What is an IDE?
- An IDE enables programmers to combine the different aspects of writing a computer program.
- IDEs increase programmer productivity by introducing features like editing source code, building executables, and debugging.
What are IDEs and Code Editors?
IDEs and code editors are tools that software developers use to write and edit code.
- IDEs, or Integrated Development Environments, are usually more feature-rich and include tools for debugging, building and deploying code.
- Code editors are generally more straightforward and focused on code editing. Many developers use IDEs and code editors, depending on the task.
IDE vs. Code Editor: What’s the Difference?
- An Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is a software application that provides tools and resources to help developers write and debug code. An IDE typically includes
- A source code editor
- A compiler or interpreter
- An integrated debugger
- A graphical user interface (GUI)
- A code editor is a text editor program designed specifically for editing source code. It typically includes features that help in code development, such as syntax highlighting, code completion, and debugging.
- The main difference between an IDE and a code editor is that an IDE has a graphical user interface (GUI) while a code editor does not. An IDE also has features such as code completion, syntax highlighting, and debugging, which are not found in a code editor.
- Code editors are generally simpler than IDEs, as they do not include many other IDE components. As such, code editors are typically used by experienced developers who prefer to configure their development environment manually.
1. IDLE
- IDLE (Integrated Development and Learning Environment) is a default editor that accompanies Python
- This IDE is suitable for beginner-level developers
- The IDLE tool can be used on Mac OS, Windows, and Linux
- Price: Free
The most notable features of IDLE include:
- Ability to search for multiple files
- Interactive interpreter with syntax highlighting, and error and i/o messages
- Smart indenting, along with basic text editor features
- A very capable debugger
- Its a great Python IDE for Windows
2. PyCharm
- PyCharm is a widely used Python IDE created by JetBrains
- This IDE is suitable for professional developers and facilitates the development of large Python projects
- Price: Freemium
The most notable features of PyCharm include:
- Support for JavaScript, CSS, and TypeScript
- Smart code navigation
- Quick and safe code refactoring
- Support features like accessing databases directly from the IDE
- Its a great Python IDE for Windows
3. Visual Studio Code
- Visual Studio Code is an open-source (and free) IDE created by Microsoft. It finds great use in Python development
- VS Code is lightweight and comes with powerful features that only some of the paid IDEs offer
- Price: Free
The most notable features of Visual Studio Code include:
- One of the best smart code completion is based on various factors
- Git integration
- Code debugging within the editor
- It provides an extension to add additional features like code linting, themes, and other services
The most notable features of Visual Studio Code include:
- One of the best smart code completion is based on various factors
- Git integration
- Code debugging within the editor
- It provides an extension to add additional features like code linting, themes, and other services
4. Sublime Text 3
- Sublime Text is a very popular code editor. It supports many languages, including Python
- It is highly customizable and also offers fast development speeds and reliability
- Price: Free
The most notable features of Sublime Text 3 include:
- Syntax highlighting
- Custom user commands for using the IDE
- Efficient project directory management
- It supports additional packages for the web and scientific Python development
- Its a great Python IDE for Windows
5. Atom
- Atom is an open-source code editor by GitHub and supports Python development
- Atom is similar to Sublime Text and provides almost the same features emphasis on speed and usability
- Price: Free
The most notable features of Atom include:
- Support for a large number of plugins
- Smart autocompletion
- Supports custom commands for the user to interact with the editor
- Support for cross-platform development
