1.3 An introduction – Code editors

 

1.3 An introduction

Code Editors

This Blog:

·        https://udiprai-javascript-learn-from-scratch.blogspot.com/2022/04/13-introduction-code-editors.html

Working demo:

·        None

Blogger Site:

·        https://udiprai-javascript-learn-from-scratch.blogspot.com/

Source Site:

·        https://javascript.info/intro

Some notes

·        A code editor is a place where programmers spend most of their time. 

·        There are two main types of code editors and many people use one tool of each type: IDE & Lightweight editors

IDE

·        The term IDE (Integrated Development Environment) refers to a powerful editor with many features that usually operates on a “whole project.”

·        As the name suggests, it’s not just an editor, but a full-scale “development environment.”

·        An IDE:

§  loads the project (which can be many files)

§  allows navigation between files

§  provides auto-completion based on the whole project (not just the open file)

§  and integrates with a version management system (like git)

§  a testing environment, and other “project-level” stuff.

·        If you haven’t selected an IDE yet, consider the following options:

§  Visual Studio Code (cross-platform, free)

§  WebStorm (cross-platform, paid)

·        For Windows, there’s also “Visual Studio”, not to be confused with “Visual Studio Code”. “Visual Studio” is a paid and mighty Windows-only editor, well-suited for the .NET platform. It’s also good at JavaScript. There’s also a free version Visual Studio Community.

·        Many IDEs are paid but have a trial period. Their cost is usually negligible compared to a qualified developer’s salary, so just choose the best one for you.

Lightweight editors

·        “Lightweight editors” are not as powerful as IDEs, but they’re fast, elegant, and simple.

·        They are mainly used to open and edit a file instantly.

·        The main difference between a “lightweight editor” and an “IDE” is that:

§  An IDE works on a project level, so it loads much more data at the start, analyzes the project structure if needed, and so on.

§  A lightweight editor is much faster if we need only one file.

·        In practice, lightweight editors may have a lot of plugins including directory-level syntax analyzers and auto-completers, so there’s no strict border between a lightweight editor and an IDE.

·        The following options deserve your attention:

§  Atom (cross-platform, free)

§  SublimeText (cross-platform, shareware)

§  Notepad++ (Windows, free)

§  Vim & Emacs (are also cool if you know how to use them)

Let’s not argue

·        The editors in the lists above are those that either I or my friends whom I consider good developers have been using for a long time and are happy with.

·        There are other great editors as well. Please choose the one you like the most.

·        The choice of an editor, like any other tool, is individual and depends on your projects, habits, and personal preferences.