Find the best Integrated Development Environment (IDE) Software
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Compass by Atlassian is a developer experience platform that helps all software teams improve software delivery and engineering culture. Compass reduces day-to-day friction for developers, enabling them to find information and insights faster while speedin...Read more about Compass
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XMLSpy is an on-premise solution that helps businesses leverage XML and JSON editors to build applications and manage modeling processes. Professionals can use the Smart Fix XLM tool to automatically detect, validate and resolve issues across files or code...Read more about XMLSpy
IntelliJ IDEA is a JetBrains IDE for professional development in Java and Kotlin, created to boost productivity with AI-powered features, built-in tools, and seamless integrations. IntelliJ IDEA helps you code faster and smarter from the start – no additio...Read more about IntelliJ IDEA
PhpStorm is an integrated development environment (IDE) editor that lets developers program, test, debug and complete code for several frameworks including Symfony, Drupal, Laravel, Zend Framework, WordPress, Joomla!, Magento, Yii and CakePHP. It offers a ...Read more about PhpStorm
PyCharm is an on-premise Python integrated development environment (IDE) solution, which helps organizations and professional developers write and edit code on a customizable platform. Professionals can alter schemas and run queries and preview code edits...Read more about PyCharm
DbVisualizer is a database management solution that helps businesses monitor and analyze the performance of multiple databases through various operating systems including Windows, macOS and Linux. The platform lets employees configure settings to connect t...Read more about DbVisualizer
WebStorm – JavaScript and TypeScript IDE. With out-of-the-box support for JavaScript, TypeScript, and related technologies, as well as a variety of integrated developer tools, WebStorm lets you get straight to coding and saves you time spent on routine ta...Read more about WebStorm
Visual Studio is an application development solution that helps businesses create web, mobile, Mac and Windows-based applications and games. It allows developers to streamline processes related to debugging, testing, and deployment on a centralized platfor...Read more about Microsoft Visual Studio
RStudio is an integrated development environment for R and Python. This software is ideal for data scientists, DevOps engineers, and IT admins. It includes a console, syntax-highlighting editor that supports direct code execution, as well as tools for plot...Read more about RStudio Desktop
JupyterLab is an open-source web application implementing the Jupyter interactive computing environment. As a multi-user system with many different roles and workflows, JupyterLab provides a flexible interface for configuring different types of work and ex...Read more about The Jupyter Notebook
Codelobster is an application development software designed to help businesses create HTML, CSS and PHP codes. This tool automatically suggests applicable functions for users to make it easier for them to create a code. The platform enables managers to l...Read more about Codelobster
Flowfinity is a no-code platform used to create, automate, and integrate custom business process applications fast. Based on 4 pillars of data management: collection, automation, visualization and integration. Our powerful toolset combines a web-based app...Read more about Flowfinity
dbForge Studio for SQL Server is a database management package designed for developers, administrators, and DevOps specialists. It provides a graphical interface for a range of database operations. DBAs can use the system to migrate, duplicate, or upgrade ...Read more about dbForge Studio for SQL Server
dbForge Studio for Oracle is an integrated development environment (IDE) that allows for management, development, and administration of Oracle databases. The data-manipulating capabilities provided by Studio are useful for Oracle SQL database specialists. ...Read more about dbForge Studio for Oracle
Rider is an integrated development environment platform designed for .NET developers building enterprise software solutions across Windows, Mac, and Linux. Rider supports .NET Framework, .NET Core, and Mono with live code inspections and refactorings. Rid...Read more about Rider
DHTMLX delivers a wide range of highly customizable JavaScript UI widgets for developing enterprise web applications of any complexity. With DHTMLX, you can maximally simplify the process of integrating advanced functionalities in apps, reduce web develo...Read more about DHTMLX
Sand Boxer is a fully automated solution to refresh databases with no coding skills required. It allows developers to test ideas and concepts in the production environment....Read more about Sand Boxer
JetBrains DataGrip is an advanced IDE tailored to meet the specific needs of professional SQL developers. It helps users avoid bugs and write SQL code faster. DataGrip supports MySQL, PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, MongoDB and more....Read more about DataGrip
Designed for the front-end community, CodePen is a code editor and social community platform that allows users to build and deploy websites, share code, and learn and discover code from over 1.8 million front-end designers and developers. With Codepen's ...Read more about CodePen
Constructor is a digital ecosystem for education and research. Our active learning platform connects, integrates, simplifies learning, and automates processes for educators, researchers, administrators, lifelong and young learners. Our mission is to transf...Read more about Constructor
Koin is a web-based Kotlin dependency injection framework that helps developers build and assemble Kotlin-related technologies into applications. Key features include Kotlin dependency injection library, Apache2 License, feature creation and more. For Kot...Read more about Koin LTS
Slurp Data Services Platform is a cloud-based integration platform that lets users quickly develop and deploy agile data services. It makes it easy to develop data services in any programming language that users want. Combined with the beautiful visual edi...Read more about Slurp Data Services Platform
Cloudalize is a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) solution that enables government organizations and businesses in the architecture, entertainment, manufacturing, construction, real estate and education industries to securely facilitate remote working p...Read more about Cloudalize
IDA Pro is a binary code analysis tool. It's capable of creating maps of software's execution to show the binary instructions that are actually executed by the processor in a symbolic representation called assembly language. This disassembly process allows...Read more about IDA Pro
inxware is a software designed to simplify software creation and improve the maintainability and deployability of software applications. The platform appeals to a range of users, from seasoned engineers to product managers and newcomers, as an advanced no-...Read more about inxware
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Your Guide to Top Integrated Development Environment (IDE) Software, August 2022
Software Advice uses reviews from real software users to highlight the top-rated Integrated Development Environment (IDE) products in North America.
