JavaScript is a common tool for web development in today’s world. JavaScript is a widely-used technology that attracts many developers’ attention. It integrates with HTML and CSS to build robust front-end apps. NodeJS was added to the mix as a way to extend the reach of high-level, interpretable programming languages for backend development. An IDE is better than code editors because it can debug code and supports Application Lifecycle Management (ALM). ALM is the product lifecycle management for computer programs. There are many JavaScript IDEs available, so choosing the right one can be difficult. This article will help you choose the right one for your programming needs. Let’s start by understanding what a JavaScript IDE is before we dive into the world of JavaScript.
What is JavaScript IDE?
An integrated development environment (IDE) is a software development environment. It is a type of software development software that offers common programming tools under one user interface. IDEs increase programmer productivity by combining common software development tasks like editing source code, creating executables, and debugging into one application.
IDEs are particularly useful for large teams because they allow multiple people to access the same project simultaneously. Multiple people can work simultaneously on the same piece. A great user interface is also available to navigate and manage large projects. These components make up an IDE.
- Debugger- A Debugger is used for detecting and removing bugs from a computer program.
- Source code editor – A space that allows you to create codes for the program is called a source code editor.
- Automated tools for local use – These utilities can be used to automate repetitive tasks, such as compilation when creating local build software.
The most powerful JavaScript IDEs allow you to automate code creation, testing, and debugging. It saves money for small and large businesses alike.
Also read: Top 10 Free CSS Editors
What’s the Difference Between Editors and IDEs?
“Integrated Development Environment” (IDE), is a powerful programming tool that simplifies coding. Some people prefer the simplicity of a basic code editor. They are easy to use and are great for beginners. These are the differences between editors and IDEs in table format to make it easier for you to understand.
IDEs
- An IDE is a collection of software development tools that are designed to make coding simpler.
- It unites many powerful features such as code creation, building, testing, and more in one framework.
- Text editing, compiling, and debugging are some of the key features.
- Some of the most popular IDEs include NetBeans and Eclipse.
Editors
- A code editor is a tool for developers that allows them to modify the source code of computer programs.
- It is a powerful editor that allows you to quickly create code.
- Syntax highlighting, indentation, and multiview are some of the key features.
- Some of the most popular editors are Atom, Notepad++, and Sublime Text.
Top JavaScript IDE
1. Visual Studio
Visual Studio is Microsoft’s Integrated Development Environment. It allows you to create GUIs, consoles and Web applications, online apps, mobile apps, cloud, and web services, among other things. This IDE allows you to write native and managed code. It uses Microsoft’s various software development platforms such as Windows Store and Microsoft Silverlight. It’s not a specific language-specific IDE, as it can be used in C# and C++, VB, Visual Basic, Python, and JavaScript, as well as a variety of other languages. It can be used with 36 different programming languages.
Key Features
- Multiple languages are supported (e.g. JavaScript, TypeScript).
- Debugging capabilities include the ability to attach apps and include breakpoints.
- The code editor supports syntax highlighting.
- IntelliSense automates code completion
- Code Editor supports bookmarks for quick navigation.
- There are many extensions that can be added to enhance the functionality of your product.
- Designer tools such as Windows form designer, class designer, and web designer.
Pros
- Cross-platform support for Windows, Mac OS, Linux, and Linux
- Visual Studio also comes as a freeware edition.
- It has a great navigation system.
- VS makes it easy to search, filter and examine the code that you are working on.
- This allows you to customize the extension and add third-party extensions.
- Visual Studio allows you to create native apps for Android and iOS from one location.
Cons
- Visual Studio could take some time to update and install Visual Studio.
- It is reliable, but it can be costly compared to other IDEs available.
- All previous software that was compatible with Visual Studio may not work when you upgrade to a newer version.
- The complexity of JSX is a source of frustration for the developing community.
2. Atom
Atom is an Integrated Development Environment that was developed by GitHub. It is a powerful, yet simple text editor. It is free and open-source and boasts the best GitHub integration out there. Atom allows you to quickly browse and edit projects in one window.
Key Features
- Includes an integrated package manager
- Atom comes with multiple panes.
- The Atom find and replace tool can be extremely useful. You can search, preview, and replace text in any file or throughout the entire project.
- Atom also offers real-time debugging.
- Atom has smart auto-completion.
Pros
- It’s very simple to integrate Atom and GitHub
- It is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, and other operating systems.
- It is also free to use.
Cons
- It’s slower and more unstable than most popular IDEs.
- Atom does not have enough code execution.
3. WebStorm
WebStorm IDE is a Jet Brains software editor for developers as its name implies. It is the best JavaScript editor to develop web, mobile, server, and desktop applications. We can create both client-side and server-side apps. It allows front-end development using Angular, React, or Vue.js as well as server-side and back-end programming with Node.js or Meteor. Mobile development with Ionic Cordova and React Native is possible, as well. Electrons can be used to develop desktop applications. It is built upon IntelliJ, an open-source platform.
Key Features
- WebStorm allows you to easily trace your code.
- You can go back to the previous version.
- WebStorm has a variety of templates and plugins.
- It has a built-in terminal.
Pros
- The UI looks very similar to IntelliJ.
- An intelligent auto fix is very useful.
- It is pre-integrated into Vue, TypeScript, React, and Vue.
- WebStrom Debugging is amazing.
Cons
- It can be difficult to keep track Git graphs or rebases.
