In the previous post I described how the Internet works.
In this post we'll see what are the most essential tools for programmers.
Code Editors
Writing computer code is basically a series of textual instructions for a computer to execute. This means that we can write code - in its simplest form - anywhere text can be captured. This includes a text editor, a document app, etc. But that does not mean that such a tool is the best place or the best way to write code.
Since writing code can be more complex than just writing text, a Code Editor is a specialized environment with advanced options for this task. In other words, a Code Editor is a text editor with sophisticated built-in capabilities and special features that make editing code easier and faster.
A Code Editor is one of the most essential tools for programmers. It was developed with the express purpose of making code editing more efficient and easier. A text editor is comparable to a Code Editor, but a Code Editor offers much more features.
Integrated Development Environment (IDE)
An Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is a software application that helps programmers develop software code efficiently. IDE is designed to combine all aspects of programming into a single application.
IDEs come with a wide range of features. In their most basic form, they always contain at least one of the following components:
- Code Editor
- Compiler or Interpreter: Compilers are responsible for converting source code that is written in a language that is readable and writable by humans into a format that computers can run.
- Debugger
- Syntax highlighter
- Graphical User Interface (GUI)
- Build automation tools
Nowadays, most Code Editors offer more or less the same features as IDEs with additional add-ons (or out of the box).
Popular Code Editors and IDE
- Microsoft Visual Studio Code (Free)
- JetBrains IDEs (Paid)
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