Sublime Text, Visual Studio Code, and Spacemacs are probably your best bets out of the 23 options considered. 'Fast' is the primary reason people pick Sublime Text over the competition. This page is powered by a knowledgeable community that helps you make an informed decision.
Whether you’re a seasoned developer or you’re just learning how to code, staying on top of the latest integrated development environments is a constant challenge. Truthfully, there is no best IDE for everyone. The best IDE is the IDE that works best for you, so below is a selection of 10 of the most popular choices to help you figure out which one to pick.
How is an IDE Different From a Text Editor?
An IDE is more than a simple text editor. While code-centric text editors such as Sublime or Atom offer many convenient features such as syntax highlighting, customizable interfaces and extensive navigation tools, they only allow you to write code. To make functioning applications, you at least need a compiler and a debugger.
An IDE includes all of these components and then more. Some IDEs come with additional tools for automating, testing and visualizing the development process. The term “integrated development environment” means that you have everything you need to turn code into functioning apps and programs.
Which is the best IDE on the market? The better question is: “Which is the best IDE for my purposes?” General factors to consider when choosing the best IDE include the languages it can support, ease of use and cost.
Check out the list below outlining the features and drawbacks of each of the top 10 best IDE software programs.
1. Microsoft Visual Studio
Best Editor For Mac
Microsoft Visual Studio is a premium IDE ranging in price from$699 - $2,900 depending on the edition and licensing. The many editions of this IDE are capable of creating all types of programs ranging from web applications to mobile apps to video games. This series of software includes tons of tools for compatibility testing so that you can see how your apps run on more than 300 devices and browsers. Thanks to its flexibility, Visual Studio is a great tool for both students and professionals.
Languages Supported: ASP.NET, DHTML, JavaScript, JScript, Visual Basic, Visual C#, Visual C++, Visual F#, XAML and more
Notable Features:
- A massive library of extensions that is always growing
- IntelliSense
- Customizable dashboard and dockable windows
- Straightforward workflow and file hierarchy
- Insights for monitoring performance in real time
- Automation tools
- Easy refactoring and code snippet insertion
- Split screen support
- Error list that allows debugging while building
- Approval checks when deploying apps via ClickOnce, Windows Installer or Publish Wizard
Drawbacks: Because the Visual Studio is a heavyweight IDE, it takes considerable resources to open and run, so making simple edits may be time consuming on some devices. For simpler task, it may be easier to use a lightweight editor.
2. NetBeans
Netbeans is a free and open source IDE. Ideal for editing existing projects or starting from scratch, NetBeans boasts a simple drag-and-drop interface that comes with a myriad of convenient project templates. It is primarily used to develop Java applications, but you can download bundles that support other languages.
Languages Supported: C, C++, C++11, Fortan, HTML 5, Java, PHP and more
Notable Features:
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface
- Dynamic and static libraries
- Multi-session GNU debugger integration with code assistance
- Allows for remote development
- Compatible with Windows, Linux, OS X, and Solaris platforms
- Supports Qt Toolkit
- Supports Fortan and Assembler files
- Supports a number of compilers including CLang/LLVM, Cygwin, GNU, MinGW and Oracle Solaris Studio
Drawbacks: This free IDE consumes a lot of memory, so it may perform sluggishly on some machines.
3. PyCharm
PyCharm is developed by the folks over at Jet Brains and provides users a free Community Edition, 30-day free trial for the Professional Edition, $213 - $690 for an annual subscription. Comprehensive code assistance and analysis make PyCharm the best IDE for Python programmers of all ability levels. PyCharm also supports other languages and works on multiple platforms, so practically anyone can use it.
Languages Supported: AngularJS, Coffee Script, CSS, Cython, HTML, JavaScript, Node.js, Python, TypeScript and template languages
Notable Features:
- Compatible with Windows, Linux, and Mac OS
- Comes with Django IDE
- Easy to integrate with Git, Mercurial and SVN
- Customizable interface with VIM emulation
- JavaScript, Python and Django debuggers
- Supports Google App Engine
Drawbacks: Users complain that PyCharm has some bugs, such as the autocomplete feature occasionally not working, which can be a minor inconvenience.
