Hello, my name is Michael Myers also known as devmoek. In this article I will compare an IDE with a Text Editor. If you want to know what's the difference between both of them, let's get started!
What is an IDE?
IDE — is a software application that provides comprehensive facilities to computer programmers for software development. An IDE normally consists of at least a source code editor, build automation tools, and a debugger.
And Netbeans, Xcode, IntelliJ IDEA are good IDE's too. Software from Jetbrains are paid. If you are a student and want to get free license, check my video about it.
What is a text editor?
A text editor is a type of computer program that edits plain text. Such programs are sometimes known as “notepad” software, following the naming of Microsoft Notepad.
What is important for you?
If you pick a simplicity - choose a text editor. If functions are your passion - An IDE (You can use IDE's as a text editor and modern text editors has some cool features for coding).
What is the difference between both of them?
An IDE is a more complex tool than a common text editor. The main purpose why you use a text editor is just to work with code. Though modern text editors have a lot of useful features like color syntax, compact git, code map, auto-closing tags, etc. For comfortable working, you need a compilator and debugger as a minimum of functions. Notepad has left the chat.
An IDE has all of these features. Shortly, An IDE means that you have all in one hand for coding.
What to choose?
To answer this question you need to know about four factors:
- Language of coding
Are you using only HTML and CSS or you go deeper and use some frameworks, APIs, etc; - Easy to use
Do you understand the interface of the program, maybe it seems complex or you need to try another one; - What platforms does it use?
By platform, I mean Operating System. Does it run smoothly without lags and bugs?; - Price
It’s free or paid? If you are a student you can request a student pack from the developers of the program.
Thank you for reading. I’m a freshman here. I would be appreciated if you can tell me what I can improve. See you soon in the next articles!