We give python ide recommendations for java and C. Before we start with python ide then we must know what is the main function or meaning of an ide? An IDE or Integrated development environment is a software program but not just for developing programs. It is designed to provide the required resources to develop, modify and debug all types of computer programs – be it applications, websites, or even mobile apps.
In other words, it makes the programming experience much easier as it offers a comprehensive range of programming support services within a single interface. For those who are new to programming, an IDE can make big difference in productivity as it combines various useful features into a single app interface. We have listed some best python IDEs below:
Why are IDEs so important?
Well, think of a scenario – you are going to make pasta for dinner. Even though you know the recipe, you will need ingredients and appropriate tools/ equipment to put your idea into action. You will find all the relevant tools and ingredients in a kitchen. So, that will be your workplace.
Similarly, even though developers know how to code, they will need a workplace with all the relevant tools. IDE will provide the developers with that workstation. That’s why IDEs are very important.
Let’s start with the basics:-
Knowledge of programming allows programmers to communicate with computers with their machine language.
We all know, there are several programming languages that anyone can learn. However, ‘C’ programming has always been a favorite bull’s eye to the programming archers.
How would it sound if I tell you that this is one of the oldest and most important programming languages?
Clear the myth this isn’t. The evolution of programming started with computer languages named Fortran and Cobol in the year ranging from 1951 – to 1960. And ‘C’ programming was discovered in the year 1972 by Dennis M. Ritchie who was an American computer scientist.
Let’s know more about C. Well, C is a building block of many other programming languages that programmers use today.
Contrary to this, C++ (the extended version of C) is similar to C but has more features. You can refer to C as a subset of C++ making it equally important for developers. Both languages have the same syntax and code structure.
Considering this, we have covered the 10 best IDEs (Integrated Development Environment) for C or C++ programming language in this article. Points 5 and 6 are my personal favorite.
A Little About Integrated Development Environment…
Integrated Development Environment or IDE for short is an application or software which programmers use for programming. It helps a programmer to program easily by providing all the comprehensive facilities required for the development of software. IDE can improve the productivity of a programmer or developer because of its fast setup and various tools. Without this, a programmer takes a lot of time deciding on various tools to use for their tasks.
Mainly, an IDE includes 3 parts i.e. source code editor, a build automation tool (compiler), and a debugger. The source code editor is something where programmers can write the code, whereas, the build automation tool is used by the programmers for compiling the codes and the debugger is used to test or debug the program in order to resolve any errors in the code. Furthermore, these IDEs also come with additional features like object and data modeling, unit testing, source code library, and a lot more.
As of now, several IDEs are available for various programming languages like Python, C++, Java, JavaScript, R, and others. The modern IDEs even possess intelligent code completion for maximizing the programmer’s productivity.
Advantages of Using IDEs
- These are simple editing environments consisting of several features making coding quick and efficient.
- Takes less time and effort- It includes various tools and features that help to prevent mistakes, organizes resources, and provides shortcuts.
- It allows quick navigation to the type
- Programmers can quickly navigate to other members by using hyperlinks
- IDEs organize imports and can add appropriate imports
- It can give a warning in case of any errors or mistakes
- IDEs are great for generating code or completing the code depending upon previous codes.
- These environments make the unit test’s running easy
Apart from these, there are several other benefits of using IDEs depending upon their types or programming languages.
Some IDEs are specific to the programming language while some support various programming languages. Because of the C and C++ programming language’s growing popularity and having multiple applications, herein we will discuss the 17 best IDEs for the same. Both of these programming languages are also the most basic and are recognized worldwide. All the IDEs which I have mentioned below not only support C/C++ but also various other languages.
1. Visual Studio Code
It is an open-source code editor developed by Microsoft for Windows, Linux, and Mac OS. Visual Studio Code is based on an Electron framework. According to a survey done in 2018 by Stack Overflow, it was ranked the most popular developer environment tool among others. Furthermore, this IDE is also customizable which lets programmers change the theme, keyword shortcuts, and preferences.
Key Benefits:
- Support for Debugging
- Syntax highlighting
- Intelligent Code completion, snippets and code refactoring
- EmbeddedGit Control
- Completely portable
- Easy customization
Programming Languages Supported: C, C++, C#, CSS, Go, HTML, Java, JavaScript, Python, PHP, TypeScript and much more!
To know more about Visual Studio Code, you can read the blog “Visual Studio Code Is So Popular, But Why?“
2. Eclipse
It is one of the most popular, powerful, and useful IDEs used by developers for C/C++ programming. It is open-source software that is simple and easy to use. Originally, it was used for Java Programming but now it is used for various languages. Eclipse can run Windows, Linux, and Mac OS. You can even file a bug on their website if you encounter any on the Eclipse IDE or Compiler.
