What is an IDE?

An Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is an application that helps to facilitate software development. It offers a code editor, compiler, and debugger in one application, making programming easier. In addition, many IDEs also include features like syntax highlighting and code completion.

What to Look For in a Code Editor

Choosing the right code editor depends on the kind of projects you work on, coding goals, and skill level.

To help you make an informed decision, check for the following features:

• Optimized performance. Make sure the tool is fast and suitable for your computer’s resources.
• Editor features. Look for features such as ****syntax highlighting, auto-completion, error and warning marks.
• Navigation functions. Allows jumping code segments, marked functions, and classes, as well as moving around the editor in different ways.
• Code references. Ensure the code editor provides a code base reference to use the platform optimally.
• Customizable. Look for a platform that offers both standard and personalized settings for a better working experience.

What are some of the most popular multi-language IDEs?

• Visual Studio Code is a popular IDE widely used in web development and comes with broad language support. It also includes a rich marketplace of extensions you can add to the environment.
• **Atom** is another free text editor, created by GitHub. With Atom’s Built-in package manager, you can search for and install new packages or start creating your own—all from within Atom.
• **SublimeText** is one of the most popular and best code editors. It is not free but offers unlimited free trial. Dozens of free themes, plugins, and additional add-ons are available for this popular code editor.
• **NotePad++** is one of the most popular free source code editor and Notepad replacement that supports several languages. Some of the features are Syntax Highlighting and Syntax Folding, auto-completion: Word completion, Function completion and Function parameters hint, Multi-Document (Tab interface). You can find a list of Notepad++ plugins at Wiki.
• is an open-source Ethereum IDE you can use to write, compile and debug Solidity code**.**is most commonly referred to as Remix IDE (Integrated Development Environment), although this is somewhat of a simplification. It is an open-source web and desktop application, a development environment, if you will. It packs a rich set of plugins and fosters a fast development cycle via intuitive GUI. Moreover, Remix IDE is primarily used for the entire process of smart contract development. In addition, it serves as a playground for teaching and learning how to use the Ethereum network.