4. IntelliJ IDEA
IntelliJ IDEA is another IDE developed by Jet Brains. This IDE offers users a free Community Edition, 30-day free trial for the Ultimate Edition, and costs $533 - $693 annually depending on features. IntelliJ IDEA, which supports Java 8 and Java EE 7, comes with extensive tools to develop mobile apps and enterprise technologies for different platforms. When it comes to cost, IntelliJ is a real deal due to the massive of list of features you get.
Languages Supported: AngularJS, CoffeeScript, CS, HTML, JavaScript, LESS, Node JS, PHP, Python, Ruby, Sass, TypeScript and more.
Notable Features:
- Extensive database editor and UML designer
- Supports multiple build systems
- Test runner UI
- Code coverage
- Git integration
- Supports Google App Engine, Grails, GWT, Hibernate, Java EE, OSGi, Play, Spring, Struts and more
- Deployment and debugging tools for most application servers
- Intelligent text editors for HTML, CSS, and Java
- Integrated version control
- AIR Mobile supports Android and iOS devices
Drawbacks: This IDE comes with a learning curve, so it may not the best for beginners. There are many shortcuts to remember, and some users complain about the clunky UI.
5. Eclipse
Eclipse is a free and flexible open source editor useful for beginners and pros alike. Originally a Java environment, Eclipse now has a wide range of capabilities thanks to a large number of plug-ins and extensions. In addition to debugging tools and Git/CVS support, the standard edition of Eclipse comes with Java and Plugin Development Tooling. If that’s not enough for you, there’s plenty of other packages to choose from that include tools for charting, modeling, reporting, testing and building GUIs. The Eclipse Marketplace Client gives users access to a treasure trove of plugins and information supplied by an expanding community of developers.
Languages Supported: C, C++, Java, Perl, PHP, Python, Ruby and more
Notable Features:
- A plethora of package solutions allowing for multi-language support
- Java IDE enhancements such as hierarchical views of nested projects with customizable perspectives
- Task-focused interface including system-tray notifications
- Automated error reporting
- Tooling options for JEE projects
- JUnit integration
Drawbacks: While Eclipse is very versatile software, the many options may be intimidating to newcomers. Eclipse doesn’t have all of the same features as IntelliJ IDEA, but it is open source.
6. Code::Blocks
Code::Blocks is another popular free and open source option. It is a highly customizable IDE that performs consistently across all platforms, so it is great for developers who frequently switch between workspaces. The plug-in framework lets users tweak this IDE to meet their needs.
Languages Supported: C, C++, Fortran
Notable Features:
- Easy-to-navigate tabbed interface including a list of open files
- Compatible with Linux, Mac, and Windows
- Written in C++
- Requires no interpreted or proprietary languages
- Supports many pre-built and custom-built plug-ins
- Supports multiple compilers including GCC, MSVC++, clang and more
- Debugger that includes breakpoint support
- Text editor with syntax highlighting and autocomplete
- Customizable external tools
- Simple task management tools ideal for multiple users
Drawbacks: Though Code::Blocks comes with many features, it is a relatively lightweight IDE, so it’s not suited for larger projects. It is a great tool for beginners, but advanced coders may be frustrated with the limitations.
7. Aptana Studio 3
Perhaps the most powerful of the open source IDEs, Aptana Studio 3 is a massive improvement over its predecessors. Since Aptana Studio 3 supports most browser specs, compatibility challenges are minimal, so users can quickly develop, test and deploy web apps from this single IDE.
Languages Supported: HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, Ruby, Rails, PHP, and Python
Notable Features:
- Code assist for CSS, HTML, JavaScript, PHP and Ruby
- Deployment wizard with simple setup and multiple protocols including Capistrano, FTP, FTPS and SFTP
- Automatically sends Ruby and Rails applications to hosting services
- Integrated debuggers for Ruby and Rails and JavaScript
- Git integration
- Easily accessible command line terminal with hundreds of commands
- String custom commands to extend capabilities
Drawbacks: Although Aptana works well for students juggling multiple small projects, it has stability issues and runs slowly, so professional developers might prefer a more powerful IDE.
8. Komodo
Komodo offers a free 21-day trial and costs between $99 - $1615 depending on the edition and licensing. Practically any programmer can use Komodo because it supports most major programming languages. The streamlined interface allows for advanced editing, and small perks like the Syntax Checker and single-step debugging make Komodo one of the most popular IDEs for web and mobile development.
Languages Supported: CSS, Go, JavaScript, HTML, NodeJS, PerlPHP, Python, Ruby, Tcl and more.
