If you’ve learned to code, you’ve likely used an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) before, even if you’re unsure of what the term means. IDEs are ubiquitous in the tech world since they’re an effective way to accelerate software development. This can actually mean that IDEs are so common as to be a bit mysterious if you’re unfamiliar with their history.
Let’s discuss an IDE and how it is a great way to ensure that your code is as good as it can be.
What is an IDE?
At a very straightforward level, an IDE is perhaps best described through a comparison. Let’s say that you’re tasked with creating a magazine and supplied with all the necessary images and text. While you technically could use a super simple text editor like Notepad to create the magazine, the extra features and WYSIWYG functionality of Microsoft Word or Google Docs make the process much more straightforward.
In that situation, the IDE is represented by the advanced word processor. Essentially, it’s an environment in which you can write code, run it, edit it, debug it, and many other features.
Once combined, these features make an IDE for a given coding language, such as a C++ IDE. Typically, IDEs are made for one language, but more complex ones do allow you to code different projects in different languages.
What features are usually in an IDE?
Within an IDE, there will typically be a great many features, not all of which might be useful to you. However, the three below are perhaps the most common and popular.
Autocomplete
Often, coding requires the repetition of specific lines of code or specific functions within any one project. This is often at a more basic level, since you may have to ask a program to ‘Print’ something at several different points.
Autocomplete makes this repetition a little easier: often, you can type a few letters or a shortcut, and some suggestions can be selected quickly.
Extensions
Extensions within an IDE make the coding process much easier, as they allow you to add functionality to your code in a modular way. For example, Python (a common beginner language) has a web browser extension. By importing and using that function, you can easily create more complex programs.
Debugger
A debug tool is exceptionally valuable! Typically, this tool will allow you to step through each line of your code one by one as your program runs. This can allow you to see where you may have made a mistake on one particular line among thousands of others.
Why are IDEs so popular?
The main reason for IDEs’ popularity is that they can hugely improve a coder’s productivity. They combine the functions of several programs into one, allowing you to do work that would previously have taken a week in as little as a few hours.
IDEs are incredibly functional tools that any programmer can benefit from. Ensuring that you’re comfortable and confident with the tool you’re using will allow you to create the highest-quality programs possible.
Image by Innova Labs from Pixabay
Noah Nguyen is a multi-talented developer who brings a unique perspective to his craft. Initially a creative writing professor, he turned to Dev work for the ability to work remotely. He now lives in Seattle, spending time hiking and drinking craft beer with his fiancee.
