JavaScript is one of the most popular programming languages in the world. In fact, when designing websites or developing applications for web-based programs, Java Script is the first choice for most developers and coders. JavaScript is a cost-effective front-end development tool thanks to technologies like Native Script and Progressive Web Apps.
However, our main focus today will be Node.js, a powerful JavaScript runtime. This article will explain why it is becoming more popular in the mainstream market and has attracted IBM, Yahoo, Walmart, SAP and more. We’ll also discuss the need for IDEs and list the top 11 IDEs for Node.js. Now, without further ado, let’s start at the top.
Best IDEs for Node.js Development
What is Node.js?
Node.js is basically an open source runtime environment for JavaScript. It is mainly used for developing web and server-side applications. The best thing about Node.js is its ability to handle asynchronous and concurrent connections with ease. It is event driven and has a very useful non-blocking I/O model. These features make it ideal for developing fast and high-performance real-time applications. As a result, it has been embraced by big names in the tech market such as IBM, SAP, Yahoo, and Walmart. Its many advantages make it an absolute fan favorite and a positive response from developers, coders, programmers, and tech-savvy people.
However, in order to develop any program or build an application, it is very important to constantly review, test and edit the code. The same goes for any web-based application developed with Node.js. You need to have good debugging and editing tools to make sure your program works flawlessly. This is where IDEs (Integrated Development Environments) come into play.
What is an IDE?
IDE stands for Integrated Development Environment. It incorporates various comprehensive tools and facilities to enable developers to successfully create their applications or websites. An IDE is basically a combination of code editors, debuggers, compilers, code completion features, build animation tools, and more, packaged into a single multifunctional software application. Modern IDEs have a graphical user interface that makes it easier to work with, and an attractive aesthetic (useful when dealing with thousands of lines of code). Beyond that, they can even handle your advanced coding needs, such as authoring, compiling, deploying, and debugging software code.
There are thousands of IDEs on the market. While some of them are expensive and have very attractive features, others are free. Then there are IDEs built specifically for a single programming language, while others support multiple languages (eg Eclipse, CodeEnvy, Xojo, etc.). In this article, we will list the top 11 IDEs available for Node.js application development.
What are the best IDEs for Node.js development ? To make such a real-time application with Node.js, you obviously need an IDE. There are many IDEs available on the market, the top 10 of which are listed below.
Contents of this article
- 11 Best IDEs for Node.js Developers
- Visual Studio Code
- Cloud 9
- UNDERSTAND THE IDEA
- WebStorm
- Komodo IDE
- Eclipse
- WebMatrix
- Sublime Text
- Atom
- Brackets
- Codenvy
List of 11 Best IDEs for Node.js Development
1.Visual Studio Code
Popular Node.js development IDE recommendations : Start with Microsoft Visual Studio Code, a free and open-source IDE that supports Node.js and allows developers to easily compile, debug, and edit their code. It may be a lightweight piece of software, but that doesn’t make it any less powerful.
It has built-in support for JavaScript and Node.js. In addition to that, it is compatible with all operating systems, be it Windows, Linus or Mac OS. These features make Visual Studio Code an ideal candidate for a Node.js top 10 IDE list.
Microsoft has added various plugins and extensions to support other programming languages such as C++, Python, Java, PHP, etc., creating an ideal environment for developers to work on their projects. Some other notable features of Visual Studio include:
- Preinstalled command line arguments
- Share in real time
- Integrated Terminal Split View
- zen mode
- Git integration
- powerful architecture
- Assistant (context menu and intellisense)
- Fragment
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2.Cloud 9
Best Node.js Development IDE Download : Cloud 9 is a very popular free, cloud-based IDE. The benefit of using a cloud-based IDE is that you can freely run code in various popular languages (such as Python, C++, Node.js, Meteor, etc.) without having to download anything on your computer. Everything is online, so it not only ensures versatility, but makes it dynamic and powerful.
Cloud 9 allows you to easily write, debug, compile, and edit code, making it ideal for Node.js developers. Features like key binding editor, live preview, image editor, and more have made Cloud 9 very popular among developers. Some other features of Cloud 9 include:
- Integration tools to help with serverless development
- Built-in image editor
- Collaborate while editing code and chat features
- Integrated debugger
- Built-in terminal
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3. Understand the IDEA
What are the best IDEs for Node.js development? IntelliJ IDEA is a popular IDE developed by JetBrains with the help of Java and Kotlin. It supports multiple languages such as Java, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Node.js, Angular.js, React and many more. This code editor is highly preferred by developers for its extensive list of development aids, database tools, decompilers, version control systems, and more. This makes IntelliJ IDEA one of the best IDEs for Node.js application development.
Although you will need to download additional plugins for Node.js application development, it is definitely worth it. That’s because doing so allows you to take advantage of features like code assist, syntax highlighting, code completion, and more. It’s also built with developer ergonomics in mind, which increases productivity and improves user experience. The best thing about IntelliJ IDEA is that it allows you to compile, run, and debug code within the IDE itself.
Other notable features of IntelliJ IDEA include:
- Smart Code Completion
- Increased productivity and a good user experience
- Inline debugger
- Build and database tools
- framework-based assistance
- Built-in terminal
- version control
- Refactoring across languages
- Eliminate duplicates
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4.WebStorm
List of Best IDE for Node.js Development: WebStorm is a powerful and smart JavaSript IDE developed by JetBrains. It’s great for server-side development with Node.js. The IDE supports intelligent code completion, error identification, navigation, safe refactoring, and other features. In addition, it has functions such as debugger, VCS, terminal, etc. In addition to JavaScript, WebStorm also supports HTML, CSS, and React.
