Some developers have a defined workflow and are used to using various tools independently. Once you’ve molded your habits into a workflow, drastic changes aren’t generally met with enthusiasm. But the temporary frustration of acclimating to a new process could result in a dramatic increase in productivity and the elimination of a slew of mind-boggling annoyances that infiltrate your workflow on a daily basis.
Or, you might be the type who’s always on the lookout for ways to save time and eliminate the frustrating, redundant tasks that seem to take up too much valuable time. And of course, new developers who haven’t yet established their groove are seeking the simplest solutions that provide them with the most features and functionality.
For a multitude of reasons, developers are frequently looking for integrated developer environments (IDEs) that meet specific needs or those that offer a broad range of features and supported languages to use on the regular. And there are tons of IDEs to choose from, each with a distinct set of functions, features and tools to streamline the workflow.
There’s an IDE for practically any programming language you want to work with, while some IDEs support practically every language known to man either natively or by extending capabilities with plug-ins or add-ons. There are also many cross-IDE integrations, with tools building, enhancing and stacking for some of the most impressive, yet incredibly flexible, functionality in the development realm.
The following 48 options showcase the broad spectrum of compatibility, functionality, support and extensibility offered by the current IDE landscape.
NOTE: The following 48 IDEs are NOT rated or ranked in any particular order of quality or importance. The numerical formatting is used to provide an easy point of reference only. IDEs meet very specific needs, including language support, platform compatibility, device compatibility, and integration with tools you’re already using. For that reason, there’s not really a “best,” one-size-fits-all IDE.
These 48 are an excellent starting point if you’re looking for an IDE to meet project specifications, or you’re looking for an IDE with broader capabilities that uses familiar processes, languages and tools to mesh with your existing workflow. It’s possible to have a seamless transition from the disjointed tools configuration to a streamlined, central interface, if you choose the right framework.
What IDE do you and your team members use? What tool’s have you used in the past?
Let us know in the comments.
An open source, cross platform ID for C, C++, PHP, and Node.js coding languages, CodeLite works across all major platforms. CodeLite offers a variety of features, including two built-in completion engines, compilers, refactoring, code navigation, and more.
Languages Supported: C, C++, PHP, Node.js
Key Features:
Supports syntax highlighting for other languages
Built-in support for GCC/clang/VC++
Built-in GDB support
Subversion and GIT plug-ins
2 code completion engines – both will run simultaneously
RAD Tool for wxWidgets
Locals tree, threads view, memory view, and more
Cost: FREE
Code::Blocks is an extensible and fully configurable IDE for C, C++ and Fortran and is designed to support its users most demanding needs. It provides a consistent look, feel, and operation across all platforms for seamless transitions between work spaces, and it’s built around a plug-in framework, providing a multitude of options for extension. It’s open source and offers cross platform functionality (Linux, Mac, and Windows) with no hidden costs.
Languages Supported: C, C++, Fortran
Key Features:
Written in C++
No interpreted languages or proprietary languages needed
Extensible using pre-built or custom-built plug-ins
Multiple compiler support (GCC, MSVC++, clang etc.)
Debugger with full breakpoints support
Syntax highlighting and code completion
External, customizable tools
Tabbed interface with open files list for quick navigation
Task management for multiple users
Cost: FREE
A cross platform GUI coding assistant, DialogBlocks is a simple tool that enables you to easily edit dialogs and generate code. If you need to build wxWidgets GUIs, DialogBlocks makes it fast and simple. Create professional dialogs, wizards, and frames for deployment on Windows, Linux, and Mac, as well as any other supported wxWidgets platform.
Languages Supported: C++, Python
Key Features:
Create complex wizards and property sheet dialogs
Build frames with menu and toolbars
Integrate context-sensitive help and tooltips
Build wxWidgets
Keyboard shortcuts
Double-click to edit many labels and default values in pop-up windows
Effortlessly add event handlers
DialogBlocks Demo: Limited Feature Free Download
DialogBlocks 2012: $90
DialogBlocks 2012 Upgrade: $53
Student download: $47
DialogBlocks Helpblocks: $137
Many development frameworks are built on Eclipse, a free, open source editor that was initially a Java environment but a variety of plug-ins have extended its capabilities considerably. The
version, for instance, includes the Eclipse Platform along with the tools required to debug it, plus Java and Plugin Development Tooling, and Git/CVS support. If your requirements are different, you can choose from a variety of Eclipse Package Solutions, including tools for Java developers, Scout Developers, RCP and RAP Developers ,and more.
Languages Supported: C, C++, Python, Perl, PHP, Java, Ruby, and more
Key Features:
Variety of Package Solutions for multi-language support
Java IDE enhancements including hierarchical views of nested projects and option to customize perspectives
Integration to build and maintain Docker containers (Signup for early access to the .)
Mylyn provides a task-focused UI with system-tray notifications
Eclipse Java Development Tools, Git Team Provider, Plugin Development Environment
Automated error reporting
Excellent tooling options for JEE projects
JUnit integration
Ample plug-ins for extended capabilities
Cost: FREE
An intuitive, drag-and-drop interface with project templates, binary and static libraries, and many useful functions to make your life simpler, NetBeans is a popular IDE for C and C++ projects. It also supports Fortan and Assembler files, with GNU Debugger Integration and code assistance. NetBeans is a functional IDE for editing existing projects, building on templates, or building from scratch on most leading platforms. There are also multiple
with options that support several additional technologies, including Java, PHP, HTML5, and more.
