Software development requires the assembly of many elements: code, user interface, project structure, environment configurations and much more.
To simplify this complex process, various tools have been created. These include the IDE or integrated development environment.
IDEs are aimed at experienced developers, unlike low-code or no-code development platforms, which are better suited to beginners.
These environments include code editors, integrated with development programs such as compilers, auto-completion and hierarchy diagrams.
They offer all the tools a developer needs to write and build a program from start to finish. Developers use IDEs to write, manage and execute code while running their applications.
This simplifies the development process by abstracting different aspects of code editing into independent programs.
What is an IDE?
An IDE, or integrated development environment, is a software application that combines in one place all the tools required for a software development project.
It provides an interface for writing code, organizing text groups, and automating redundant programming tasks.
Rather than a bare code editor, IDEs combine the functionality of multiple programming processes into a single one. At a minimum, these include an editor, compiler, debugger, code completion or generic code management functions. The most advanced also offer data visualization, tracing and cross-referencing capabilities.
Some IDEs focus on a specific programming language, such as Python or Java. However, most are compatible with multiple languages.
As far as text editing is concerned, IDEs generally allow the insertion of frameworks and element libraries to develop basic-level code.
During the writing process, one or more users create hierarchies within the IDE and assign code groups to their region. Debuggers correct bugs as development progresses. In the event of an error, the user is informed of the problematic part of the code.
Why use an IDE?
What is the purpose of an IDE? Text editors, code libraries, bug detection software, compilers and other testing platforms are among the most commonly used tools.
However, if a developer doesn’t use an IDE, he or she will have to select, deploy, integrate and monitor these tools individually and manually. The advantage of an integrated development environment is that it combines all these technologies within a single framework.
As a result, developers no longer need to spend hours learning how to use these tools separately. This is particularly useful for beginners, who can learn the different tools and team practices using an IDE.
Most IDE capabilities, such as intelligent code completion and automatic code creation, are designed to save time by eliminating the need to write complete sequences of characters. These tools simplify software development while detecting and reducing code errors.
Other IDE features help developers simplify their workflow. Problems are identified in real time, and syntax issues are highlighted visually.
What are the IDE features?
What features does IDE offer? Originally, they were simple debugging and testing platforms. Today, they are complete toolkits for developers. Over time, they continue to evolve and change.
All IDEs include a text editor for writing and manipulating source code. Some tools also include visual components and drag-and-drop interfaces for front-end components. Usually, a simple interface highlights the syntax.
Debugging tools help users to identify and correct errors in source code. Typically, these tools simulate real-world scenarios to test functionality and performance. Programmers and software engineers can test different code segments and identify errors before releasing an application.
The compiler translates the programming language into a form that the machine can process, such as binary code. The code is analyzed to ensure its accuracy. It is then sorted and optimized.
Code completion features assist programmers by identifying and inserting common code components. This saves developers time when writing code, and reduces the risk of bugs and errors.
Another feature is support for one or more programming languages. It’s important to choose which languages you intend to use when selecting a compatible IDE. For example, there are IDEs for Ruby, Python and Java.
Finally, many IDEs allow you to integrate other software via connectors. There are also many plug-ins available.
The different types of IDE
There are IDEs for all programming languages. Each offers different features to help programmers develop high-quality code quickly and efficiently.
Multi-language IDEs are compatible with several different programming languages. This type of environment is very useful for novice programmers. One of the most popular is Visual Studio, known for its many features and frequent updates. Simply add an extension to add support for a new programming language.
Mobile development IDEs emerged with the boom in mobile app development. Developers can use these dedicated platforms to create efficient, comprehensive applications. Examples include Android Studio for Android and Xcode for iOS.
Web-based or Cloud IDEs offer several unique advantages over local development environments. A SaaS IDE can run jobs without drawing resources from a local workstation. Cloud IDEs are often agnostic and can be connected to several different Cloud providers.