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“Usability” includes user ratings for Functionality and Ease of Use.
“Customer Satisfaction” includes user ratings for Customer Support, Likelihood to Recommend and Value for Money.
Reviews analysis period: The reviews analysis period spans two years and ends the 15th of the month prior to publication.
Buyers Guide
This detailed guide will help you find and buy the right integrated development environment (ide) software for you and your business.
Last Updated on January 27, 2025Building software is a time-consuming process that involves writing codes, running them through a compiler, checking for coding errors, and deploying the software apps. These steps make the software development process not only lengthy but also prone to syntax, runtime, and logical errors. To shorten the process and avoid making errors, you can use integrated development environment (IDE) software.
IDE software allows you to complete all development processes using a single platform and detect errors right from the time you start writing codes. Designed to maximize productivity, the software includes commonly used developer tools such as a source code editor, compiler, and debugger in a single graphical user interface (GUI).
Many IDE applications are available in the market, making it challenging to choose the one that best suits your business needs. This guide will help you understand the features, benefits, and things to consider before purchasing IDE software.
Here’s what we'll cover:
What is IDE software?
An integrated development environment (IDE) is a software development platform that provides editing, compiling, and debugging functionalities in one place. It automates repetitive software development tasks to help save time. Source code developer, text editor, compiler, debugger, and build automation are some basic features of IDE software.
IDE software allows developers to write codes and check for errors in real time. It also gives them suggestions to write better codes. The software helps perform tasks such as source code building, debugging, and team collaboration without switching between different tools.
A view of the productivity features tab in Microsoft Visual Studio (Source)
Common features of IDE software
Most IDE software products include the following features:
Debugging | Use the debug mode to detect and remove errors in your software codes in real time or after the code completion process. |
GUI | Use a central interface that includes all development tools to avoid switching between different applications. |
Write and edit source codes, compile source codes for execution, debug application programs, and automate common tasks. | |
Code editing | Access a specialized editor for writing codes. It differentiates the various elements of codes so programmers can read codes easily. |
Data modeling | Create a visual representation of data to help developers understand how data is structured and stored in a database. |
Deployment management | Manage the entire deployment process, from designing and building software to testing and releasing software for end users. |
What type of buyer are you?
Most IDE software buyers belong to one of the following categories:
Small and midsize enterprises (up to 500 employees): Small and midsize businesses (SMBs) usually have a small team of developers and a strict budget to follow. They work on a range of in-house or client-based software development projects. Therefore, they need access to code libraries for different programming languages, easier deployment from the local folder to the web server, and integration capabilities. Their goal is to maximize the productivity of each software developer with the limited resources they have.
These buyers should opt for a cloud-based IDE solution that supports multiple programming languages and code libraries. A cloud IDE will allow SMB buyers to maintain cost-efficiency and scalability while allowing better customization.
Large enterprises (over 500 employees): These buyers have large teams that simultaneously work on multiple projects; therefore, their development needs are extensive. They may even have more than one development team, often working at different locations. They need an IDE platform that can also function as a work management tool, allowing them to plan and build a roadmap for building software.
An IDE platform that offers collaboration capabilities such as live share and pair programming should suit the needs of these buyers. It will allow development teams to work together and remain updated during each stage of the software development process. These buyers should also choose a highly configurable IDE that allows them to integrate plug-ins as needed.
Benefits of IDE software
Implementing an IDE software solution has various benefits, including:
Integrates multiple programming apps: Building software is a lengthy process. You have to navigate through multiple tools, learn how to use them, and then get on to writing and executing codes. An IDE solution offers tools such as a text editor, debugger, and compiler on the same platform, allowing for an easier setup and removing the need to keep switching between different tools. By doing so, it helps save time and increase productivity.
Automates coding tasks: With features such as syntax highlighting and autocomplete, IDE software helps automate the coding process. While syntax highlighting allows programmers to read codes easily by highlighting the different elements of source codes, autocomplete predicts what developers are going to write next and assists with code completion. IDE software also highlights coding errors in real time, allowing developers to make changes before compiling the codes.
Standardizes the development process: IDE tools help bring uniformity to the entire software development process. These solutions offer code libraries where you can store all the codes your team has created. Also, new hires can leverage these resources to get up to speed with your team’s standards.
Key considerations:
Here are a few key considerations to keep in mind before purchasing IDE software:
Integration requirements: Assess your development needs and decide if you need integration for programming languages, testing tools, software building solutions, or mobile app development. Many IDE solutions are free to use, but you’ll be charged if you opt for integrations. Therefore, check the type of integration you need to ensure you choose a product that caters to the needs of your software development team.
Customer support: You can obtain community support for popular open source IDE tools; however, customer support is usually available for paid software only. Also, paid products have more updates and bug fixes compared to open source tools.
Software requirements: Integrating your IDE software with plug-ins to achieve your development goals can slow down its performance due to integration vulnerabilities. Some IDEs can also give performance issues in loading, autocompletion, and code compilation. In most cases, the system on which you want to set up IDE software should have a compatible operating system with decent RAM.
Note: The application selected in this guide is an example to show a feature in context and is not intended as an endorsement or a recommendation. It has been taken from sources believed to be reliable at the time of publication.