Does JavaScript ring a bell? It’s one of front-end web development’s three foundations. Along with HTML and CSS, JavaScript is a fantastic tool for creating fantastic websites. Previously, JavaScript was only used for web development; however, with constant improvements and support for a variety of frameworks, JavaScript is now used for both backend and GUI game creation. Let’s have a look at the greatest JavaScript IDEs and text editors.
When looking for the best tools to write JavaScript code, though, you’re bound to come across lingo like IDEs and text editors. If you want to study JavaScript but are having trouble deciding which program to use to develop the code, we can help. In this article, we’ll go over the top five JavaScript IDEs and text editors for writing JavaScript code. Before moving on to the JS IDEs and text editors, it’s a good idea to review what IDEs and text editors are. Let’s talk about it right now. Let’s get started now that that’s taken care of!
Text Editor and JavaScript IDE
An IDE, or Integrated Development Environment, is a piece of software that allows you to develop code with a variety of extra features not available in a standard text editor. You may edit, alter, debug, execute, run, and deploy your code using IDEs. Many more functions, like auto text completion, are included with IDEs. It gives the user with more options. You could be more productive with the aid of IDEs. There are several IDEs available on the internet, and many of them are open-source.
This implies that you can get it for free. However, there are other paid choices accessible. Though IDEs are superior to text editors, they do have certain drawbacks, such as the fact that many of the top IDEs are not free to use. Furthermore, computers with low-end processors may experience freezing issues. Text editors, on the other hand, are also used to write code, but they lack the functionality of IDEs. You can only edit, alter, and run your code with a JavaScript editor. There are no facilities for testing or debugging. However, an intriguing aspect regarding text editors is that they are preferred by specialists over IDEs for writing JS code. This is due to the fact that the majority of text editors are open-source and offer a reduced font size. This allows them to run smoothly on any machine without causing any issues.
The 7 Best JavaScript Editors and IDEs
1. Visual Studio Code
- Type: Text Editor
- Developed by Microsoft
- For Windows, Linux, and macOS
- Released on April 29, 2015
- Open Source
Microsoft’s Visual Studio Code is a well-known code editor. It was first published for Windows on April 29, 2015, however, it was afterward adapted for other common operating systems, including Linux and macOS. It would be inaccurate to imply that Visual Studio Code is tailored to a particular programming language. You may use the popular code editor to write code in a variety of computer languages, including Java, Python, and C#. Though it supports a variety of programming languages, it is a large piece of software to operate, and low-end systems may have frozen.
Some main features of Visual Studio Code:
- Debugger.
- Syntax highlighting.
- Open-source.
- Auto code completion.
- Shortcut keys.
- Code refactoring
2. Atom
- Type: Code Editor
- Developed by GitHub
- For Windows, Linux, and macOS
- Open-source
Atom is one of the most sophisticated code editors available. GitHub released it on February 26th, 2014. It includes electronics and some typescript language packages that help the user code simply, as it is built by the world’s most prominent online software repository. Atom also makes it simple to switch between JavaScript, CSS, and Node.js. Atom, like other popular code editors, supports a variety of programming languages, including the C and Java families.
Some main features of Atom:
- Code auto-completion.
- Syntax highlighting.
- Real-time debugging.
- It has a hover tool (this tool shows information about the code and thus, comes in very handy).
- Built-in package management.
- Multiline select.
3. WebStorm
- Type: IDE
- Developed by JetBrains
- For Windows, Linux, and macOS
- Paid software
It’s the first JavaScript IDE we’ve found. WebStorm was created with JavaScript and its frameworks in mind. JetBrains is well-known for producing integrated development environments (IDEs) for all major programming languages. They’ve created specialized IDEs with a variety of built-in capabilities. WebStorm’s debugging functionality is excellent. All of these benefits, however, come at a cost. Yes, you must pay to use the JS IDE. They do, however, provide a free 30-day trial period.
Some main features of WebStorm:
- Intelligent code completion.
- Error identification.
- Inbuilt debugger.
- Built-in Node.js app.
4. Brackets
- Type: Code Editor
- Developed by Adobe
- For Windows, Linux, and macOS
- Open-source
Adobe Systems designed Brackets, which were released on November 4th, 2014. HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are just a few of the front-end web development languages it supports. Brackets is lightweight compared to other JavaScript IDEs and code editors, so you won’t have any trouble using it on even the most basic systems.
Some main features of Brackets:
- Ease of jumping between tabs.
- Intelligence auto-correction.
- Syntax highlight.
- Live Preview (It helps you to have a good look at the live output of the code).
- Very fast processing as compared to other options.
5. Komodo IDE
- Type: IDE
- Developed by Active State
- For Windows, macOS, Linux, and CentOS
ActiveState released a JavaScript IDE in May of 2000. It is native to JavaScript since it is developed in Python, C++, C, XUL, JavaScript, and CSS. This makes it easier to code in JS. Although Komodo IDE is not an open-source application, it does have a free and open-source subset called Komodo Edit, which is a code editor. Obviously, it lacks many of the functionality supplied by Komodo IDE.
Some features of Komodo IDE:
- Multi-language Editor.
- Intelligent Code completion.
- Live Preview.
- Printing Debugging.
- Chrome Debugging.
- Interactive Shell.
- Real-time Code collaboration.
6. Notepad++
- Type: Code Editor
- Developed by Don Ho
- Open-source
- For Windows
Notepad++ is a text editor that has been around for a long time. It is compatible with practically all programming languages. As a result, you can code in the most popular programming languages using this text editor. Notepad++ is a simple tool that many front-end developers have in their toolset. Because it is written in C++, its greatest advantage is its simplicity. You can also run the code directly from it. Notepad++’s core feature is multifile opening, which allows you to quickly go from one file to another. You will have no problems operating this application due to its lightweight design.
Some main features of Notepad++
- Open-source.
- Lightweight.
- Auto-correction suggestion.
- Multifile opening.
- Syntax Highlighting.
7. Sublime Text Editor
- Type: Code Editor
- Developed by Jon Skinner and will Bond
- Open-source
- For Windows, Linux, and macOS
Sublime was first released on January 18, 2008, and is written in C++ and Python. Developers use Sublime to write code in a variety of programming and markup languages, much like they do with other popular text editors. Sublime is, like Notepad++, a relatively lightweight tool that is simple to use and run. Many professionals prefer Sublime Text to Notepad++ because the latter’s UI is less appealing. Furthermore, you can change the theme to fit your mood and tastes.
Some main features of Sublime Text:
- Lightweight.
- Customizable theme.
- Syntax Highlighting.
- Auto-Correction
Conclusion
That concludes our roundup of the best JS IDEs and code editors for 2021. Naturally, this isn’t a list that everyone will agree on. Regardless, the majority of people will find their favorite JavaScript IDE – or text editor – on this list. You did, didn’t you? Let us know what you think in the comments area below!