Languages Supported: C, C++, C++11, Fortan, Assembler
Key Features:
IDE allows you to quickly and easily build desktop, web, and mobile applications
Remote development
Works on Windows, Linux, OS X, and Solaris platforms
Dynamic and static libraries
Drag-and-drop binary files to create new projects
Flexible Run and Debug commands
Multi-session GNU gdb debugger integration
Set a variety of breakpoints and view in Breakpoints window
Refactorings in Editor, Class View, and Navigator
Unit testing capability
Qt Toolkit support
Supports Oracle Solaris Studio,
GNU, CLang/LLVM, Cygwin, and MinGW compilers
Cost: FREE
Komodo is a comprehensive IDE that supports all major programming languages, providing a single tool that meets your development needs across the spectrum. Whether you’re working with Python, PHP, Ruby, Perl, HTML, CSS, or JavaScript, Komodo provides a clean, intuitive interface with advanced editing capabilities and integrated tools for the most functionality.
Languages Supported: Python, PHP, Ruby, Perl, Go, Tcl, NodeJS, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
Key Features:
Advanced editing features with split-view and multi-window editing
Version control integration for Subversion, Mercurial, Git, Perforce, Bazaar, CVS
Code profiling for Python and PHP
Code Collaboration for simultaneous team editing
Deploy and debug to the cloud with Stackato PaaS
Graphical debugging for PHP, Python, Perl, Ruby, Tcl, NodeJS
Code intelligence with auto-complete and refactoring
Cross-platform with a consistent user experience across Mac, Linux, and Windows
Multiple add-ons and customization options
Trial: Free 21 day full feature download
Komodo IDE Personal: $99 per license
Komodo IDE: $295 per license
Komodo IDE Teams: $1615 for five licenses
Aptana, recently acquired by Appcelerator, offers one of the most powerful open-source IDEs: Aptana Studo 3. It’s been completely re-built to provide a faster and seamless environment for developing and testing an entire web application using a single environment. Aptana Studio 3 supports all the major browser technology specs, eliminating compatibility and testing challenges to speed your time to deployment.
Languages Supported: HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, Ruby, Rails, PHP, and Python
Key Features:
Code assist for HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and Ruby
Deployment wizard for one shot and keep-synchronised setups, with multiple protocols including FTP, SFTP, FTPS, and Capistrano
Automatically push Ruby and Rails apps to hosting services
Integrated Ruby and Rails and JavaScript debuggers
Git integration
Quick access to command line terminal
Ships with hundreds of commands
Extend capabilities by stringing custom commands
Cost: FREE
Geany is a text editor that uses the GTK2 toolkit, although it has most of the basic features of an IDE. It was developed specifically to provide a small, fast IDE, and it requires only the GTK2 run libraries in order to remain as independent as possible from special Desktop Environments, such as KDE or GNOME.
Languages Supported: Supports an
Key Features:
, with many others available
Create custom plugins
Auto-closing for XML and HTML tags
Code navigation
Symbol lists
Construct completion and snippets
Syntax highlighting and code folding
Runs on Linux, FreeBSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD, MacOS X, AIX v5.3, Solaris Express, and Windows
Compatible with any platform supported by GTK libraries
Product and its related plugins are frequently updated with new features
Cost: FREE
ShiftEdit is an online IDE that allows you to develop within your browser. With all the files, features, and functionality you need, you can seamlessly work within any browser without interrupting your workflow or having to install software. With eight major languages supported through a SaaS model, ShiftEdit is simple, accessible, and functional.
Languages Supported: CSS, HTML, Java, JavaScript, Perl, PHP, Python, and Ruby
Key Features:
Autocomplete for more than 1,700 WordPress functions using the site settings window
Develop for Linux, Mac, and Windows devices
Live editing
Editor and version control
Auto-completion for HTML, CSS, and PHP code assist
Syntax checking where errors are highlighted and in some cases, fixed automatically
Access files via FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, Dropbox, Google Drive, or Amazon S3
Chrome app allowing you to open and save files offline
ShiftEdit Premier: $6 per month –
includes ShiftEdit IDE, unlimited projects, revision history, realtime collaboration, and terminal client
A web-based IDE, Squad simplifies collaboration with the ability to open, edit, and share files in real time, from any web browser. Not only can you work with team members in remote locations, but solo developers can quickly ask professional contacts for advice by giving workspace access through simple URL sharing.
Languages Supported: C/C++, CSS, HTML, Java, JavaScript, Lua, Markdown, Perl, PHP, Python, R, Ruby, Scheme, SparQL, XML, Plain text
Key Features:
Access your remote hosts via FTP/SFTP
Easily transfer files from your local IDE to Squad
Searchable chat and log history files
Workspaces saved in real time
Git integration
Works on Windows, Mac, Linux
Most major browsers supported, including Firefox, Chrome, and Safari
Create sub-groups for specific projects
Define user-specific privacy options
FREE: 10 day trial
FREE: 1 user, 1 workspace, 3 collaborators, basic features
Solo: $3.95 per month, 1 user, 3 workspaces, unlimited collaborators
Team: $49.95 per month, 5 users, unlimited workspaces/collaborators
A powerful, flexible IDE, Cloud 9 allows you to collaborate publicly or privately in workspaces. Write, run, and debug code from the cloud, working with team members remotely and in real-time, with group editing and chatting capabilities for seamless communication and more effective collaboration. You can easily launch new versions of your apps with deployment options including Heroku, Cloud Foundry, and Windows Azure.
