Text Editors & IDEs
Choose the right tools to write, debug, and deploy code — from lightweight editors to full-featured IDEs.
A text editor is a program for editing plain text (e.g., Notepad, VS Code). An IDE (Integrated Development Environment) combines a code editor, debugger, compiler, and other tools in one interface — streamlining development.
Choose based on your OS, programming language, budget, and workflow preference. Below are popular tools — both free and commercial.
Desktop Editors & IDEs
Cloud IDEs & Playgrounds
Browser-based tools for quick prototyping, collaboration, or learning — no setup required.
Starter Recommendation
VS Code is ideal for beginners: free, lightweight, extensible, and supports almost all languages.
✅ Integrated terminal
✅ Git support
✅ Debugger
✅ Rich extension marketplace
Privacy-Conscious Option
VSCodium is a community-driven, telemetry-free build of VS Code — identical UI, no Microsoft tracking.
Setup Tips
- Install Git first — most editors integrate with it.
- Use extensions like Prettier, ESLint, Live Server.
- Learn keyboard shortcuts — they save hours.
- Backup settings (VS Code: Settings Sync).