What is an IDE?

IDE stands for Integrated Development Environment. It is software that consists of a user interface and different supporting tools, and add-ons. IDEs provides anenvironment for writing programs, building applications, and developing software.

IDE Examples

There are a lot of IDEs available for programming and software development. They also support different programming languages, frameworks, and Development stacks. So, here is a list of some famous IDEs:

• Microsoft Visual Studio
• Microsoft Visual Studio Code
• Android Studio
• Eclipse
• NetBeans
• IntelliJ IDEA

Common Features of an IDE

There are different kinds of features, tools, and packages offered by different IDEs available for different Programming Languages like PHP, C# ,and Java. Furthermore, IDEs are also built specifically for different Frameworks, forexample .Net Framework . Let us discuss some of the briefly:

Source Code Editor

A source code editor is a must feature of every IDE. It facilitates the programming and coding process with different add-on features. Below are two important features of Source Code Editors:

1. Syntax Highlighting
2. Autocomplete

1. Syntax Highlighting

Source code Editors or an IDE provide the feature of syntax highlighting as per the programming language they support. So, below are listed some of the features:

• Keywords highlighting
• Variable highlighting
• Functions highlighting
• Classes and Interfaces highlighting (OOP specific)

2. Autocomplete

Autocomplete feature is widely used feature in an IDE of modern day and code editors. As name suggests, it can anticipate or predict, what you are going to type further. This feature works on the basis of Machine Learning.

Programmers and developers can do their work more accurately and save time. Also, they may focus on program logic rather than typing obvious code.

Debugger

Debugger is a tool or feature in an IDE which is used to debug/test code and programs. Also, Debugger can highlight mistakes and errors. As no code can be writing error free, so need for debugger in a modern IDE is very important. Also, Debugger can inspect code line by line and call to call.

Compiler

Compiler is a tool in an IDE which builds and compiles a programming language code into executables. Furthermore, It can also help in running automated tests.

Version Control

Version Control is a tool available in an IDE for managing changes to source code, programs, and documents. Also ,Version control integrated in IDE can be linked with other Centralised Version Control platforms, for example GitHub or GitBucket.

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