Notable features of WebStorm are:
- Seamless tool integration
- Navigation and Search
- Built-in terminal
- UI customization and theming
- Powerful built-in tools
- Smart Coding Assist
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5. Komodo IDE
Recommended IDE for popular Node.js development: Komodo is a versatile cross-platform IDE that supports various programming languages such as Node.js, Ruby, PHP, Perl, etc. You can use powerful utilities to develop Node.js applications more easily.
With the help of the Komodo IDE, you can run commands, track changes, use shortcuts, create custom configurations, and use multiple selections to get things done quickly.
Notable features of Komodo IDE are:
- Built-in browser
- syntax highlighting
- Customizable UI with support for split view and multi-window editing
- refactor
- automatic completion
- Version management
- Markdown and DOM viewer
- Availability of multiple add-ons
- code intelligence
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6. Eclipse
Best Node.js Development IDE Download : Eclipse is another cloud-based IDE that is considered one of the best options for Node.js application development. It provides an ideal workspace for developers to work simultaneously as a team in an organized and efficient manner. Eclipse is an open source JavaScript IDE that also includes a RESTful API server and SDK for plug-in and assembly development.
Features like code refactoring, error checking, IntelliSense, key bindings, automatic code builds, and source code generation make Eclipse a very powerful and useful IDE. It also has a built-in debugger and ready-to-use stack, making it easier for developers to create Node.js applications.
Other notable features of Eclipse are:
- Git integration
- Maven integration
- Eclipse Java Development Tools
- SSH terminal
- Allows custom built-in plugins
- Code recommendation tool
- Choose between browser-based and software-based IDEs
- light theme
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7.WebMatrix
WebMatrix is also a cloud-based IDE, but it’s from Microsoft. It is one of the best IDEs for Node.js application development. It’s lightweight, which means it doesn’t take up your computer’s resources (RAM, processing power, etc.), and best of all, it’s free. It is fast and efficient software that enables developers to deliver high-quality applications on deadlines. Features such as cloud publishing, code completion, and built-in templates have made WebMatrix popular among web developers. Other key features of WebMatrix include:
- Code editor with integrated interface
- Simplified coding and database
- Built-in Node.js templates
- optimization
The only downside of WebMatrix is that its service is limited to Windows users, ie it is not compatible with any other operating system than Windows.
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8.Sublime Text
What are the best IDEs for Node.js development? Sublime Text is considered the most advanced IDE for Node.js application development. This is because it has very powerful and advanced features that allow you to quickly switch between projects, perform split edits, and more. Due to its customizable UI, Sublime Text is great for writing markup, prose, and code. With Sublime Text, you can customize almost everything using a basic JSON file.
In addition to that, Sublime Text comes with multiple selection options that speed up the process of file manipulation, which can greatly improve your performance. One of the best features of Sublime Text is its great responsiveness, which is the result of being built with custom components.
Sublime Text is also compatible with various operating systems such as Windows, Mac OS and Linux. Other features include:
- Robust API and package ecosystem
- Cross-Platform Compatibility
- Instant project switching
- Split editing
- Command Palette
- multiple choice
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9. Atom
Best Node.js Development IDE Download: Atom is an open source IDE that allows cross-platform editing, i.e. you can use it on any operating system (Windows, Linux or MAC OS). It works with Electron Framework preloaded with four UI and eight grammar themes.
Atom supports multiple programming languages, such as HTML, JavaScript, Node.js, and CSS. Another added benefit of using Atom is that if you download a GitHub package, you have the option to use Git and GitHub directly.
The salient features of Atom are:
- file system browser
- Built-in package manager
- Smart autocomplete
- Cross-platform editing
- multiple panes
- Find and replace tool
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10. Brackets
Recommended IDE for popular Node.js development: Brackets is an IDE developed by Adobe and is widely used for JavaScript development. It is an open source IDE that can be accessed through a web browser. The main attraction for Node.js developers is the ability to run multiple Node.js processes, gulp scripts, and the Node.js platform. Brackets supports multiple programming languages such as HTML, Node.js, JavaScript, CSS, etc. This makes it ideal for developers and programmers.
Top-notch features like inline editing, command line integration, preprocessor support, live viewing, and more add to the list of reasons why you should use Brackets to create Node.js applications.
The main features of Brackets are:
- online editor
- split view
- Live preview
- Preprocessor support
- User friendly user interface
- Automatic code completion
- Quick editing and live highlighting with LESS and SCSS files
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11. Codenvy
List of Best IDEs for Node.js Development: Codenvy is a cloud-based IDE designed for members of a project’s development team to work concurrently. It has a portable Docker that makes it easier for teams to work on Node.js projects. It is also highly customizable, making it suitable for Node.js developers to approach their projects the way they like.
In addition to this, Codenvy provides various tools such as version control and issue management which are handy in case of bugs.
Other important features of Codenvy:
- One-click Docker environment.
- SSH access.
- DevOps workspace platform.
- Team onboarding and collaboration.
- Language related services
I hope this tutorial was helpful and you were able to find the best IDE for Node.js developers . If you would like to add something to this guide or have any questions, please feel free to contact us using the comments section.