Notable Features:
- Customizable UI including split view and multi-window editing
- Version control integration for Bazaar, CVS, Git, Mercurial, Perforce and Subversion
- Python and PHP code profiling
- Convenient code collaboration for multi-user editing
- Deploy to the cloud thanks to Stackato PaaS
- Graphical debugging for NodeJS, Perl, PHP, Python, Ruby and Tcl
- Autocomplete and refactoring
- Consistent performance across Mac, Linux and Windows platforms
- Many add-ons allow a high level of customization
Drawbacks: One of the few complaints about Komodo is that the free version doesn’t enable all of the features, but the premium version is still considered well-worth the cost.
9. RubyMine
RubyMine is another premium IDE, developed by Jet Brains, that offers a 30-day free trial and costs $210 - 687 annually. As its name implies, RubyMine is a favorite among Ruby enthusiasts; however, this IDE supports other programming languages as well. Easy navigation, logical workflow organization, and compatibility with most platforms make RubyMine a workplace favorite.
Languages Supported: CoffeeScript, CSS, HAML, HTML, JavaScript, LESS, Ruby and Rails, Ruby and SASS
Best Programming Editor For Mac
Notable Features:
- Code snippets, autocomplete and automatic refactoring
- Project tree allows for quick code analysis
- Rails Models Diagram
- Rails Project View
- RubyMotion allows for iOS development
- Stack support includes Bundler, pik, rbenv, RVM and more
- JavaScript, CoffeeScript and Ruby debuggers
- Integration with CVS, Git, Mercurial, Perforce and Subversion
- Bundled keyboard schemes
Drawbacks: Your machine needs at least 4GB of RAM for RubyMine to run smoothly. Some users also complain about the lack of GUI customization options.
10. Xcode
Xcode IDE is free, open source, and part of Xcode, which is a collection of tools for making apps for Apple devices such as the iPad, iPhone and Mac. Integration with Cocoa Touch makes development in the Apple environment a breeze, and you can enable services such as Game Center or Passbook with a single mouse click. Built-in communication with the developer’s website helps users produce fully functioning apps on the fly.
Languages Supported: AppleScript, C, C++, Java, Objective-C
Notable Features:
- UI controls can be easily connected with implementation code
- Apple LLVM compiler scans code offers advice for addressing performance issues
- Assistant function allows for split-code workspace
- Jump bar permits quick navigation
- Interface Builder lets user build prototypes without writing any code
- UI and source code can be graphically connected to sketch complex interface prototypes in just minutes
- Version Editor includes log files and commit timeline
- Branch and merge for distributed teams
- Test Navigator lets you quickly test applications at any point during development
- Automatically builds, analyzes, tests, and archives projects thanks to Integration with OX X server
- Workflow is highly customizable with Tabs, Behaviors, and Snippets
- Instrument library and asset catalog
Drawbacks: You obviously need an Apple machine to run Xcode, and keep in mind that you need a developers license to upload apps to the Apple Store.
Finding the Best IDE for Your Needs
As you can see, the best IDE for you depends on your operating system, your programming language of choice and which platforms you wish to develop for. Finding the right fit is really an ongoing process. Your options are practically limitless, so it may be helpful to make a list of your preferences and then searching for the IDE that most closely matches your needs. While every developer has their favorite software, don’t be afraid to branch out as the world of IDEs is always expanding.
Did we miss any important IDEs? Let us know in the comments section what your favorite IDE is.
- Share
We have evaluated over 20 free HTML editors for Macintosh against over 40 different criteria relevant to professional web designers and developers. The following applications are the best free HTML editors for Macintosh, both WYSIWYG and text editors, rated from best to worst. Each editor listed will have a score, percentage, and a link to more information.
Best Value: Komodo Edit
What We Like
Lots of add-ons available.
Built-in FTP client.
Auto-complete and syntax checking features.
What We Don't Like
Slow to load.
Feels cluttered.
Difficult to install color schemes.
Komodo Edit is hands down the best free XML editor available. It includes a lot of great features for HTML and CSS development. Plus, if that isn't enough, you can get extensions for it to add on languages or other helpful features (like special characters).
Komodo Edit is not the best HTML editor out there, but it is great for the price, especially if you build in XML. I use Komodo Edit every day for my work in XML, and I use it a lot for basic HTML editing as well. This is one editor I'd be lost without.