Languages Supported:
Using Cloud9 Ace Editor, supports 100+ languages
Run menu supports JavaScript (Node.js), Python, Ruby, PHP (using apache) by default
Other languages can be run in the Terminal
Key Features:
Workspaces are powered by Docker Ubuntu
Syntax highlighting for more than 100 languages
Run menu supports four primary languages
Built-in terminal
Error highlighting and code completion for JavaScript (Node.js)
Collaborate, review, or give your apps an audience to educate or test in real-time
Connect via FTP for tree access, drag-and-drop, and editing
Work in WordPress and Drupal
Code completion
Adaptive themes
Collapse and hide code to focus in one area
Git and Mercurial support
Image editor to crop, resize, flip etc. within your browser
Preview in any browser for testing purposes (no need to install different browsers or setup a virtual machine)
FREE: 512MB RAM, 1GB disk space, 1 workspace
Micro: $9 per month, 1GB RAM, 10GB disk space, 2 workspaces
Small: $19 per month, 2GB RAM, 20GB disk space, 4 workspaces
Medium: $39 per month, 4GB RAM, 40GB disk space, 8 workspaces
Large: $79 per month, 8GB RAM, 80GB disk space, 16 workspaces
Microsoft Visual Studio offers various editions of its software for developing, testing, and deploying applications for the web, desktop, mobile, and even game consoles. With a vast assortment of testing and compatibility tools, you can test on virtual machines, tap into the functionality of BrowserStack to see what your app looks like across more than 300 browsers, run compatibility reports to identify patterns and issues between browsers, and so much more.
Languages Supported:
Variety of languages supported across products
Ajax, ASP.NET, XAML, JavaScript, DHTML, Visual Basic, Visual C#, Visual C++, Visual F#, JScript
Several platforms support any programming language
Key Features:
Dock or hide windows
Automate and extend your development environment
Intuitive workflow with logical file hierarchy
Text and code editors
Customize your dashboard
IntelliSense, refactoring, and code snippet insertion
Hybrid view in select editors
Create build configurations for solutions and projects
Debugging during building process
Error list window for easy bug tracking
Create manual and load tests for your app
Deploy using ClickOnce, Windows Installer, Publish Wizard and include approval checks in the process
Insights available to monitor your app’s performance and usage in realtime
A large (and continually growing) library of extensions
Pricing varies based on edition and licensing
MSDN Operating Systems: $699
Visual Studio Enterprise with MSDN: $8,150
Visual Studio Professional with MSDN: $1,630
Visual Studio Test Professional with MSDN: $2,947
Xcode IDE is a component of Xcode 5, a complete set of tools for building and deploying apps in the Apple environment. It’s integrated with the Cocoa and Cocoa Touch frameworks for streamlined development of apps for the Mac, iPhone, and iPad. It’s designed for a seamless workflow to move from start to finish within a single interface, including built-in communication with the Apple Developer website for one-click enablement of services like Game Center or Passbook, allowing you to create more robust, highly-functional apps in a fraction of the time.
Languages Supported: AppleScript, C, C++, Objective-C, Java
Key Features:
Easily connect UI controls with implementation code
Apple LLVM compiler parses code and automatically tracks issues and offers fixes
Assistant function for split-code workspace
Jump Bar for quick navigation
Interface Builder allows prototype building without a single line of code
Graphically connect UI with source code to build interface prototypes in minutes
Version Editor with log files and commit timeline
Branch and merge for distributed teams
Test Navigator enables easy test implementation throughout development
OX X server integration automatically builds, analyzes, tests, and archives projects
Customize your workflow with Tabs, Behaviors, and Snippets
Instrument library and asset catalog
Cost: FREE
Everyday editing tasks are quick and painless with MacRabbit Espresso’s broad functionality and extensive language support. With seamless sync and publishing, combined with powerful coding tools to drastically reduce development time, you can develop sophisticated applications using the most up-to-date technologies and functionality.
Languages Supported: HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, Ruby, PHP, Python,
XML, Apache, Markdown
Key Features:
Comes with CSSEdit 3
Quick Publish for rapid deployment, Server Sync with Update, Merge, and Download options
HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Markdown, XML+SVG, PHP, Python, Ruby, and Apache plug-ins
Newly updated Vroom FTP/SFTP/S3
Web Preview with X-Ray to quickly pinpoint style rules
Retina displays
Drop URLs in Dock for quick web preview
Code-folding, code completion, syntax error detection
Find and Replace, Quick Filter
WordPress Sugar adds autocomplete to WordPress
HTMLBundle for TextMate snippets
jQuery Sugar adds autocomplete for jQuery methods
Tons of additional XML/JS sugars to extend language support and functionality
Free Trial: 15 days
Purchase: $75
MonoDevelop is a free GNOME IDE designed primarily for C# and other .NET languages, but is open to other programming languages too. MonoDevelop enables the rapid development of desktop and ASP.NET web applications for Windows, Linux, and Mac platforms, with the option to port applications created with Visual Studio to Max and Linux platforms, allowing for a consistent code base across platforms.
Languages Supported: C#, Visual Basic, Java (IKVM), C/C++, Python, Boo, Vala
Key Features:
Code completion support for C# 4
Code templates and code folding
Customizable workspace to suit your preferred workflow
External tools for enhanced capabilities
Integrated debugger for Mono and native applications
GTK# Visual Designer
Full code completion support for ASP.NET
Test on XSP
Unit testing, packaging and deployment
Fully object-oriented API
Powerful add-in engine
Cost: FREE
Coda 2 is a refreshed version of the original, with the same Editor, Terminal, CSS, Files, and other essentials for building functional web applications, enhanced with a slew of additional features and a streamlined, refreshed user interface to make your workspace a stress-free, usable oasis. Coda 2 packs more than 100 new features than the original. A lightweight, simple code editor, Coda 2 offers multiple plug-ins for extending capabilities.
