Best JavaScript IDEs and Code Editors
Are you searching for the perfect IDE to enhance your JavaScript development experience? But with so many options available, how do you decide which is the “best JavaScript IDE” for your specific needs?
In this guide, we explore the best JavaScript IDEs for different operating systems like the best JavaScript IDE for Mac and the best JavaScript IDE for Windows.
10 Best JavaScript IDEs and Code Editors – Overview
Here’s an overview of the 10 best JavaScript IDEs and Code Editors:
| S.No. | IDE Name | License Type | Platform Compatibility | Version Control Integration | Download Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eclipse | Free | Windows, macOS, Linux | Yes | Download |
| 2 | NetBeans | Free | Windows, macOS, Linux | Yes | Download |
| 3 | Sublime Text | Paid | Windows, macOS, Linux | No | Download |
| 4 | IntelliJ IDEA | Free/Paid | Windows, macOS, Linux | Yes | Download |
| 5 | Visual Studio Code | Free/open-source | Windows, macOS, Linux | Yes | Download |
| 6 | WebStorm | Paid | Windows, macOS, Linux | Yes | Download |
| 7 | Atom | Free/open-source | Windows, macOS, Linux | Yes | Download |
| 8 | Brackets | Free/open-source | Windows, macOS, Linux | Yes | Download |
| 9 | CodeLite | Free/open-source | Windows, macOS, Linux | Yes | Download |
| 10 | Codepen | Free/Paid | Windows, macOS, Linux | No | Download |
Top 10 JavaScript IDEs for Developers
Below are the top 10 JavaScript IDEs for developers:
1. Eclipse
Eclipse IDE is a robust, open-source integrated development environment designed to facilitate the development of applications across various programming languages.
It offers powerful tools and features that help students and developers increase their productivity and efficiency.
License Type: Free/open-source
Supported Programming Languages:
- Java
- C/C++
- PHP
- JavaScript
- Python
Platform Compatibility:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
User Interface and Experience:
- Highly customizable interface with support for multiple perspectives and workspaces.
- Rich graphical editor and views that help in managing large coding projects.
Customization Options:
- Extensive plugin ecosystem
- Themes and layout customization
- Keybindings and toolbar configurations are fully customizable.
Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:
- Advanced syntax highlighting
- Visual code navigation and structure display
Code Autocompletion: Yes
Integrated Debugging Tools:
- Powerful source-level debugger with support for local and remote debugging.
- Breakpoints, watch points, and conditional debugging to manage complex code.
- Integrated console for output and error monitoring.
Version Control Integration: Yes
Community and Support:
- Large and active user community providing extensive support and documentation.
- Regular updates and tutorials from both the community and official developers.
2. NetBeans
NetBeans IDE is an open-source integrated development environment that supports a wide range of programming languages, including Java, which is one of its main focuses.
It offers comprehensive tools for software development, making it a popular choice among students and professionals for building desktop, mobile, and web applications.
License Type: Free/open-source
Supported Programming Languages:
- Java
- HTML5
- PHP
- C/C++
Platform Compatibility:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
User Interface and Experience:
- User-friendly interface that is easy to navigate
- Provides a drag-and-drop functionality
Customization Options:
- Highly customizable with a wide range of plugins
- Allows for adjustments in look and feel
- Configurable editor with customizable code templates
Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:
- Advanced syntax highlighting for easier code readability.
- Code folding and semantic highlighting that aid in managing complex projects.
Code Autocompletion: Yes
Integrated Debugging Tools:
- Integrated debugger with support for stepping through code.
- Includes memory and performance profiling tools.
- Capable of remote debugging for web and enterprise applications.
Version Control Integration: Yes
Community and Support:
- Strong global community that contributes to its vast library of plugins and extensions.
- Extensive documentation, forums, and community-driven support resources available.
3. Sublime Text
Sublime Text is a versatile and lightweight code editor known for its speed, ease of use, and powerful features.
It’s popular among developers for its sleek interface and the ability to handle large files and complex projects with minimal resource usage.
License Type: Free to download and evaluate, paid for continued use
Supported Programming Languages:
- JavaScript
- Python
- PHP
- C, C++
- Ruby, and more.
Platform Compatibility:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
User Interface and Experience:
- Minimalistic, clean interface that focuses on text editing without clutter.
- Extremely responsive and capable of opening and editing large files quickly.
Customization Options:
- Highly customizable through JSON settings files
- Wide range of plugins available via the Package Control manager
- Themes and color schemes
Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:
- Robust syntax highlighting with support for custom themes
- Allows for multiple selections and offers a minimap
Code Autocompletion: Yes
Integrated Debugging Tools:
- Does not include built-in debugging tools
- Plugins available for integration with external debugging tools
Version Control Integration: No
Community and Support:
- Active community with a wide array of third-party plugins and themes.
- Extensive unofficial forums and documentation are available online.