- Bookmarks and favorites could be more useful. Bookmarks can’t be organized in folders and favorite files aren’t stored in them.
4. IntelliJ
JetBrains has yet another IDE, IntelliJ IDEA. This IDE is available in two versions: Ultimate and Community. The Community edition can be downloaded for free. However, the Ultimate editions must be licensed. IntelliJ IDEA has become a very popular IDE. It focuses on improving developer productivity. The IDE supports a wide range of programming languages, including Java and JS. It is also easy to use due to its ergonomic design.
Key Features
- Built-in static code analyzers.
- Most application servers include deployment and debugging tools.
- It can also complete advanced codes.
- It can be integrated easily with Git.
- UML designer and database editor with lots of features
Pros
- It has built-in version control so that you can easily go back to a previous state or version of a website that you have saved.
- There are many extensions and plugins that you can try.
- Autocomplete is very user-friendly. The debug mode feature works across any platform and any language.
Cons
- It can be quite costly.
- It uses a lot of computer resources such as memory.
- The built-in console of the IDE is a bit slow.
Also read: Top 10 Java Monitoring Tools
5. Eclipse
Eclipse is one of the most popular IDEs for JavaScript Development. In general, full-stack engineers utilize Eclipse to code JavaScript. You will need to install certain plugins for JS. Eclipse’s greatest strength is JavaScript Development Tools’ precise performance. Eclipse is open-source and free to use. You can also see the source code if needed.
Key Features
- Support for easy versions is available.
- Eclipse supports multi-language use
- Eclipse supports many libraries and add-ons.
Pros
- Effective project management
- Programming in multiple languages, advanced debugging.
- It can be integrated with JUnit.
Cons
- For beginners, it can be difficult.
- You will need plugins to get the best out of it.
6. Komodo IDE
Komodo IDE can be a great choice if you are looking for an integrated development environment that supports both web and mobile app development. This tool can be used with multiple integrations and frameworks. Komodo Edit is free a text editor. Komodo Edit was created in 2007 to complement the Komodo IDE. This application can be used with dynamic programming languages. It is free and open-source. This software supports more than 100 languages, including Go and PHP TCL, Perl, HTML, Python, CSS, and many others.
Key Features
- You can use the support for many languages
- It includes an error marking up and an advanced editor.
- It integrates a source control system.
- It also allows for cross-platform and collaborative editing.
Pros
- It has a limited vim mode, which is a highly customizable editor for text. It is a popular IDE for its ability to be used in programming.
- It is open-source and free.
- Good file management and workflow management.
Cons
It does not include JavaScript code verification.
IDE can be a little slow.
7. Sublime Text
Sublime Text is a cross-platform text editor that offers many customization options. Sublime Text is easy to use and offers a significant speed boost. To enable syntax highlight in ES6 or ReactJS code, the Babel plugin can be used. SublimeText users who use Sublime Text to develop JS code will appreciate DocBlockr and JSFormat as well as SideBar Enhancements and SublimeLinter.
Key Features
- Sublime Text provides a command palette to store commonly used functions.
- Sublime Text offers an API to enhance its features.
- This utility supports shortcuts for ease of use.
- It emphasizes the syntax.
Pros
- Sublime Text allows you to create lightweight text editors with many features.
- Although Sublime Text is powerful, it’s a simple text editor that uses a Notepad-style approach.
- Multi-selection options and keyboard shortcuts are great.
- Package management makes it easy to install packages and allows you to quickly enhance functionality.
Cons
- Sublime has an automatic file comparison feature that allows you to manually compare text files.
- However, it is difficult to use and should be improved.
- It would be amazing to be able to highlight or mark text in different colors.
8. Brackets
Brackets is an open-source, free text editor specifically designed for web developers. Brackets is a web-based design tool that can be used by front-end and web designers. It’s written in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and focuses on visual tools and preprocessor assistance. The combination of visual tools and HTML allows you to get the right amount of help when you need it, without interfering with your creativity. It is a more enjoyable, simpler, and easier way to code.
Key Features
- You can work side-by-side on code with inline editors without needing to deal with popups.
- Live preview allows you to instantly see any changes made on your screen.
- It supports preprocessors.
Pros
- The user interface is very simple.
- Live preview allows you to instantly see any changes made on your screen.
Cons
- The launch time is long.
- It can be difficult to manage a project
- Performance suffers when you work with large files.
9. Apache NetBeans
NetBeans supports JavaScript, HTML5, CSS3, and CSS3 in web projects. NetBeans also provides the Cordova/PhoneGap framework to develop JavaScript-based mobile apps. NetBeans is free and open-source software. The NetBeans JavaScript editor offers syntax highlighting, code folding, and auto-completion.
Key Features
- NetBeans can be integrated with Jira or Bugzilla to track issues.
- NetBeans offers team server integration for sites that use Kenai’s infrastructure.
- You can search for tasks, save searches and update tasks using the NetBeans task windows.
Pros
- It is easy to write quality code with code auto-completion
- NetBeans makes it easy to run server-side apps.
- It can be used with many operating systems including Linux and Windows. All libraries available in
- Linux environments may be used.
Cons
- Compilation and execution times for compiling code are slower than those in rival IDEs.
- Importing code is not possible and the debugger is slow.
- There were some bugs in NetBeans’ latest version.
Conclusion
These were our top ten JavaScript IDEs. There are many JavaScript IDEs on the market. Before you can choose an IDE, it is important to understand your needs. This article should help you choose the right JavaScript IDE.
