However, today our main focus is going to be Node.js, a powerful JavaScript runtime. This post will explain why it is becoming increasingly popular in the mainstream market and turning heads at IBM, Yahoo, Walmart, SAP, etc. We are also going to discuss the need for IDEs and list down the top 11 IDEs for Node.js. Now, without further ado, let’s start from the top.
What is Node.js? Node.js is basically an open-source runtime environment that works on JavaScript. It is mainly used for developing network and server-side applications. The best thing about Node.js is that it is capable of handling asynchronous and concurrent connections with ease. It is event-driven and has a very useful non-blocking I/O model. These features make it ideal for developing fast and high-performing real-time applications. As a result, it became popular with big names in the technology market like IBM, SAP, Yahoo, and Walmart. Its many benefits make it an absolute fan-favourite and have received a positive response from developers, coders, programmers, and tech-savvy people. However, in order to develop any program or build an application, it is very important to constantly review, test, and edit your code. The same goes for any web-based application developed using Node.js. You need to have good debugging and editing tools to ensure that your program works perfectly. This is where an IDE (Integrated Development Environment) comes into play. What is an IDE? IDE stands for Integrated Development Environment. It is an amalgamation of various comprehensive tools and facilities that make it possible for developers to successfully create their applications or website. An IDE is basically a combination of code editor, debugger, compiler, code completion feature, build animation tool, and more packed into a single multi-purpose software application. Modern IDEs have a graphical user interface which makes it easier to work and also has an appealing aesthetic (very helpful when dealing with thousands of lines of code). Apart from that, they even cater to your advanced coding needs like authoring, compiling, deploying, and debugging software code. There are thousands of IDEs available in the market. While some of them are expensive and have really attractive features, others are free. Then there are IDEs built specifically for a single programming language while others support multiple languages (for e.g. Eclipse, CodeEnvy, Xojo, etc.). In this article, we are going to list down the top 11 IDEs that you can use for Node.js Application Development. To make such real-time applications using Node.js, you will obviously require an IDE. There are many IDEs available in the market out of which the top 10 are given below.
11 Best IDEs For Node.js Developers
1. Visual Studio Code
11 Best IDEs For Node.js Developers 1. Visual Studio Code 2. Cloud 9 3. IntelliJ IDEA 4. WebStorm 5. Komodo IDE 6. Eclipse 7. WebMatrix 8. Sublime Text 9. Atom 10. Brackets 11. Codenvy
Starting off the list with Microsoft Visual Studio Code, a free open-source IDE that supports Node.js and allows developers to compile, debug, and edit their code with ease. It might be a lightweight software but that doesn’t make it one bit less powerful. It comes with in-built support for JavaScript and Node.js. Apart from that, it is also compatible with all operating systems, be it Windows, Linus, or Mac OS. These features make Visual Studio Code an ideal candidate for featuring in the list of top 10 IDEs for Node.js. The addition of various plugins and extensions by Microsoft to support other programming languages like C++, Python, Java, PHP, etc. has created an ideal environment for developers to work on their projects. Some of the other noteworthy features of Visual Studio include:
2. Cloud 9
Cloud 9 is a very popular free, cloud-based IDE. The benefit of using a cloud-based IDE is that you have the liberty to run codes in various popular languages like Python, C++, Node.js, Meteor, etc. without downloading a thing on your computer. Everything is online and thus, it not only ensures versatility but also makes it dynamic and powerful. Cloud 9 allows you to write, debug, compile, and edit your code easily and is quite suitable for Node.js developers. Features like key binding editor, live previewing, image editor, and more make Cloud 9 extremely popular among developers. Some of the other characteristic features of Cloud 9 are:
3. IntelliJ IDEA
IntelliJ IDEA is a popular IDE developed by JetBrains with the help of Java and Kotlin. It supports multiple languages like Java, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Node.js, Angular.js, React, and many more. This code editor is highly preferred by developers owing to its extensive list of development aids, database tools, decompiler, version control system, and so on and so forth. This makes IntelliJ IDEA one of the best IDEs for Node.js application development. Although you need to download an additional plug-in for Node.js app development, it is absolutely worth the while. This is because doing so allows you to make the best use of features like code assistance, syntax highlighting, code completion, etc. It is also built keeping in mind developer ergonomics which act as a productivity booster and improve user experience. The best thing about IntelliJ IDEA is that it allows you to compile, run, and debug the code within the IDE itself. Other noteworthy features of IntelliJ IDEA include:
4. WebStorm
WebStorm is powerful and intelligent JavaSript IDE developed by JetBrains. It is perfectly equipped for server-side development using Node.js. The IDE supports intelligent code completion, error identification, navigation, safe refactorings, and other features. Furthermore, it also has features like debugger, VCS, terminal, etc. Apart from JavaScript, WebStorm also supports HTML, CSS, and React. Salient Features of WebStorm are:
5. Komodo IDE
Komodo is a versatile cross-platform IDE that offers support for various programming languages like Node.js, Ruby, PHP, Perl, etc. You have at your disposal powerful utilities that make it easier to develop Node.js applications. With the help of Komodo IDE, you can run commands, track changes, use shortcuts, create custom configurations, and get your job done quickly using multiple selections. Salient Features of Komodo IDE are:
6. Eclipse
Eclipse is another cloud-based IDE that is considered to be one of the best options for Node.js Application development. It provides an ideal workspace for developers to work simultaneously as a team in an organized and efficient manner. Eclipse is an open-source JavaScript IDE that also includes a RESTful API server and SDK for plugin and assembly development. Also Read: How to Run iOS Apps On Windows 10 PC Features like code refactoring, error checking, IntelliSense, key binding, code automatic build, and source code generation make Eclipse an extremely powerful and useful IDE. It also has an in-built debugger and a ready to go stack that makes it easier for developers to create Node.js applications. Other salient features of Eclipse are:
7. WebMatrix
WebMatrix is also a cloud-based IDE but it comes from the house of Microsoft. It is one of the best IDEs for Node.js Application development. It is lightweight, meaning it does not hog your computer’s resources (RAM, processing power, etc.) and most importantly, free. It is a fast and efficient software that enables developers to deliver quality applications way ahead of the deadline. Features like cloud publishing, code completion, and built-in templates make WebMatrix popular among web developers. Other key features of WebMatrix include: The only shortcoming of WebMatrix is that its services are restricted only to Windows users, i.e. it is not compatible with any other operating system apart from Windows.
8. Sublime Text
Sublime Text is considered to be the most advanced IDE for Node.js application development. This is because it has very powerful and advanced features that allow you to quickly switch between projects, perform split editing and so much more. Sublime Text is ideal for writing markups, prose and code owing to its customizable UI. With Sublime Text, you can customize almost everything using basic JSON files. Apart from that, Sublime Text also comes with multiple selection options that expedite the process of file manipulation, thus, giving a great boost to your performance. One of the best features of Sublime Text is its excellent responsiveness which is a result of being built using custom components. Sublime Text is also compatible with multiple operating systems like Windows, Mac OS, and Linux. Other characteristic features include:
9. Atom
Atom is an open-source IDE that allows cross-platform editing, i.e. you can use it on any operating system (Windows, Linux, or MAC OS). It works on an electronic framework that comes with four UI and eight syntax themes pre-installed. Atom supports multiple programming languages like HTML, JavaScript, Node.js, and CSS. Another added benefit of using Atom is the option to directly work with Git and GitHub if you download the GitHub package. The salient features of the Atom are:
10. Brackets
Brackets is an IDE that has been developed by Adobe and is widely used for JavaScript development. It is an open-source IDE that can be accessed via a web browser. The key attraction for Node.js developers is the ability to run multiple Node.js processes, gulp script, and Node.js platform. Brackets support multiple programming languages like HTML, Node.js, JavaScript, CSS, etc. and this makes it an ideal choice of developers and programmers. Top-notch features like inline editing, command line integration, preprocessor support, live viewing, etc. add to the list of reasons why you should use Brackets to create Node.js applications. Key features of Brackets are:
11. Codenvy
Codenvy is a cloud-based IDE that is designed for members of a project development team to work simultaneously. It has a portable Docker which makes it easier for teams to work on Node.js projects. It is also highly customizable that makes it suitable for Node.js developers to work on their projects in just the way they like. In addition to that Codenvy offers various tools like version control and issue management that proves to real handy in case of a blunder. Other important characteristics of Codenvy: Recommended:
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I hope the tutorial was helpful and you were able to find the best IDE for Node.js Developers. If you want to add something to this guide or if you have any questions then feel free to reach out using the comment section.