Finally, language-specific IDEs are designed for developers wishing to use a single programming language. Examples include Jikes and Jcreator for Java, CodeLite and C-Free for C/C++, and Idle for Python.
Advantages and disadvantages of FDI
There are many reasons to use an IDE. Firstly, these platforms bring together three essential tools used by most developers: source code editors, debuggers and compilers. This enables code to be written, enhanced and processed within a single environment.
Centralizing these tools also simplifies source code exploration. Many IDEs include additional capabilities for testing, organizing or refactoring code. Other features such as auto-completion or deployment capabilities enhance capabilities and accelerate development.
However, IDEs also have their drawbacks. These tools are not always suitable for beginners, as it is necessary to learn how they work alongside computer code.
The features and shortcuts used by IDEs can even obscure important language nuances. Yet attention to detail is crucial when learning a new language. So, using an IDE can complicate the language learning process.
Another difficulty is keeping up with frequent updates. New versions bring new functionalities, and so require constant learning.
Despite the advantages of IDEs, it is sometimes preferable to use other tools. In some situations, text editors are simpler to use and better suited to completing a task. For example, when it comes to writing a simple script or basic HTML, a text editor is more appropriate than a complex IDE.
Furthermore, command-line tools enable programmers to communicate directly with computing resources and access program source code. These minimalist interfaces may seem archaic, but some experienced users prefer to rely on these traditional, uncluttered tools.
The choice of an IDE therefore depends on the nature of the project, its size, and various factors such as the programming language or version control system used. The company’s budget and preferences must also be taken into account.
Top of the best IDEs
IDE integration distinguishes these tools from simple code editors, as do debugging, compiling and automation features. However, the main advantage of IDEs is the ability to customize an environment with plugins and integrations. This makes it possible to customize workflows or add functionality.
Plugins can be very simple, like simple color themes, or very complicated, like continuous deployment or database development extensions. Here is a selection of the best IDEs for different programming languages.
The main suppliers of IDE software are :
- Visual Studio
- IntelliJ IDEA
- PyCharm
- Xcode
- Eclipse
- PhpStorm
- WebStorm
- Syncfusion
- NetBeans
- AWS Cloud 9
IDE Python
Python integrated development environments bring together all the tools needed for software development in Python. They enable process automation, while improving developer productivity and efficiency.
Python’s popularity extends to a wide variety of fields, including computing and scientific applications such as data analysis and business intelligence.
Basic programming doesn’t necessarily require the use of specialized tools, but a Python IDE is imperative for more complex projects. The best Python IDEs are PyCharm, Eclipse, AWS Cloud 9, The Jupyter Notebook and Spyder.
IDE Java
The Java programming language is very popular, and widely used to create high-performance, secure desktop, web and mobile applications.
Java IDEs offer developers a wide range of software development tools. They are designed to work with specific application platforms and reduce the software development cycle. The best Java IDEs are IntelliJ IDEA, Visual Studio, Eclipse, Xcode and NetBeans.
How do you learn to use IDEs?
IDEs are very useful for software development, especially in the field of Data Science. To learn how to use them, choose DataScientest.
The Python language is at the heart of our Data Analyst, Data Scientist, Data Engineer and Data Management courses. Through these courses, you’ll learn to handle Python and its Data Science libraries, as well as IDEs such as Jupyter Notebook and PyCharm.
Other modules cover databases, Dataviz, Machine Learning and Business Intelligence. By the end of the course, you’ll have all the skills you need to work in the Data Science profession.
All our courses adopt an innovative Blended Learning approach, combining online learning on a coached platform and collective Masterclass. All courses are distance learning.
Depending on your preferences and availability, you can choose between Continuous Training and intensive BootCamp mode. At the end of the course, students receive a certificate issued by MINES ParisTech / PSL Executive Education or Université Panthéon Sorbonne as part of our partnerships, and 80% of alumni find immediate employment.
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You now know everything about IDE. For more information, see our complete dossier on Python and our dossier on Jupyter Notebook.