Key Benefits:
- Great Graphical User Interface with drag-and-drop functionality
- Supports static code analysis
- Smart code completion
- Productivity Boosters
- Git integration
- Cross-platform support
- Rich Community
Programming Languages Supported: C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, COBOL, Perl, PHP, Python & others
3. NetBeans
It is one of the most used IDEs and can run on Windows, Linux, Mac OS X, and Solaris. It is a free and open-source IDE that is written in Java. This IDE consists of an interface that comes with a drag-and-drop feature and a list of convenient project templates. You can use NetBeans to create C/C++ applications with dynamic and static libraries. It allows programmers to create C/C++ applications from existing code. Additionally, it provides a great set of tools for C/C++ programmers. NetBeans has numerous plugins that can extend the software. Developers can also remotely monitor their project’s development.
Key Benefits:
- Cross-platform support
- Rich set of plugins
- Supports multiple programming languages
- Simple and efficient project management
- Smart code editing
- Large support community
Programming Languages Supported: Java, HTML, HTML 5, C, C++ and others
4. Sublime Text
It is a cross-platform source code editor which supports several languages and markup languages. Sublime Text has a Python application programming interface and has a slick user interface along with incredible features and amazing performance. Programmers can also add additional functions with numerous plugins that are community-built.
Key Benefits:
- Go To Anything- Quick navigation to symbols, lines or words
- Go To Definition- Can automatically generate a project-wide index of every class, method and function.
- Allows multiple selections
- Command Palette
- Powerful API
- Highly customizable
- Cross-platform supporting Mac, Windows and Linux
- Syntax highlighting
- Auto-completion
- Plugins and Integrations
Programming Languages Supported: C, C++, Java, and others
5. Atom
It is one of the highly configurable text editors which is free for personal and commercial developments. It was designed and developed by GitHub and has a very large community. A multitude of plugins is available for this editor which extends its features and makes it more customizable. It also supports OS X, Windows, and Linux, and has a very simple interface to work on.
Key Benefits:
- Cross-platform support
- Smart autocompletion
- Package manager
- Plugins support
- Multiple panes
- Option to find and replace text
- Supports command palette
Programming Languages Supported: C/C++, CSS, HTML, JavaScript, PHP, Python, Ruby, and others
6. Code::Blocks
It is a free, open-source IDE that was developed in C++ using wxWidgets as a GUI toolkit. Code::Blocks is an extensible and highly customizable IDE that performs on all platforms including Linux, Mac and Windows. Any function can be added to this IDE by installing or coding a plugin. For e.g., functions of compiling and debugging are available because of plugins. Code::Blocks support various pre-built plugins as well as custom plugins. Programmers can easily tweak the IDE accordingly and can also easily navigate through the tab interface. Initially, it was created for C++ but now you can also run C programs.
Key Benefits:
- Compatible with Linux, Mac, and Windows
- Smart Code Completion
- Easy Navigation
- Integrated intelligent Syntax highlighting
- Full-featured debugger
- Rich Community
Programming Languages Supported: C, C++, Fortran
7. CodeLite
Another good IDE for C or C++ programming is used by a myriad of programmers. It is open-source software that can run on all major platforms including Windows, Linux, and OS X. It provides great support for compilers and also allows users to know more about the errors by just clicking on it.
Key Benefits:
- Spell Checker
- Word Completion
- Clang Based Code Completion Engine
- JavaScript, PHP code completion
- Graphical Diff Utility
- Valgrind Support
- Git and Svn plugins
- Database Explorer
Programming Languages Supported: C, C++, PHP, and others
8. CodeWarrior
It is a complete IDE known for providing a highly visual and automated framework for fast development of an application. CodeWarrior was published by NXP Semiconductors for editing, compiling and debugging software. This IDE can run on Windows and Linux OS and can simplify the most complex activities making developer’s work simple and easy.
Key Benefits:
- Easy-to-use Graphical User Interface
- Allows a single gateway to all components
- Project Manager
- Provides a single gateway to all components
- Highly optimizable
- Powerful macro assembler
- Provides fast access to different source code elements like variables, classes and others
- Smart linker
- Programmers can build custom libraries
- Colorized, multi-paned and syntax-directed editor
Programming Languages Supported: C, C++, and Java
9. Dev-C++
It is a full-featured IDE for C or C++ languages. For compilation, it uses the MinGW port of GNU Compiler Collection (GCC) or any other GCC compilers. It is supported on Windows OS for Software Development.
Key Benefits:
- Support GCC based compilers
- Integrated Debugging
- Syntax highlighting
- Code Completion
- Project Manager
- Editable Shortcuts
- Tool Manager
- CVS Support
Programming Languages Supported: C and C++
10. MinGW
MinGW is Minimalist GNU for Windows which provides Graphical User Interface based Integrated Development Environment for MS Windows applications. It also has compilers for C, C++, Fortran, and ADA. It doesn’t depend on any 3rd parties DLL but requires DLL files provided by Microsoft itself.