Languages Supported:
ActionScript, ASP-HTML, Base, CFML, CSS, Diff, ERB, HTML, Java, Javascript, JSP-HTML, LassoScript-HTML, LESS, Lua, Objective-J, Perl, PHP-HTML, Python, Ruby, Sass, Smarty, SQL, XML,
Key Features:
Supports third-party syntax modes
Code folding
Autocomplete variables and functions
Find and Replace
Tab-based layout with sidebar tool access
Customizable UI
Full file browser – FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, S3, Transmit-style
iCloud Sync for Sites & Clips
Full, built-in GUI for MySQL management
Edit structure and content with point-and-click functions
Run arbitrary queries to test within Coda
Quality-check for HTML and CSS code
Built-in Web Inspector to debug your entire page
Groups and List View for easy navigation
A full-featured IDE for C++, Bloodshed Dev-C++offers integrated debugging with GDB, project and tool managers, template support for creating your own project types, and more. Written in Delphi, Dev-C++ is an open-source software that creates either console or GUI native Win32 executables. It uses Mingw port of the GCC (GNU Compiler Collection) and can also be used with Cygwin.
Languages Supported: C, C++
Key Features:
Dedicated C++ IDE
Integrated debugging using GDB
Project manager and to-do list
Easily install add-on libraries with package manager
Find and replace
Customizable syntax highlighting editor
Code completion
Debug variable browser
Create Windows, console, static libraries and DLLs quickly
Template support for creating custom project types
Cost: FREE
Edit, build, run, and debug your program with complete autonomy in C-Free’s IDE. Designed for C and C++, it can be used as an editor or as a stand-alone programming environment, with tools and features to extend your capabilities and speed development time with integrated tools in a single, compatible workflow.
Languages Supported: C, C++
Key Features:
Includes MinGW 5 package
Powerful C/C++ syntax highlighter
Project converter
Copy code as HTML
Installation directory only 80MB
Hex Data Editing
Rapid launch enables lightning-fast one-off editing task completion
Hovering tooltip to increase coding speed
Detects changed files quickly and builds them
Seamless GDB integration for debugging
Lock windows and hide toolbars for simplified workspace
1 Lisence: $79.95
2-9 Licenses: $70.95
10-19 Licenses: $59.95
20+ Licenses: $44.95
A full-featured Ruby and Python editor and IDE, Eric Python IDE is written using Python and is based on the cross platform Qt GUI Toolkit. Editor control is enabled through Scintilla integration for robust flexibility. It’s intended for use both as a simple editor for last-minute and stand-alone editing tasks, as well as a professional project management tool.
Languages Supported: Ruby, Python
Key Features:
Extend IDE functionality through plug-ins
Unlimited project editors
Customizable workflow layout
Autocomplete, code tips, and code folding
Configurable syntax highlighting
Error highlighting
Interactive Ruby and Python Shells
Both Shells with syntax highlighting and autocompletion
Integrated Python and Ruby debuggers
Integrated task and project management
Application diagrams
Run external applications from within IDE
Python modules for maximum functionality
Cost: FREE
A rapid PHP development environment, Kantharos IDE can be used for offline system scripting needs, including code execution time analysis, custom database maintenance, manual web page queries, and more. Single-script oriented and portable, Kantharos IDE is lightweight and focused, but an extremely useful tool if you have offline scripting needs.
Languages Supported: PHP
Key Features:
Ideal for common offline scripting requirements
Web scraping
Checking web page stability
Web automation
Inspecting code execution time
Manual web page queries
Custom database maintenance
Built-in debugger
Syntax checking
Code assist
Clean UI with drag-and-drop functionality
Class and function navigation
Cost: FREE
SharpDevelop is a free IDE for
Microsoft’s .NET platform, with support for all .NET programming languages. SharpDevelop is regularly updated, with the SharpDevelop 5.1 release candidate being made available in July 2015. It’s designed to be a competitor to industrial-strength IDEs but without the added weight of unnecessary features, aiming instead to offer a pure .NET IDE.
Languages Supported: C#, VB.NET, Boo, IronPython, IronRuby, F#
Key Features:
Download both sourcecode and executables
Code formatting
Compile and Run
Multiple integrated tools – including IronPython, IronRuby, NuGet, WiX, OpenCover, NUnit
Built-in, reusable libraries – including AvalonEdit, Debugger.Core, ICSharpCode.Code, ICSharpCode.Decompiler,NRefactory, SharpTreeView, WPF Designer
Cost: FREE
A lightweight development platform for writing Java programs, DrJava is similar to SharpDevelop for .NET or NetBeans for C++. With the ability to interactively evaluate Java within the workspace and other functionality, DrJava offers sophisticated features for advanced users, even though it was designed primarily for students. It’s continuously developed by Rice University’s JavaPLT Group, meaning it’s increasingly bug-free over time and will grow its add-on features and capabilities without additional licensing fees.
Languages Supported: Java
Key Features:
View program text in interactions pane
Source-level debugger
Unit testing tool
Compatible with Java 6, 7, and 8
Find and replace
Intelligent program editor
Cross-platform
Cost: FREE
A free Pascal RAD IDE, Lazarus enables you to create complex graphical interfaces on any platform. Create open source or commercial applications, including file browsers, database applications, graphics editing or 3D software, and more with over 200 built-in components and multiple add-ons via Lazarus Package Files (LPKs) to extend capabilities.