4. IntelliJ IDEA
IntelliJ IDEA is a comprehensive integrated development environment (IDE) designed to maximize developer productivity.
It provides robust tools and smart assistance that facilitate the development of software across a range of languages and frameworks.
License Type: Free/open-source (Community Edition), Paid (Ultimate Edition)
Supported Programming Languages:
- Java
- Kotlin
- Scala
- Groovy
- SQL
Platform Compatibility:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
User Interface and Experience:
- Clean and intuitive interface.
- Responsive design that adapts to various development tasks.
Customization Options:
- Extensive plugin ecosystem for enhanced functionality.
- Customizable keymaps and look-and-feel settings.
- Editable code and editor configurations.
Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:
- Advanced syntax highlighting.
- Inline debugging and real-time code analysis tools.
- Code folding and hierarchical project view.
Code Autocompletion: Yes
Integrated Debugging Tools:
- Advanced debugging with breakpoints
- Integration with build systems and testing frameworks
- CPU and memory profiling tools
Version Control Integration: Yes
Community and Support:
- Active user community with widespread forum discussions and resources.
- Professional support and training are available from JetBrains.
5. Visual Studio Code
Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is a versatile and powerful code editor developed by Microsoft. It offers comprehensive support for programming languages through extensions.
It is ideal for both students and professionals who need a flexible tool that adapts to multiple development scenarios.
License Type: Free/open-source
Supported Programming Languages:
- JavaScript
- Python
- Java
- C#
- PHP
- Ruby
- Go
- C++
- and many more via extensions
Platform Compatibility:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
User Interface and Experience:
- Sleek, modern interface that supports a customizable workspace.
- High performance, even when handling large files or projects.
Customization Options:
- Highly customizable through extensions.
- Personalizable keybindings, settings, and snippets.
- Configurable interface with multiple layout options.
Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:
- Rich syntax highlighting for numerous languages with theme support.
- Advanced visualization tools like code lenses, minimaps, and bracket pair colorization.
Code Autocompletion: Yes
Integrated Debugging Tools:
- Robust, built-in debugger for many languages.
- Features such as breakpoints, call stacks, and an inline editor.
- Integrated terminal for running and debugging sessions.
Version Control Integration: Yes
Community and Support:
- Extensive developer community and a broad ecosystem of plugins.
- Regular updates and active GitHub repository for continuous improvement.
6. WebStorm
WebStorm is a powerful IDE from JetBrains specifically designed for modern JavaScript development.
It provides robust tools for client-side scripting, and server-side development with Node.js.
License Type: Paid
Supported Programming Languages:
- JavaScript
- TypeScript
- HTML5
- CSS
- Node.js
Platform Compatibility:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
User Interface and Experience:
- Intelligent and responsive user interface.
- Features smart navigation tools.
- Project view that simplifies code exploration.
Customization Options:
- Highly customizable settings to suit individual development styles.
- Extensive plugin support to enhance functionality.
- Adjustable themes, keymaps, and editor configurations.
Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:
- Advanced syntax highlighting.
- Code folding, hierarchical view of project files.
- Seamless integration with linters and build tools.
Code Autocompletion: Yes
Integrated Debugging Tools:
- Integrated debugger for JavaScript, Node.js, and client-side code.
- Features such as breakpoints, stepping, and stack traces.
- Watches and variable evaluation for comprehensive debugging.
Version Control Integration: Yes
Community and Support:
- Extensive documentation and learning resources directly from JetBrains.
- Active community forums and regular webinars for continual learning and support.
7. Atom
Atom is an open-source text editor developed by GitHub, designed to be deeply customizable but still approachable using the default configuration.
Atom’s IDE-like features, achieved through add-ons, make it suitable for students and professionals looking to develop in multiple languages within a single editor.
License Type: Free/open-source
Supported Programming Languages:
- JavaScript
- Python
- HTML
- CSS
- PHP
- Ruby
- C++
- and many more via packages
Platform Compatibility:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
User Interface and Experience:
- Highly customizable interface
- Supports split panes and a tabbed interface
Customization Options:
- Extensive library of user-contributed packages
- Themes and UI elements can be customized or completely redesigned
- Configurable keybindings, menus, and snippets
Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:
- Syntax highlighting for a wide range of languages
- Visual tools such as file tree view, outline view, and git conflict resolution
Code Autocompletion: Yes, with the addition of community packages.
Integrated Debugging Tools:
- Debugging capabilities can be added through community-developed packages.
- Integration with build systems and compilers via packages.
- Console integration for real-time feedback and interaction.
Version Control Integration: Yes, particularly strong Git support due to its development under GitHub.
Community and Support:
- Supported by a large community of developers contributing new packages and features.
- Access to extensive documentation and online forums for troubleshooting.
8. Brackets
Brackets is an open-source text editor developed specifically for web designers and front-end developers.
Brackets is particularly known for its live preview feature, which allows developers to see changes in the browser in real-time as they code, making it highly beneficial for students and professionals.
