable debugger UI featuring GDB/LLDB as a backend. Moreover, it also links to native processes or debugs remotely. It also analyses the disassembly view in the absence of sources.
Clion also offers a complete inline view of your project using the variable values that are displayed right in the editor as you debug. In addition, it checks the state of all the variables for a selected function in the same stack frame. It also analyses the results of a function call or some intricate expression.
Price: 30-Day free trial available; upgrade starts from $199/user for 1st year
Vim
This lightweight IDE is an extremely configurable text editor for creating and modifying any text type, efficiently. In the majority of the Unix systems and Apple OS X, it’s added as “vi”. Vim is super stable and is constantly being designed for an enhanced experience. It’s a consistent IDE with multi-level undo tree.
Vim offers comprehensive plugin system and offers support for several more programming languages and file formats. It also offers powerful search and swapping functionality. Moreover, it integrates with many tools and also offers support for all languages that promotes quick coding.
Price:
CodeLite
CodeLite is a free and open source IDE that specializes in C, C++, PHP, and JavaScript programming languages. It’s a cross-platform IDE that’s chiefly used for backend developers who use Node.js and works with all major platforms that include Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux.
It also allows you to undo or redo the operations, carry out basic editing actions, shift, remove, or convert lines, change to a full-screen mode, hide, or uncover the whitespace, along with functions that support searching and replacing words.
You can also create bookmarks, execute fast debugging actions, and also configure the source code editor settings by allowing the tool to display line numbers. In addition, you can also leverage its integrated auto-complete function. Moreover, the software can also streamline the vacant lines when saving the files. You can also customize the bookmarks, allocate hotkeys, select background fonts and colors, and much more.
Price: free and open source
NetBeans IDE
NetBeans IDE is a free and open source program that helps users to develop mobile, web, and desktop applications using Java, JavaScript, HTML5, PHP, C/C++ and more. It works with all major platforms that include Windows, Linux, Solaris, and the MacOS.
The best part is, it can be installed easily and can be used right out of the box. It comes equipped with all the tools developers require to build professional and cross-platform applications for mobile, web, desktop, and enterprise.
Price: free
Qt Creator
QT Creator is another great IDE that’s fast, easy, and offers the most fun experience for a C++ developer. This cross-platform IDE comes with a state-of-the-art C++ code editor, inbuilt GUI design and forms designer, rapid code, navigation tools, and more. It’s especially loved by developers for its APIs and libraries since these are consistent, detailed, user-friendly, and well documented.
In addition, it comes with a complete set of tools that are designed for creating applications and user interfaces once, and then further deploy them in different mobile OS and desktops. Best of all, it comes with a straightforward and responsive interface. It features code editor with syntax highlighting and auto-completion, drag-and-design UI creation, visual debugging & profiling tool, and much more.
If you want to get deep into the basic details of the Qt APIs and the libraries, you can seek guidance from their documentation pages.
Price: free
Dev C++
It’s a fully featured IDE designed for C and C++ programming language. It makes use of the Mingw port of GCC (GNU Compiler Collection) as the compiler. It builds local Win32 executables, such as a console or a GUI. Orwell Dev-C++ can also be blended with Cygwin and used.
Free C++ Ide For Mac
This comes with a lot of features that are more targeted towards basic programming and not advanced programming. It can be installed easily helping you start working with the application instantly. The best part is, the interface is pretty easy to use, with all the options neatly arranged for easy access and is considerately spacious.
The tool helps you to create and edit several different common source file formats such as .C, .CPP, .CC, .C++ or .CP. It can also manage header files using the following extensions: .H,HPP, .RH and .HH. Also, it supports resource scripts like .RC and allows you to save your projects in the usual .DEV format. Compiling and debugging, individual configurations for compiler, environment, and editor are some of its other features.
Price: free
C++ Builder
It’s a fast IDE, that features integrated design and development for the latest apps. For those looking to build a powerful cross-platform app covering the “full-stack” from the database to attractive UIs to Rest, and so on, C++ Builder is all that they need. Using this app, your C++ applications assemble locally for mobile and desktop platforms.
This helps save your time and effort that you would otherwise put on learning different programming languages for every extra platform. C++Builder Rio (10.3) helps developers to build beautiful, and high performing apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, with the same fundamental code base. It brings marked improvements for C++ developers that includes C++17 win32 support, enhanced code completion, debugging for optimized builds and new libraries.
It also makes improvements to VCL for High DPI displays, Per Monitor V2 support, updated mobile platform support for Android API26 and iOS12, and more.
Price: starts from $1495
MonoDevelop
If you are looking for an IDE that empowers developers to write desktop and web applications on Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux, quickly, then MonoDevelop can be your best bet. Best of all, it also makes it super easy for the developers to port .NET apps built with the Visual Studio to MacOS and Linux while maintaining a single code foundation for all platforms.
It comes with advanced text editing option such as support for C#, code templates, and code folding. In addition, it also offers windows layouts that are completely customizable, key bindings that are user-specified, and a set of external tools. From multiple language support (C#, F#, Visual Basic .NET, Vala), or an integrated debugger that debugs Mono and local applications, to option to create GTK# applications easily, there are many such features that make this tool popular.
Price: free
Anjuta
Anjuta is an all-around IDE that comes with several programming options inclusive of project management, source editor, GUI designer, application wizard, and more. The tool focuses majorly on offering simple user interface, and that’s also usable. Moreover, it’s powerful and helps in effective development.
It comes with a straightforward interface that’s easy to operate, and comes with powerful tools. It features some of the easy wizards and project templates for starting with new projects. The best part is, the program supports most of the popular programming languages C, C++, Java, Javascript, Python, and Vala.
Moreover, it supports full glade integration for WYSIWYG UI development for GTK+/GNOME applications, completely integrated GDB for onboard debugging, and more.
Price: free
Ida For Mac
IDE programmes are the best way to build applications minus the error and that can be maintained efficiently. While there are many IDEs available online for C++, there are few that exceed your expectations. So, make a choice from the above list and build C++ application on Windows, effortlessly.
I find passion in writing Tech articles around Windows PC and softwares
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