Suppose you want to start programming. Well, where do we start? How do we do it? Do we turn on the computer and start pressing keys to see if something happens? No, what you need is an IDE, a program to program.
Usually, we use an IDE (Integrated Development Environment). This is software that integrates all the tools we need for development in one place.
Or, to put it more rigorously (but lengthy)
The IDE is a software application that provides a set of integrated tools and features to facilitate software development.
Common Functions of an IDE
In general, the IDE is a working environment that provides various tools in one place. Typically, it consists of a text editor, a compiler/interpreter, and other essential utilities.
At first, it may seem shocking to need a program to program. In fact, in many cases, we could use only a text editor. But we would need a lot of additional applications to compile, test, deploy, etc.
Of course, not all IDEs are the same, and some provide more features than others:
- The lighter ones are more similar to text editors, with fewer features. (but they start faster, take up less space)
- The heavier ones provide more features (but require more memory, are slower)
In general, a typical IDE consists of some or all of the following components:
Text Editor
The integrated text editor allows us to write and edit source code efficiently. These editors often offer features such as syntax highlighting, autocomplete, automatic indentation, and advanced search, making it easier to write error-free code.
Compiler/Interpreter
The compiler or interpreter is responsible for translating the source code we write into a machine-executable or interpretable format. Normally, an IDE provides options to compile or interpret the code with a single click, streamlining the compilation process.
Debugger
The debugger is an essential tool that allows us to detect and correct errors in our code. The debugger lets us execute the program step by step, inspect the state of variables, and detect potential failures.
Source Control
Source control is a tool that allows us to manage and control different versions of the source code over time. It’s like a hypercharged “undo/redo.” It is very common for source control to be integrated into the IDE.
Graphic Designer
It is an additional component that some IDEs offer to facilitate the development of graphical user interfaces (GUI). These tools allow for the visual creation and design of the appearance of windows, buttons, menus, and other elements of an application.
Project Management
It is becoming increasingly common for IDEs to include project management capabilities. These features facilitate navigation among complex projects, dependency management, and even task creation to distribute when multiple people collaborate on the same project.
IDEs are designed to optimize programmers’ productivity by providing them a centralized interface to write, debug, and execute code.
Of course, there is no single IDE. In fact, there are a lot of them! Each with its features, advantages, and disadvantages, and suited for one language or another. In the next entry, we will look at some of the main ones.