License Type: Free/open-source
Supported Programming Languages:
- HTML
- CSS
- JavaScript
- and other web-centric languages
Platform Compatibility:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
User Interface and Experience:
- Clean, streamlined interface focused on web development.
- Live Preview feature syncs with the browser, displaying changes in real time.
Customization Options:
- Extensible via plugins from an extension manager.
- Supports themes and allows modification of key bindings to fit developer preferences.
Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:
- Real-time syntax highlighting for HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
- Features include quick CSS editing from HTML files and visual aids for CSS properties.
Code Autocompletion: Yes
Integrated Debugging Tools:
- Basic debugging via JavaScript console integration
- No advanced built-in debugging
- Utilizes browser tools for deeper issues
Version Control Integration: Yes
Community and Support:
- Supported by a passionate developer community with regular updates.
- Extensive forums and resources are available for troubleshooting and learning.
9. CodeLite
CodeLite is an open-source, cross-platform IDE geared towards C, C++, PHP, and JavaScript programming languages.
CodeLite offers features like code completion and a dedicated PHP debugger, making it a versatile tool for a variety of programming tasks.
License Type: Free/open-source
Supported Programming Languages:
- C
- C++
- PHP
- JavaScript
- Python (via plugins)
Platform Compatibility:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
User Interface and Experience:
- Streamlined interface for easy access and usability.
- Customizable layout tailored to individual workflows.
Customization Options:
- Extensive plugin support to enhance functionality.
- Themes, editor colors, and key bindings highly configurable.
Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:
- Advanced syntax highlighting for supported languages.
- Code folding and hierarchical structure for improved navigation.
Code Autocompletion: Yes
Integrated Debugging Tools:
- Integrated debugger for C/C++ using GDB.
- PHP debugger with features like breakpoints and call stack navigation.
Version Control Integration: Yes
Community and Support:
- Active community forum for support and knowledge exchange.
- Regular updates and comprehensive documentation available.
10. Codepen
CodePen is an online code editor and open-source learning environment for front-end developers and designers.
It’s primarily used for testing and showcasing user-created HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code snippets, known as ‘pens’.
License Type: Free with optional paid Pro versions
Supported Programming Languages:
- HTML
- CSS
- JavaScript
Platform Compatibility:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
User Interface and Experience:
- Clean, navigable interface ideal for rapid experimentation.
- Real-time updates provide instant feedback.
Customization Options:
- Toggable views between code and output.
- Pro version includes private pens and asset hosting.
Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:
- Syntax highlighting for HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
- Live preview to see code results immediately.
Code Autocompletion: Yes
Integrated Debugging Tools:
- Basic debugging via direct output and console logs.
- Error reporting in the editor.
Version Control Integration: No
Community and Support:
- Vibrant developer community sharing resources.
- Access to forums, blogs, and extensive documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are some of the best free JavaScript IDEs and code editors available?
Some of the best free JavaScript IDEs and code editors include:
- Visual Studio Code
- Atom
- Brackets
2. What is the key difference between JavaScript IDE and Code Editor?
The key difference between a JavaScript IDE and a Code Editor is that an IDE provides integrated tools for comprehensive development tasks including debugging, project management, and automation, whereas a code editor typically offers more basic text manipulation features with the option to add functionalities via plugins.
3. What are the key features to look for in the best JavaScript IDEs and code editors?
Key features to look for in the best JavaScript IDEs and code editors include syntax highlighting, code completion, debugging tools, integrated version control, and support for frameworks and libraries.
4. Can you recommend JavaScript IDEs that are best for beginners?
For beginners, Visual Studio Code and Atom are recommended as they are user-friendly, highly customizable, and support extensions to ease learning and development.
5. Which JavaScript IDEs have strong community support and reliable customer service?
Visual Studio Code and WebStorm have strong community support and reliable customer service.
6. What tools are available in JavaScript IDEs for debugging code?
Common tools available in JavaScript IDEs for debugging include breakpoints, step-through execution, console logs, and variable inspection.
7. What JavaScript IDEs have the best integration with version control systems like Git?
Visual Studio Code and WebStorm are noted for their excellent integration with version control systems like Git, offering features like branch management and inline changes directly from the IDE.
Wrapping Up
The best IDE for JavaScript largely depends on your specific needs and workflow preferences. Many tools discussed above stand out as the best free JavaScript IDEs with extensive features and community support.
Explore More JavaScript Resources
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Thirumoorthy serves as a teacher and coach. He obtained a 99 percentile on the CAT. He cleared numerous IT jobs and public sector job interviews, but he still decided to pursue a career in education. He desires to elevate the underprivileged sections of society through education
Thirumoorthy serves as a teacher and coach. He obtained a 99 percentile on the CAT. He cleared numerous IT jobs and public sector job interviews, but he still decided to pursue a career in education. He desires to elevate the underprivileged sections of society through education
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