Although it is true that we can edit our projects in pre-installed tools such as Notepad and Gedit, the truth is that if what we want is to be really efficient and increase our performance and effectiveness as a web developer, we must opt for other more capable options . There are many options to choose from, so it can be quite confusing when choosing. That is why we are going to talk about the essential editors that we should not overlook.
The importance of JavaScript in web development
As we have commented, the use of this programming language is especially used in web development work has grown exponentially in recent years. And it is that with JavaScript it is possible to create interfaces that allow reacting to the user’s actions, thus generating movement and interaction, making it possible to create a richer and more satisfactory user experience. Without its presence, the page is left with a static, boring and lifeless element, which is why, for many, this language is considered the soul of any website.
This language works perfectly well with both CSS and HTML, making it possible to develop powerful front-end applications. Also, it was previously only limited to web development, but now, thanks to its continuous updates, it is supported by many frameworks and can be used for develop backend and GUI games. In this way, we can say that the main reasons to use JavaScript are:
- It allows to improve the interaction of a user with the web page.
- Is easy to learn.
- You can debug the application with ease.
- It is a platform independent language.
- No need to compile.
When it comes to carrying out our work with maximum efficiency, we will need software capable of meeting our demands, like the ones we are going to show you.
Essential editors
Next, we are going to show you essential code editors to choose from when carrying out web development tasks with JavaScript.
Atom, fast and customizable
It is one of the source code editors More popular and used in order to develop JavaScript. We are talking about a modern, flexible, highly customizable editor that is capable of offering great speed. Features include smart code completion, an instinctive file system browser with a built-in package manager, easy browsing and opening of a file or project, and the ability to find and replace text as you type in the file.
This editor makes it easy to GitHub integration, as well as Git control. It also supports plugins written in Node.js, HTML, CSS, and JS. On the other hand, to say that it can sometimes be unstable, causes lack of code execution and is somewhat slower than other important editors. Best of all, it’s open source, cross-platform (can be used on Windows, macOS, and Linux), and completely free. We can download it by clicking on this link to the developer’s website.
Visual Studio Code, ideal for programming on Windows
This open source editor is one of the first that comes to mind mainly for developing computer programs on Windows, offering full compatibility with JavaScript. It has IntelliSense compatibility, it allows automatic completions while we code in HTML, JS, CSS or PSP. Its built-in debugger is capable of operating both at the machine level and at the source level. It also boasts another important feature such as code refactoring.
VS Code has a preview feature, which allows you to expand a function inline and take a look at the code instead of navigating directly to the line where the function is defined. In addition, we can extend its functions by use plugins additional. Against it, it must be said that its user interface can be intimidating for both new users and beginners. This open source editor is available for Linux, Windows, and macOS and can be downloaded from this link on its official website.
Eclipse, performance and stability assured
This is one of the most widely used editors for JavaScript development and coding, although some specific plugins may need to be installed. It stands out for its performance, stability and solidity. It is powerful in project management, almost all packages support Git integration, advanced debugging and good autocompletion. You can also automate and replicate identical workspaces by setting up Oomph Project.
Almost all download packages for Eclipse integrate with Git. One of the most important features supported by Eclipse is automated error reporting. This feature allows you to automatically submit found bugs to eclipse.org. Against it, it should be said that most of the changes require a restart to take effect and can be complex if we are beginners. We can download it for free by clicking on this link to the main page of its website.
Sublime Text, one of the favorite options for experts
We are talking about another open source and cross-platform JavaScript editor. Through your well organized interface allows us to make it easier to use than other competitive options. It may take some time to configure everything to our liking, but once we have it, it will provide us with a fluid and satisfactory experience, being able to try all the functions that we want for free.
This editor allows us to jump to strings or symbols, define various syntax, highlight code, select multiple lines and do split editing. It also has keyboard shortcuts with which to achieve significant savings during programming and debugging tasks. On the contrary, it has to be said that it has a poor library stack and debugging, as well as a lack of print options by default. Sublime Text is compatible with Windows, Linux and macOS that we can download this program from its official website. It also has a Premium version if we want to take advantage of all its functions.
NetBeans, create mobile applications based on JavaScript
This cross-platform IDE is capable of using JavaScript application development modules. Some of its most important features are code syntax and semantic highlighting, smart code completion, and Subversion. What’s more, includes Mercurial and Git support incorporated. Also noteworthy is its level of customization, since we can move the buttons on its toolbar according to our work methods and convenience.
This editor has good support compatible with HTML5 and CSS3 in web projects, as well as with the Cordova/PhoneGap framework. This enables us to create mobile applications based on JavaScript. On the contrary, it is an application that consumes a lot of system resources and its integration support is quite poor. NetBeans is free to download for Windows, macOS, and Linux under an open source license.
IntelliJ IDEA, improves and enhances productivity
It is one of the most loved IDEs whose main focus is on maximizing developer productivity. Is powerful tool It is capable of automating repetitive programming tasks to reduce development time. Among its features we can highlight advanced code completion, static code analyzer and version control, both integrated.
It also has autocomplete function, great plugin compatibility and deployment and debugging tools for most application services. IntelliJ IDEA has two versions. The Community edition is free, while the Ultimate edition requires the purchase of a license. We can download it from this link to its official website.
Vim, simple text-based editor
This editor has generally been associated with Linux and the Unix world, although as a whole it is a cross-platform application, so it is compatible with Windows. He is the most spartan of all the editors mentioned here, since he is text based, although it is also possible to use it through a graphical interface. Despite being a bit complicated to use at first, over time it is able to offer a high level of productivity, especially due to its extensive plugin system.
It has an excellent search, replace and support tool with hundreds of programming languages and file formats. It is light, effective and customizable. On the contrary, its high learning curve can scare less experienced users. Vim is compatible with Windows, Mac OS and Linux and can be downloaded for free from its website.
Which one should I choose?
As we have seen, it has a good number of highly recommended options if we want to work with JavaScript. When choosing one, we must consider some aspects to take into account such as flexibility, integration support, good project management, performance and advanced debugging.
That is why, depending on our needs, we will most likely end up choosing between Visual Studio Code Y SublimeText, probably depending on our level of experience. For the less experienced, Sublime Text takes some getting used to, while VS Code has much more user-friendly features.
