Editor vs IDE, and what to choose?

[Nickson]

Introduction

As everyone needs to create the code somehow, you can make use of various tools, frameworks, code generators and much more. One important "thing" during the development process will be an application of some sort. A good application will make your life a whole lot easier! This is why I'll try to explain some differences between an editor, an IDE and also why people should make the correct choice, as I believe many people do not always use the correct one. Both will come in as much flavors as you need!

If you're just starting up, you might want to read this topic first ( http://makewebgames.io/content.php/126-Object-Oriented-Programming-the-way-to-go )

Editor

An editor is a small, fast, lightweight application which only has the basic elements included. They are made to run fast, and do things more quickly as they only provide basic features like syntax highlighting. They won't come with features like debugging, error detecting and compiling of code. Basically you would just use them to edit a single file. We can consider notepad++ (and related ones) a good example of an editor.

IDE

An IDE or Integrated Development Environment is a much, much larger application and will require a lot more of your computer, however it gives everything back in more usable features or options. One of the best features an IDE has over an editor is the file management. How easy and handy can it be that you can change and see your directories and files from within the IDE? Overlooking a project never has been easier! Most IDEs will come with features that speed up your development process as everything can happen in the IDE itself, with this I mean debugging and compiling of code in the IDE itself and not having to build to code and find out, you still have an error. Most IDEs will also have some some sort of collaboration tools built in, so you can gather files much easier via svn or git. Some IDEs even come with a plugin system so the community can create additional features that do not exist yet.

The downside of such an IDE is that they require a lot more of your computer, and that they are not always free whereas most editors are free.

Do you have a combination of both?

Yes, there are lightweight IDEs. One of them would be geany. But every feature or options means the application will become larger, and thus to create a smaller IDE, you'll have to loose something, so they will not be as extended as others.

What to choose?

First of all, know your environment! This is a very important factor that will, wanted or not, influence your choice a lot. Most editors will work on any platform and can use syntax highlighting on any code. An IDE might not be that flexible as they are designed for a certain task. If you are running windows and need to work on .net code, you most likely want another IDE than you would use for when working on a Linux OS to edit php code.

Secondly, search an application you can work with and feel comfortable around. It has absolutely no point of working with something you cannot find your way around and loose more time as you should. If you do not with to use more as a simple text editor, then don't.

As third, don't be scared! Some IDEs are not free but offer a trial mode or a community edition, try these out, you never know how you'll like it. And if the IDE makes your life a whole lot easier and your development process evolves a whole lot faster, do not be scared to ask your boss for some licenses, who know they'll be glad to pay!

Should I still use an IDE?

Yes you should! Even due to the many disadvantages on first sight over an editor, an IDE really makes your life wonderful as they are very flexible, yet heavy on the machine, expensive in some cases, and limited, it will definitely help you! I've listed a few free ones below I use myself, but you'll find a lot more out there.

References

http://www.openkomodo.com/

http://netbeans.org/

http://www.microsoft.com/express/

http://www.jetbrains.com/idea/

http://www.eclipse.org/

[Paul Evans]

I use Komodo Edit and fine it very useful more infact than what i used before (combo of notepad and ++) thanks to you and A_Bertrand for the recommendations :D I'm in love

[Djkanna]

NetBeans, Vim, for building an entire project, then there's Notepad++ & Aptana which is useful for quick edits, and I use them when coding layouts or general html/css orientated things.

[Diesl]

I tried using Aptana on my laptop and it had a small albeit uncomfortable lag to it.

I've been a bit leary about using VIM because I've heard there is a steep learning curve to it, although a web developer friend said that once you start to use it, you love it. What is your (or anyone's) experience with VIM DJ?

[Danny696]

I too use Akomdo Edit.

[a_bertrand]

Diesl: VI / VIM are useful just because you will find them on any unix and you can use them via SSH for example. Beside that a full IDE is certainly a lot more comfortable and will speed up your development.

For the IDEs I mostly use Visual Studio, some times a bit of notepad++ like for a clipboard or some text files, and for PHP I uses Zend Studio.

Nickson: great article btw ;)

[Djkanna]

I tried using Aptana on my laptop and it had a small albeit uncomfortable lag to it.

I've been a bit leary about using VIM because I've heard there is a steep learning curve to it, although a web developer friend said that once you start to use it, you love it. What is your (or anyone's) experience with VIM DJ?

My experience with Vim lacks, and yes it does somewhat have a steep learning curve I guess, there's recently been an influx of Vim orientated tutorials and screen-casts over at NetTuts+ that may be worth checking out.