Languages Supported: Object Pascal
Key Features:
Runs on any platform
Create native-code console and graphical user interfaces for desktop
Also used for mobile apps, web apps, web services, visual components, function libraries
Can be used to develop apps for any platform supported by Free Pascal
WYSIWYG visual layout editor
Interactive code debugger
Code completion
Syntax highlighting
Refactoring
Context-relevant coding assistance
Lazarus Component Library (LCL) with cross-platform GUI widgets and visual components
Code templates
Reporting and charting
Data connectivity for
MySQL, PostgresSQL, FireBird, Oracle, SQLite, Sybase and more
Cost: FREE
Originally designed as a learning environment, Zinjal offers advanced development tools that make it useful for larger and more sophisticated development projects. It runs on Windows, GNU/Linux, and Mac OS X, and will convert project paths and settings automatically between systems, eliminating cross-platform headaches.
Languages Supported: C, C++
Key Features:
Syntax highlighting, code folding, and advanced find/replace
Templates system
wxWidgets libraries
Build GUIs with ZinjaI + wxFormBuilder
Context-sensitive autocompletion and code tips
Multiple debugging capabilities
Visual representations such as flowchart and class hierarchy diagrams
GUI generation with wxFormBuilder
Source comparing and merging with diff
Static analysis with cppcheck
Coverage testing with gcov
Execution profiling with gprof and valgrind
Integration with external tools for extended capabilities
Cost: FREE
MariaMole is an Arduino IDE for advanced developers as well as beginners. An open-source project, MariaMole offers multi-platform support and is compatible with Windows, Linux, and OS X. It runs over your existing Arduino install, maintaining all of your pre-set configurations. It can also run side-by-side with Arduino.
Languages Supported: Arduino
Key Features:
Workspace supports multiple projects
Multiple serial port consoles
Project information and configurations stored in a single XML file
Configurable building process
Wizard for importing Arduino libraries, importing files and configuring projects
Imports Arduino examples and sketches
Cost: FREE
Bricx Command Center 3.3 is a 32-bit Windows program for developing Lego Mindstorms robots from any Mindstorms generation. It runs on all versions of Windows, including both server and 64-bit versions. It supports a variety of Mindstorms-specific and other niche programming languages, as well as more common languages such as C, C++, Pascal and Java.
Languages Supported: Not eXactly C (NXC), Next Byte Codes (NBC), NPG, RICScript, Not Quite C (NQC), MindScript(tm) and LASM(tm), Forth, C, C++, Pascal, and Java
Key Features:
Programmable Brick utilities
Supports C for cross-platform ease
Simple, intuitive interface
Large templates library
Built-in text editor
Macro library
Code/error reporting
Supports multiple projects
Cost: FREE
Event-B is a formal method for system-level modeling and analysis, while the Rodin platform is an Eclipse-based IDE designed for Event-B which provides support for refinement and mathematical proof. Coupled with Event-B’s sophisticated modeling capabilities, this tool offers a streamlined interface for modifying and analyzing multiple model variations.
Languages Supported: Java and Eclipse-supported languages including C, C++, Python, Perl, PHP, Java, Ruby
Key Features:
Use with incremental-style modeling
Configurable to fit into your existing development workflow
Extendable with several plug-ins
Proof obligation (PO) generator
Proof manager (PM)
Propagation of changes
Uses set theory as a modelling notation
Refinement represents systems at different abstraction levels
Mathematical proof verifies consistency between refinement levels
Cost: FREE
Judo is a Java IDE designed for children and beginning programmers. It’s often used as an educational tool for teaching basic concepts. It runs on Windows, Mac OS, and Linux. It’s essentially Java code, with a simpler subset of functions that access the Java API.
Languages Supported: Java
Key Features:
Complete function reference for usability
Colors reference and tutorials within workspace
Requires no object-oriented knowledge
Graphic and text input/output
Clean interface with pop-up windows
Cost: FREE
SlickEdit is an award-winning source code and text editor that supports more than 40 languages and file types across nine different platforms. You can choose from 15 different editor emulations for working in your comfort zone, with customizable menus, toolbars, and more for total personalization. With a variety of options available, SlickEdit can be used as a stand-alone tool or as a plug-in for Eclipse (SlickEdit Core) to add SlickEdit’s rich text editing capabilities to the Eclipse framework.
Languages Supported: 40+ languages and file types
Key Features:
Syntax expansion, completions and code templates
DIFFzilla for dynamic differencing
15 editor emulations
Tons of customization options
Slick-C macro language extension
Autocompletions, comment wrapping, and backup history
Regex evaluator for comparisons against test cases
Backup history
SmartPaste and Smart Line Selections
Pricing configuration based on several variables including Named User License or Concurrent User License, number of platforms and preferred platforms.
Named User Example: SlickEdit Professional for Windows (1-User) – $299
Concurrent User Example: SlickEdit Standard for Multi Platform – $429.95
A powerful IDE for Java, JCreator offers a range of features and functionality via their simple, intuitive interface that can easily be used by developers, whether they’re beginner or advanced. While many Java-based editors and IDEs are written in Java, JCreator is written in C++ to provide enhanced speed and agility.
Languages Supported: Java
Key Features:
Project management/templates
Code completion
Debugger interface
Editor with syntax highlighting
Wizards for walk-through assistance
Customizable user interface
Tabbed documents with dockable windows and toolbars
Code refactory
Free: 30 day trial
LE: $35 for 1 user
Pro: $70 for 1 user
Pro: $359 for 5 users
Pro: $1,099 for 20 users
Pro: $1,600 for 30 users
IntelliJ IDEA is a Java IDE that supports Java 8 and Java EE 7, offers tools for mobile app development, support for enterprise technologies, and more. It’s a comprehensive platform with deep functionality to streamline development efforts across multiple platforms and channels.