There are two versions of Komodo: Komodo Edit and Komodo IDE.
Best for JavaScript Developers: Aptana Studio
What We Like
Integrated debugger.
Build-in Code Assist feature for tags.
Built-in terminal emulator.
What We Don't Like
No longer in development.
Minimal support for PHP.
Some dependencies.
Aptana Studio offers an interesting take on website development. Instead of focusing on HTML, Aptana focuses on the JavaScript and other elements that allow you to create rich internet applications.
One thing I really like is the outline view that makes it really easy to visualize the document object model (DOM). This makes for easier CSS and JavaScript development.
If you are a developer creating web applications, Aptana Studio is a good choice.
A Full Featured Java IDE: NetBeans
What We Like
Version 9.0 released by Apache after acquisition.
Supports the Jigsaw Module system.
Supports Java Shell, new in JDK 9.
What We Don't Like
Needs high-memory computer to run quickly.
Not many plug-ins.
Auto-completion is buggy.
NetBeans IDE is a Java IDE that can help you build robust web applications. Like most IDEs, it has a steep learning curve because they don’t often work in the same way that web editors do. But once you get used to it you’ll be hooked.
One nice feature is the version control included in the IDE which is really useful for people working in large development environments. If you write Java and web pages this is a great tool.
Best for LAMP Developers: Bluefish
What We Like
Auto-completion and auto-tag closing.
Powerful search and replace.
Quick to start and load files.
What We Don't Like
Not for novice programmers.
User interface looks intimidating.
Too many tabs and toolbars.
Bluefish is a full-featured web editor for Linux. There are also native executables for Windows and Macintosh. There is code-sensitive spell check, autocomplete of many different languages (HTML, PHP, CSS, etc.), snippets, project management, and auto-save.
It is primarily a code editor, not specifically a web editor. This means that it has a lot of flexibility for web developers writing in more than just HTML, but if you’re a designer by nature you might not like it as much.
A Powerful Multi-Language IDE: Eclipse
What We Like
Robust debugging and profiling profile.
Code-completion feature.
Fast deployment and implementation.
What We Don't Like
Slow when working with large files.
Not recommended for large businesses.
Steep learning curve for novice programmers.
Eclipse is a complex, Open Source development environment that is perfect for people who do a lot of coding on a variety of platforms and with different languages.
Eclipse is structured as plug-ins, so if you need to edit something just find the appropriate plug-in and go.
If you are creating complex web applications, Eclipse has a lot of features to help make your application easier to build. There are Java, JavaScript, and PHP plugins, as well as a plugin for mobile developers.
A Swiss Army Knife IDE from Mozilla: SeaMonkey
What We Like
Tabs for WISIWYG editing, HTML tags, HTML code, and browser views.
Suitable for building simple, basic websites.
What We Don't Like
Composer element no longer being maintained.
Generates HTML 4.01 Transitional code.
SeaMonkey is the Mozilla project all-in-one internet application suite. It includes a web browser, email and newsgroup client, IRC chat client, and Composer, the web page editor.
One of the nice things about using SeaMonkey is that the browser is built-in, so testing is a breeze. Plus it's a free WYSIWYG editor with an embedded FTP client to publish your web pages.
A Basic HTML Writer: Amaya
Best Code Editor For Mac
What We Like
Useful for up to HTML 4.01.
Supports SVG and MathML.
What We Don't Like
Last updated in 2012.
No longer in development.
Pdf Editor For Mac
Amaya is the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) web editor and web browser. It validates the HTML as you build your page and displays your Web documents in a tree structure, which is useful for learning to understand the DOM.
Amaya has a lot of features that most web designers won’t ever use, but if you want to be certain that your pages follow the W3C standards, this is a great editor to use.
Straightforward and Stable: BBEdit 12
What We Like
Supports HTML5.
Opens large files.
Great customer support.
Rock-solid software.
What We Don't Like
Advanced features require paid version after 30-day free trial.
Must search menus for features and options.
BBEdit is a paid program that has a set of free capabilities (the same capabilities that the now-defunct TextWranger had. While Bare Bones Software, the makers of BBEdit do offer a paid version, you may find the free version does everything you need. You can review a feature comparison here.
Note
If you're using TextWrangler, it is not compatible with macOS 10.13 (High Sierra). However, the free (and paid) version of BBEdit is.