What is IDE?

An integrated development environment (IDE) is an application that facilitates the development of applications. IDEs are used to encompass all programming tasks in just one application. Therefore, IDEs provide a central interface that features all the tools a developer needs, such as the following:

• Code editor: This feature is a text editor used for writing and editing source codes. Source code editors are different from text editors because they simplify the writing and editing of code.
• Compiler: This tool transforms source codes that are written in a human language into a form that is executable by a computer.
• Debugger: This tool is used during testing to help debug application programs.
• Build automation tools: These tools automate common developer tasks.

Some IDEs might also include the following:

• Class browser: This tool is used to examine and reference the properties of an object-oriented class hierarchy.
• Object browser: This feature is used to examine the objects instantiated in a running application program.
• Class hierarchy diagram: This tool allows the programmer to visualize the structure of object-oriented programming code.

The IDE can be a stand-alone application or can be a part of one or more compatible applications.

History of IDEs

Before IDEs, developers write and save their programs in text editors, and then run the compiler, take note of the error messages and then they will go back to the text editor to edit the code.

In 1983, Borland Ltd. received a Pascal compiler and released it as TurboPascal, which featured an integrated editor and compiler.

Even though TurboPascal launched the idea of an integrated development environment, most people believe that Microsoft’s Visual Basic(VB), launched in 1991, was the first real IDEe. Visual Basic was developed on the older BASIC language, which was a popular programming language in the 1980s. With the emergence of Visual Basic, programming may be thought of in graphical terms, and vital productivity benefits emerged.

Benefits of IDEs

The overall and main objective of an IDE is to improve the developer productivity. IDEs improve productivity by reducing setup time, increasing the speed of development tasks, keeping developer up to date and standardizing the development process.

• Faster Setup: Without an IDE interface, developers would still need to configure various development tools. With the application integration of an IDE, developers wouldn’t need to spend time in switching tools because they would have the same set of capabilities in one place.
• Faster development tasks: Tighter integration of all development tasks improves developer productivity. For instance, code can be parsed and syntax checked while being written, providing instant feedback when syntax errors are introduced and developers would not have to switch tools to complete the task. Also, the IDEs’ tools and features helps developers organize resources, prevent mistakes and take shortcuts. 

Further, IDEs streamline development by encouraging holistic thinking. They force developers to think of their actions in terms of the whole development lifecycle, instead of as a series of discrete separate tasks.

• Continual Learning: Staying up to date and educated is another advantage. For example, the IDEs’ help topics are regularly updated, as well as new samples, project templates, etc. Developers who are constantly learning and current with best practices are more likely to contribute to the team and the enterprise, and to increase productivity.
• Standardization: The IDE interface standardizes the development process, which helps developers work together more smoothly and helps new developers get up to speed faster.

Languages Supported by IDEs

Some IDEs are exclusive to a particular programming language or set of languages, creating a feature set that aligns with the particulars of that language. 

However, there are many multiple-language IDEs, like Eclipse, Komod and NetBeans.

Support for alternative languages is usually provided by plugins. 

Different Types of IDEs

There are a variety of different IDEs, providing many different ways developers work and the various types of code they produce. There are IDEs that are made to work with one particular language, cloud-based IDEs, IDEs customized for the mobile application development or for HTML, and IDEs designed specifically for Apple development or Microsoft development.

Multi-Language IDEs

Multi-language IDEs, such as Eclipse, NetBeans, Komodo, Aptana and Geany, support multiple programming languages.

• Eclipse: Supports C, C++, Python, Perl, PHP, Java, Ruby and more. This free and open source editor is the model for many development frameworks. Eclipse started as a Java development environment and has expanded through plugins. Eclipse is managed and directed by the Eclipse.org Consortium.

• NetBeans: Supports Java, JavaScript, PHP, Python, Ruby, C, C++ and more. This option is also free and open source. All the functions of the IDE are provided by modules that each provide a well-defined function. Support for other programming languages can be added by installing additional modules. 

• Komodo IDE: Supports Perl, Python, Tcl, PHP, Ruby, Javascript and more. This enterprise-level tool has a higher price point.

• Aptana: Supports HTML, CSS, JavaScript, AJAX and others via plugins. This is a popular choice for web app development.

• Geany: Supports C, Java, PHP, HTML, Python, Perl, Pascal and many more. This is a highly customizable environment with a large set of plugins

IDEs for Mobile Development

There are IDEs meant specifically for mobile development, including PhoneGap and Appcelerator’s Titanium Mobile.

Many IDEs, particularly multi-language IDEs, have mobile development plugins, like Eclipse.

HTML IDEs

Some of the most popular IDEs are for developing HTML applications. IDEs like HomeSite, DreamWeaver or FRontPage automate many tasks involved in web development.

Cloud-Based IDEs

Cloud-based IDEs are starting to become popular. The capabilities of these web-based IDEs are increasing rapidly, and most major vendors will likely to provide one to be competitive. Cloud IDEs allows developers to access their code from anywhere. 

IDEs Specific to Microsoft or Apple

These IDEs cater to those working in Microsoft or Apple environments:

• Visual Studio: Supports Visual C++, VB.NET, C#, F# and others. Visual Studio is Microsoft's IDE and is designed to create applications for the Microsoft platform.
• MonoDevelop: Supports C/C++, Visual Basic, C# and other .NET languages.
• Xcode: Supports the Objective-C and Swift languages, and Cocoa and Cocoa Touch APIs. This IDE is just for creating iOS and Mac applications and includes an iPhone/iPad simulator and GUI builder.
• Espresso: Supports HTML, CSS, XML, JavaScript and PHP. This is a tool for Mac web developers.
• Coda: Supports PHP, JavaScript, CSS, HTML, AppleScript and Cocoa API. Coda bills itself as "one-window development" for the Mac user.

IDEs for Specific Languages

Some IDEs cater to developers working in a single language. These include CodeLite and C-Free for C/C++, Jikes and Jcreator for Java, Idle for Python, and RubyMine for Ruby/Rails.