Languages Supported: HTML, JavaScript, CS, Sass, LESS, TypeScript, CoffeeScript, Node JS, Angular JS. Extensive support for PHP, Ruby on Rails and Python/Django.
Key Features:
Full-featured database editor and a UML Designer
Supports various build systems
Test runner UI
Code coverage
Git integration
Supports Java EE, Spring, GWT, Struts, Play, Grails, Hibernate, Google App Engine, OSGi and others
Deployment and debugging tools for most application servers
Intelligent editors for HTML, CSS and Java
Integrated version control
Supports a variety of programming languages and technologies
AIR Mobile supports Android and iOS devices
Community Edition: FREE
Ultimate Edition: 30 day trial
Ultimate Edition for First Time Subscribers: $533 for the first year (prices decrease in years 2 and 3)
All Products Pack for First Time Subscribers: $693 for the first year (prices decrease in years 2 and 3)
Special discounted pricing available to perpetual license holders
A straight forward, intuitive, and extendable interface designed for Python with customization options, Idle IDE offers XML for building a syntax highlighter as you work and is ideal for designing/developing in custom script languages.
Languages Supported: Python, XML, custom language support
Key Features:
Multi-window text editor with syntax highlighting
Auto-completion
Python Shell with syntax highlighting
Integrated debugger with stepping
Persistent breakpoints
Call stack visibility
Works on Windows and Unix
Built with Python using tkinter GUI toolkit
Cost: FREE
An intelligent Python IDE with code assistance and analysis, PyCharm supports Python development at beginner, intermediate, and advanced programming levels.
Languages Supported: Python, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Coffee Script, TypeScript, Cython, AngularJS, Node.js, template languages.
Key Features:
Cross platform IDE that works with Windows, Linux, and Mac OS
Includes Django IDE, plus CSS and JavaScript support
Integration with Git, SVN, and Mercurial
Python code editor with intelligent editing tools
Easy navigation and search
Code analysis, refactoring
Configurable injections
Templates and JavaScript debuggers
Python/Django debuggers
Google App Engine, additional frameworks and libraries
Customizable UI, VIM emulation available
Version control integration
Community Edition: FREE
Professional Edition: 30 day trial
Pycharm for First Time Subscribers: $213 for the first year (prices decrease in years 2 and 3)
All Products Pack for First Time Subscribers: $694 for the first year (prices decrease in years 2 and 3)
Special discounted pricing available to perpetual license holders
An IDE for Python, WingWare offers powerful editing tools with code intelligence for autocompletion, error identification, and code suggestions. Cross-platform functionality, including Windows, Linux, and OS X, along with multiple version compatibility and support for a variety of Python frameworks make WingWare a versatile tool.
Languages Supported: Python
Key Features:
Code Intelligence with call tips, autocompletion, error indicators, and more
Graphical debugger can be launched within the IDE or remotely
Debugs Django templates
Project management and version control with Subversion, Mercurial, Bazaar, Git, CVS, and Perforce
Integrated test execution and debugging with unittest, doctest, and nose framework
30 day Trial: FREE
Personal – General Use: $45 per user (some features not included)
Pro – Non-Commerical Use: $95 per user
Pro – Commercial Use: $245 per user, $1,150 per 5-pack, $1995 per 10-pack
A PHP IDE that offers support for Drupal and PHP frameworks, PhpStorm includes all the functionality of WebStorm (HTML, CSS Editor and JavaScript editors), along with full support for PHP and Databases/SQL.
Languages Supported: HTML, JavaScript, CSS, Sass, Less, CoffeeScript, and more
Key Features:
Context aware code completion
On-the-fly code quality inspections and fixes
PHP refactoring
Latest PHP language versions and frameworks
Version Control Systems integration
Command line tools
Vagrant integration
Built-in REST client
Integrates with issue trackers
Extend and customize with plug-ins
30 day Trial: FREE
PHP Storm for First Time Subscribers: $210 for the first year (prices decrease in years 2 and 3)
All Products Pack for First Time Subscribers: $687 for the first year (prices decrease in years 2 and 3)
Special discounted pricing available to perpetual license holders
A complete, balanced development environment for PHP, with support for HTML, CSS, and other languages, NuSphere PhpED is designed to enable rapid development through creating, debugging, profiling, deploying, and all other stages in between. A tool of choice for many advanced developers, PhpED provides an end-to-end solution, with updated versions addressing real customer requests.
Languages Supported: PHP (PHP IDE), HTML, CSS, XML, SMARTY, XHTML, and others
Key Features:
Advanced editor with multiple language syntax highlighting
Selective hide and display, worksets and other usability features
Powerful debugging and profiling
Remote, local, and parallel debugging
Code insights, including code completion
PHP, HTML, and CSS code validators
Full integration with phpUnit
Tree of tests displayed in-editor for easy monitoring
Embedded browsers for project previews
Supports PHP frameworks
Rapid deployment and intuitive file management
SQLite, MySQL, MSSQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL, and InterBase support
14 day Trial: FREE
PhpED Team4: $538
NuSphere Advantage: $299
PhpED Professional: $179
PhpED Personal: $74
PHP developers use Zend Studio to code faster, resolve issues more readily, and collaborate more easily in the cloud. Packaged with a suite of useful tools, such as Composer and PHPUnit, Zend Studio is a one-stop shop for end-to-end PHP web and mobile app development.