Key Benefits:
- Fast and Simple
- Open-source programming toolset
- Runs on Microsoft Windows Platform, cross-hosted on Linux or cross-native on Cygwin
- Provide access to the functionality of the Microsoft C runtime
- Suitable for the development of native MS-Windows (x86) applications
Programming Languages Supported: C, C++, Objective-C, Fortran, and others
11. GNAT Programming Studio
This is a highly advanced IDE that is available for you free of cost. GNAT simplifies the interaction between software and its developers and has a GPS which is very easy to use. It simplifies source navigation and even highlights the fundamental ideas in the program. With this, you get advanced support for Ada, SPARK, C, C++, and Python.
Key Benefits:
- Advance Code Intelligence
- Direct interface to GNAT Pro
- Multiplatform support
- Supports Code Refactoring
- Class Browser
- Drag & Drop features
- Static & Dynamic Analysis Tools
12. MonoDevelop
This is a text editor, where you write desktop and web applications on Linux, Windows, and Mac OS X easily. With MonoDevelop one can also port .NET applications created with Visual Studio to Linux and Mac OS X.
Key Benefits:
- Multi-platform
- Advanced Text Editing
- Multiple language support
- Integrated Debugger
- Configurable workbench
- Create web projects with full code completion
13. QT Creator
QT Creator is a cross-platform IDE, in which you get a free trial version for one month of usage.
Key Benefits:
- Support multi-platform
- Debugging
- Compiling
- Profiling
- Code-completion
- Refactoring
- Drag and drop functionality
- Static Code Analysis
14. K Develop
K Develop is an open-source, cross-platform IDE for C/C++ programmers. It is built on modern technology for seamless development. This is compatible with macOS, Linux, Windows & others. With this IDE you can work regardless of your project size as it is highly extensible.
Key Benefits:
- Licensed under GNU GPL
- Supports C/C++, Python, QML, JavaScript & PHP
- Advanced editor
- Semantic code analysis
- Code highlighting & rainbow highlighting
- Declaration
- Version control systems
- Context-sensitive
- Free of charge
15. SlickEdit
This is a cross-platform IDE that even provides features of a commercial source code editor, text editor, code editor. SlickEdit supports over 70 languages and has features to change existing lines of code with a new structure.
Key Benefits:
- Monitor various tabs
- Raspberry Pi, macOS, Linux & Windows
- SmartPaste option
- Expandable common block structure
- Create multi-platform GUI dialogue boxes
- Debugger integration.
16. Lazarus
This is a cross-platform IDE that is used for rapid application development. Lazarus gives a variety of components to use. You can even create complex GUIs with this powerful IDE as it includes a graphical form designer.
Key Benefits:
- Create open-source & commercial applications
- Create image viewers, graphics editing software, 3D software & so on
- Automatic synchronization
- Modify existing code
- Handle large projects
- Compile & Project on any OS
- Delphi code conversion
What are IDEs and Code Editors?
Whether you are a beginner or a certified development professional, you shall definitely need a code editor for Java or an IDE to launch a market-dominating product, service, or solution.
An IDE is software that comprises common programming tools within a sole comprehensible Graphical User interface (GUI). Concretely, it has a source code editor to write software codes and an in-built program – debugger to test other programs. With an integrated development environment, developers can create a local build of the software such as collecting computer source code via local build automation.
A code editor is another software backed by additional features. Unlike IDE which contains various development tools, this software resembles a text editor. It has the potential to outline unique keywords and provide essential suggestions concerning the language used for programming and writing codes.
Why the Need for a Good JAVA Coding Environment?
Now as you know what an IDE or a code editor exactly means, you shall understand the significance of a good Java coding environment in a better manner. So, without any further ado, let’s take a look at the below considerations.
Manage Time and Effort Effectively: The Java coding environment is solely designed to make the process of development easier, faster, and reliable. Whether you want to develop a single-page app or a dynamic web portal, its features and tools shall help your developers in suggesting shortcuts alongside offering error-free coding.
Follow Standards: When your company outlines the capabilities of the most popular java IDE supported by predefined templates, it shall help your developers in observing smooth operations. Besides, the company standards can be imposed within the coding environment if the code libraries are being used by various developers working on the same project.
Manage Projects: Primarily, most Java IDEs have the potential to automate the process of developer comments or it pushes programmers to type their comments in different parts. On the other hand, this coding environment helps to gain a visual presentation of resources that makes project management a lot easier.
Managing Resources: When it comes to app development, programming languages depend on various resources like header files, code library, etc. A good Java IDE helps in managing these resources. It helps to spot errors at the initial development phase rather than identifying them in the build/compile phase.
Collect and Build: A contemporary Java integrated development environment can interpret code from high-end languages to the object code of the required platform. This interpretation aid in rolling out a strong build/compile stage which later assists in establishing a platform owned by an intuitive UI.
Conclusion
Python is one of the popular open-source programming languages. It is clear, concise, and very readable. It has all the bells and whistles that any OOP language should have. Unlike Perl, Python is object-oriented. Its syntax resembles that of English, making it easy to write programs that read like natural language. It also supports multiple programming paradigms, including object-oriented, imperative, and functional programming or procedural styles.