The 10 Best IDEs and Code Editors with Their Supported Programming Languages for 2023

Choosing the right software to write your code can significantly impact how smoothly you work and how much you enjoy being a developer. There are numerous choices out there, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. In this article, we're going to provide you with an overview of the top 10 IDEs and code editors for the year 2023, while also highlighting the programming languages they support.

These coding tools, such as IDEs and code editors, are top picks due to their offerings, user feedback, and popularity in the coding community. We've considered various factors, so whether you're a beginner or an experienced developer, there's something here for you. Whether you're on a budget or willing to spend, we've got options. Whether you're new to coding or already an expert, you'll find the right tool for your specific needs in this list.

  1. Visual Studio Code

    • Short Overview:
      • Features: Highly customizable, rich extension ecosystem, Git integration, debugging, IntelliSense, built-in terminal.
      • Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux.
      • Price: Free and open-source.
    • Visual Studio Code is completely free and open-source software that serves as a code editor compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux. It's a go-to choice for developers at all skill levels, offering a wide array of functionalities. These features include making your code visually easier to understand with color-coded syntax highlighting, providing assistance with writing code through auto-completion, helping pinpoint and resolve issues with debugging tools, and even having a built-in terminal right within the application for a smoother development workflow.
      • Supported programming languages:
        • JavaScript
        • TypeScript
        • Python
        • C#
        • C++
        • Java
        • Ruby
        • PHP
        • HTML/CSS
        • Go
        • and many more via extensions
  2. Sublime Text

    • Short Overview:
      • Features: Lightweight, highly customizable, multiple selections, powerful search and navigation.
      • Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux.
      • Price: Free trial with a one-time purchase of a license ($80).
    • Sublime Text is a code editor that you can try for free, even though it's also available as a paid version. What sets Sublime Text apart are its speed, simplicity, and the ability to customize it to your liking. If you're a developer looking for a lightweight and fast editor, Sublime Text is a solid choice.
      • Supported programming languages:
        • Python
        • JavaScript
        • HTML/CSS
        • C++
        • Java
        • Ruby
        • PHP
        • Go
        • and many more via packages and plugins
  3. PyCharm

    • Short Overview:
      • Features: Python-specific IDE, intelligent code completion, debugging, testing, and web development tools.
      • Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux.
      • Price: Free Community edition; Paid Professional edition with a subscription-based pricing model.
    • PyCharm is a paid software tool made for those who work with Python. It's all about making Python programming easier and better. It offers lots of helpful features like auto-completing your code, checking your code for mistakes, tools to help you find and fix problems, and it integrates well with the tools other Python programmers like to use.
      • Supported programming languages:
        • Python
        • JavaScript
        • TypeScript
        • HTML/CSS
        • Java
        • SQL
        • Go
        • and more
  4. Spacemacs

    • Short Overview:
      • Features: An extensible configuration of Emacs with Vim keybindings, extensive package system.
      • Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux.
      • Price: Free and open-source.
    • Spacemacs is a user-friendly version of GNU Emacs, created by a dedicated community of enthusiasts, specifically tailored for those engaged in software development. It's a fantastic option for developers seeking a robust and adaptable integrated development environment (IDE) to enhance their coding experience.
      • Supported programming languages:
        • Supports various programming languages through its integration with Emacs and Spacemacs layers.
  5. IntelliJ IDEA

    • Short Overview:
      • Features: Java-specific IDE with intelligent code completion, version control, and database tools.
      • Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux.
      • Price: Free Community edition; Paid Ultimate edition with a subscription-based pricing model.
    • IntelliJ IDEA is a paid software tool designed for a range of programming languages such as Java, Kotlin, and Groovy. It's loaded with a bunch of helpful features for developers like suggesting code, checking your code for errors, providing tools for fixing problems, and playing nicely with other popular development tools and setups.
      • Supported programming languages:
        • Java
        • Kotlin
        • Groovy
        • Scala
        • JavaFX
        • HTML/CSS
        • JavaScript
        • and more
  6. Vim