Languages Supported: PHP
Key Features:
Composer, PHPUnit, Git Flow, PHPDocumentor2, Docker, and other built-in tools
Mobile app support for AngularJS, Ionic, and Cordova
Cloud support
Adapts to any framework, fetching dependencies, learning new APIs, and coding/unit testing
Zend framework enables automatic module creation, view helpers and advanced content assist
Zend Server runtime environment to deploy directly to the cloud
Certified and tested PHP stack, app monitoring, and advanced debugging
Apache Cordova integration
Deploy to any on-premise configuration using ZendServer
Real-time validation and analysis
Trial Download: FREE
Zend Studio Personal: from $89
Zend Studio Commercial: from $189
Zend Studio for IBM i – Basic: from $189
Ruby in Steel Developer 2 is the only professional Ruby development tool for Visual Studio. With comprehensive development support for Ruby and Rails, coupled with IntelliSense, sophisticated debugging and editing tools, Ruby in Steel Developer 2 is your must-have IDE for Ruby.
Languages Supported: Ruby and Rails
Key Features:
Ultra-fast Cylon debugger
Breakpoints and tracing, hover and drill-down, conditional breakpoints
Code coloring and folding
Bracket and keyword/end matching
Snippets for auto-generating code blocks
Snippet Editor for custom snippet creation with no coding
IntelliSense for fast code completion as you work
Tooltips and parameter completion
Project start-up wizards with Generators, Rake Tasks, Gem Run
Floating tool windows and dialogs
Fully integrated Ruby, Rails, Script, and IRB consoles
Ruby Explorer to navigate class library
Drop-down navigation bars over editor
Cost: $249
An intelligent Ruby and Rails IDE, RubyMine offers an Intelligent Ruby Editor with cutting-edge Ruby development stack support, specialized project and file views for easy navigation, multiple debuggers for multi-language support, and many more tools and resources to streamline
your Ruby development workflow. You also don’t have to choo it’s cross-compatible for Windows, Linux, and Max OS X.
Languages Supported: Ruby and Rails, Ruby, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, CoffeeScript, HAML, SASS, and LESS
Key Features:
Completion, code snippets, and automatic refactoring
Instant code analysis through the project tree
Rails Models Diagram and Rails Project View
RubyMotion for iOS development
Ruby development stack support including Bundler, RVM, rbenv, pik, etc.
Multiple-language editing support with auto completion and refactorings
JavaScript/CoffeeScript debugger and Ruby debugger
Single, streamlined interface with Git, Subversion, Mercurial, Perforce, and CVS integration
Bundled keyboard schemes from other popular environments
30 Day Trial: FREE
RubyMine for First Time Subscribers: $210 for the first year (prices decrease in years 2 and 3)
All Products Pack for First Time Subscribers: $687 for the first year (prices decrease in years 2 and 3)
Special discounted pricing available to perpetual license holders
Built with HTML, JavaScript, CSS, and Node.js, using the Electron framework, Atom is an open source and totally customizable text editor that’s “hackable to the core.” You can customize almost anything within Atom, without ever having to modify a config file.
Languages Supported: PHP, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Sass, Less, Python, C, C++, Coffeescript, and more
Key Features:
Cross platform editing for OS X, Windows, and Linux
Package manager to search for and install new open source packages to add new features to your Atom experience (i.e. add vim modal control or mini-map to preview source code)
Option to contribute to the Atom community and add your own package
Customise the look and feel of the editor with four different UI themes and 8 syntax ones
File system browser that allows you to browse single files, single projects, or multiple projects, from within one window
Multiple viewing pains to compare and edit code, if needed
Write code faster with auto complete function
Cost: FREE
Xamarin Studio is a sophisticated IDE for cross-platform mobile application development. Build apps for iOS, Android, and Mac, even exploring unfamiliar APIs with code completion. It includes a comprehensive Android UI developer for building the most functional, user-friendly interfaces, all without touching a line of XML. Xcode Interface Builder integration also enables you to tap into Apple’s interface tools for building iOS apps.
Languages Supported: C#, extensible for additional language support
Key Features:
C# shared codebase
Code completion in C#
Write native iOS, Android, and Windows apps
Create native user interfaces and share code across platforms
Integrate UI controls, backend systems, cloud services, and third-party libraries directly within apps
Based on MonoDevelop
Create Android UIs without XML
Xcode Interface Builder integration for iOS app design
Package and distribute apps from within the IDE
Extensible with support for ASP.NET, MVC, and GTK#
Starter: FREE
Indie: $25/month, per platform, per developer (unlimited app size)
Business: $999/year, per platform, per developer (Visual Studio support, business features)
Enterprise: $1,899/year, per platform, per developer (one business day SLA, Hotfixes, code troubleshooting)
An open-source code editor for web designers and front-end developers, Brackets is an Adobe project released under a MIT License. At present, new features and extensions are being released every few weeks, and there’s a public Trello backlog with in-development and on-the-horizon features.
Languages Supported:
HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
LanguageManager API facilitates additional language support through extensions
Some additional basic support is built-in for various components
Key Features:
Design in the browser, with live HTML development instantly reflecting changes
JS debugging with Theseus
Improved Linux support
Quick Edit to split screen and fix code without interrupting your flow
Multiple Selections, Code Hints
Preferences configurable per-project
Cost: FREE
Light Table is a fully open-source code editor first introduced in April 2012. With a lightweight, streamlined interface that eliminates clutter and enables you to focus on coding, Light Table connects you in real-time to your project whether you’re running on Windows, Linux, or OS X.
