An Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is software designed to simplify the development process of applications by coordinating all programming and debugging tasks from a single application platform through its graphical user interface (GUI).
IDE key features
The IDE consists of all the components a developer needs to develop an application.
Source code editor: The source code editor enables developers to write and edit clean, readable code that’s compliant with the programming language’s standards.
Compiler: The compiler is used to transform the developers’ code into a form that computers can understand.
Running code: Most IDEs allow developers to run the code before its execution.
Debugger: The debugger provides tools to identify and eliminate errors from programs by examining the program’s elements to ensure they’re conformant with the development language.
Version control: Version control keeps the history of changes made over time.
Integrations and plugins: IDEs can integrate with other applications and add plugins to extend their functionality.
Build automation tools: Build automation tools facilitate developers to automate the most common development tasks.
Types of IDEs
Different types of IDEs are available for developing applications based upon the programming languages they use.
IDEs for multiple languages: A single IDE that supports multiple programming languages such as Java, Python, PHP, or C/C++.
IDEs for specific languages: IDEs designed exclusively for programming in a particular language. Specific language IDEs have more features when compared to other types of IDEs.
Mobile development IDEs: IDEs specifically for the development of mobile applications. Most multi-language IDEs include mobile app development plugins.
Cloud-based IDEs: Cloud-based IDEs allow developers to access their programming from anywhere.
Why do developers need IDEs?
IDEs help developers build software applications quickly and efficiently. The developers can write, compile, and debug code by using the IDEs’ built-in tools. IDEs automatically monitor memory usage, hard disk space, and more, to ensure the final products will run as expected. The build automation tools of IDEs make the developers’ tasks more effective and save time.
Key benefits of using an IDE
Increased efficiency: Most IDEs support collaboration that increases productivity and efficiency.
Resource management: IDEs automatically manage resources such as memory usage and hard disk space.
Continual learning: IDEs help entry-level developers build applications quickly and efficiently.
Easy-to-create database application: IDEs support database applications and facilitate easy navigation to other connected databases.
Execution of quality programming: IDEs enable developers to write and edit quality programming.