    • Short Overview:
      • Features: Highly extensible, modal text editor, efficient text manipulation, syntax highlighting.
      • Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux.
      • Price: Free and open-source.
    • Vim stands out as a swift and efficient text editor, and it's completely free and open-source. It's particularly favored by developers seeking a nimble and adaptable tool for their coding needs. With Vim, you get a seamless and responsive experience in your text editing tasks, making it a top pick in the toolkit of many programmers. Its open-source nature also means it's accessible to all, aligning perfectly with the needs of a broad community of developers who appreciate its speed and versatility.
      • Supported programming languages:
        • Vim itself supports a wide range of languages.
        • You can add syntax highlighting and plugins to support specific languages.
  7. Notepad++

    • Short Overview:
      • Features: Lightweight code editor with syntax highlighting, multi-view, and a wide range of plugins.
      • Platform: Windows.
      • Price: Free and open-source.
    • Notepad++ stands out as a straightforward and user-friendly text editor that won't cost you a dime, thanks to its open-source nature. This software's uncomplicated design and intuitive features make it an excellent option, particularly for those just starting out or for developers seeking a lightweight tool to handle simple text-editing tasks. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned pro, Notepad++ has got you covered with its accessible and no-frills approach to text editing.
      • Supported programming languages:
        • Supports many programming languages through syntax highlighting and user-defined language systems.
  8. Espresso

    • Short Overview:
      • Features: Web development-focused text editor, live preview, syntax highlighting, and project management.
      • Platform: macOS.
      • Price: Paid (pricing may vary).
    • Espresso stands out as a user-friendly code editor designed for macOS users. What sets it apart is its remarkable speed, straightforward interface, and a wealth of customization features. This makes Espresso the perfect pick for developers seeking a lightweight and swift code editor tailored specifically for the macOS platform. Whether you're a coding enthusiast or a seasoned pro, Espresso's efficient performance and adaptability make it a top-notch choice for your programming needs on macOS.
      • Supported programming languages:
        • Primarily focused on web development, so it supports HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and related technologies.
  9. GitHub Codespaces

    • Short Overview:
      • Features: Cloud-based development environment, integrates with GitHub, collaborative coding.
      • Platform: Web-based, accessible from various OS and devices.
      • Price: Varies, often included with GitHub subscriptions.
    • GitHub Codespaces is like a virtual coding playground, running on the popular Visual Studio Code, where you can write your code right in your web browser. The cool part is, you don't need to clutter up your computer with any extra software. This nifty tool is a great choice for developers who love teamwork or just prefer the freedom to code from anywhere they like. Whether you're working with others on a project or just want to flex your coding skills from your favorite cozy spot, GitHub Codespaces has got your back.
      • Supported programming languages:
        • Supports a variety of programming languages and environments, depending on the repositories and configurations.
  10. Apache NetBeans

    • Short Overview:
      • Features: Java, PHP, and web development IDE, smart code completion, version control support.
      • Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux.
      • Price: Free and open-source.
    • Apache NetBeans stands out as a cost-free and openly accessible Integrated Development Environment (IDE), designed to cater to a multitude of programming languages, such as Java, Python, and PHP. It provides an extensive toolkit for programmers, encompassing features like auto code completion, code assessment, debugging utilities, and seamless compatibility with popular development tools and frameworks. In essence, it's a versatile and invaluable tool for developers working with different programming languages and seeking to streamline their coding process.
      • Supported programming languages:
        • Java (especially strong support)
        • PHP
        • HTML/CSS
        • JavaScript
        • XML
        • and more through plugins and extensions

* Please note that software features and pricing may change over time, so it's a good idea to check the respective websites for the most up-to-date information. And note that the support for specific languages in these tools may vary based on the installed extensions, plugins, or configurations. *

The list above is just a small peek into the world of IDEs and code editors available to you. There are many great options for different programming languages. These tools are essential for developers because they provide a convenient place to write, fix, and improve code easily and efficiently.

When you're in the market for an IDE or code editor, it's essential to consider your unique requirements and what suits you best. Some key considerations include:

  • The programming languages you work with
  • The specific features and functionalities you require
  • Your personal aesthetic preferences, how it looks and feels
  • Your operating system

Once you've taken these aspects into account, you can start narrowing down your options and pinpoint the IDE or code editor that perfectly matches your needs.

Finally, there are several lesser-known but effective IDEs and code editors to discover. They're good for various programming languages and projects. No matter your skill level or the job you're working on, these flexible tools guarantee there's a right fit for your programming needs. You can explore and pick the one that matches your likes and needs to make your coding better.

Hope this article will help you on your coding journey. Happy coding!

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