Languages Supported: JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Python, Clojure, ClojureScript, and more
Key Features:
Instant feedback and data values as you code
Keybinds and extensions for enhancing functionality
Embed graphs, games, visualizations, and more
Add a Watch to an expression for real-time monitoring
Inline evaluation
Behavior-Object-Tag engine for customization
Plug-in manager acts as a central hub for your add-on components
Cost: FREE
Edit, debug, and run Dart applications in this open-source platform (note, it requires J JRE 6.0 or later). The project has multiple contributors from varying sources, including Google, which introduced the controversial Dart programming language to begin with. As Google aims to make Dart a replacement for the complex JavaScript language widely used now, Dart Editor gives developers the opportunity to stay on top of a new language that may potentially have a big impact on web development.
Languages Supported: Dart
Key Features:
Static analysis engine and direct integration with Dartium
Develop, debug, and maintain apps
Code completion and refactoring
Outline view shows classes, methods, and functions in an intuitive tree display
Set breakpoints and inspect variables with debugger
Quickly find callers for a method and jump to location
Cost: FREE
Nuclide is Facebook’s brand new open source, integrated development environment, offering a “unified” IDE for web and mobile application development. Built as a suite of packages on Atom (see #39 above), this IDE provides total hackability and is supported by an active community.
Languages Supported: Hack (HHVM), JavaScript, Node.js, Python, and more
Key Features:
Runs on OS X, Windows, and Linux
Source code is available on GitHub
Easy to migrate to if you’re already using ATOM
Connect to remote servers for full access to file tree
Improve your JavaScript development with built in Flow support, auto complete, jump-to-definition, and inline errors
First IDE on the market that supports Hack, also offering auto complete, jump-to-definition, inline errors, and omni search
Mercurial integration so that any local file changes in repo are reflected in Atom’s file tree and UI, as with Git repos.
Cost: FREE
An IDE for the Julia programming language, Julia Studio is offered by Forio and hosted by Epicenter. With an integrated editor and console, Julia Studio facilitates quick iteration for creating interactive web and mobile applications. Your results are immediately viewable as you write and run your code, and plots update in real time as you work. Available for Windows, Mac, and Linux, Julia Studio is under continued development, with new releases offering additional functionality.
Languages Supported: Julia
Key Features:
Built-in version control support with Git
Create powerful data visualizations with ease
Multi-paradigm with combined imperative, functional, and object-oriented programming features
Supports general programming and high-level numerical computing
Builds on mathematical computing languages
Borrows from dynamic languages such as
Lisp, Perl, Python, Lua, and Ruby
Fast, user-defined types
Designed for parallelism and distributed computation
Supports Unicode, including UTF-8 and others
Call C funtions directly without wrappers or APIs
Shell-like capabilities for managing processes
Lisp-like macros and additional metaprogramming functions
Cost: FREE
A cross-platform IDE written in C++/Qt 4, Monkey Studio was originally intended to be a Qt 4-only IDE, but evolved to support Qt and any type of development project.
Languages Supported: Syntax highlighting for 22+ languages
Key Features:
Automatic detection of indentation and end-of-line mode
Code restyling
Templates wizard
Automatic completion
GNU debugger
Intuitive Navigator
Qt projects editing
Target execution
Cost: FREE
Telerik’s AppBuilder provides a single framework for developing apps compatible with iOS, Android, and Windows Phone 8 platforms. AppBuilder relies on the web-standard technologies, including HTML, CSS,, and JavaScript, and you can build in your choice of five IDEs — all integrated with AppBuilder, or build within your web browser, using all the features you’d expect from a desktop IDE.
Languages Supported: HTML, CSS, JavaScript
Key Features:
Lightweight web client accessible anywhere
Use your choice of five IDEs
Code completion, auto-indentation, syntax highlighting
Works with a wide range of leading development tools, apps, platforms, and frameworks for maximum versatility
Available as a stand-alone development tool or a component of the full Telerik platform
Telerik Platform, Starter: FREE
Developer: $39, per user, per month
Professional: $79, per user, per month
Business: $149, per user, per month
Enterprise: Contact for a quote
TextWrangler is the “little brother” of the very popular BBEdit – an HTML and text editor for Mac.
Languages Supported: HTML/XHTML, XML, PHP, JavaScript, Perl, Python, Lua, Java, ANSI C, C++, Objective-C, and others.
Key Features:
Good integration with Mac OS X Developer help
Cross-functional features that match workflows
Works with plain-text and Unicode files
Open and save text files located on remote FTP and SFTP servers
Comprehensive AppleScript support
Supports large file text transformations
Multiple documents per-window interaction model
Cost: FREE
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William Toll
William Toll, VP, Marketing at ProfitBricks, has held Marketing and Product Management positions in the Web hosting and Internet infrastructure industry since the late 1990s. Currently William is driving the marketing strategy and communications for ProfitBricks. ProfitBricks is a global cloud infrastructure provider with a platform engineered from the ground up to provide class leading Cloud Computing – IaaS services. Most recently William was leading the marketing efforts at Yottaa, a Boston-based startup in the CDN space. Prior to that he managed the small business offerings of hosting and cloud services provider, NaviSite. At NaviSite, William was responsible for developing and marketing the company’s hosted product lines, including managed cloud services, managed hosting, managed business applications and shared and dedicated hosting. In past positions at companies such as Affinity Internet, Inc., Intermedia.NET, and NTT/VERIO, William was the driving force in launching and enhancing successful SMB focused services including: Shared Hosting services, Microsoft Exchange and hosting add-on services like online marketing and Web design. William received a BA in Marketing from New England College in Arundel, UK.
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I’d say one of the most comprehensive list of IDEs I’ve seen. Thanks!
Excellent list. Useful summaries. Thanks.
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