As a programmer, finding the best code editing software is a fundamental step in your coding journey. Good code editors have features that enable you to learn faster and enhance your coding speed, like providing suggestions and correcting possible bugs. Thus, selecting the best one for your programming needs will help you immensely.
Today, hundreds of programming software are available, and developers regularly build new ones. Consequently, choosing the best one to use may take you all day. Thus, we have made a list of the top 10 code editors today in this article, highlighting each’s peculiarities so that you can find the best fit for you.
1. Visual Studio Code (VSC)
Created by Microsoft, Visual Studio Code is a widely-used open-source code editing software. According to a Stack Overflow Survey in 2021, over 70% of professional developers use VSC. Furthermore, it supports many programming languages, including ASP.Net, C#, CSS, F#, XML, Python, Lua, Objective C, Java, HTML, and TypeScript. You can use VSC on Windows, Linux, or Mac operating systems, albeit it may run slower on Linux.
Some of its features that make it a top pick include auto-completion based on variable types, function definitions, imported modules, syntax highlighting, automated debugging with breakpoints, comes with an interactive console, and call stacks. It also uses Microsoft Azure to host and deploys sites with Node, React, Python, and more.
Many programmers use it because it is a lightweight tool, supports different file formats, and does not occupy much RAM space. Additionally, it can be used as an extension and customized to your preferences. The best part is it is free to use.
2. Atom
Atom has its text and source code editor developed by GitHub— a popular open-source programming platform. Hence, Atom is an open-source internal development environment (IDE) tool.
Atom features an in-built package manager, a search function that enables you to find files quickly, and you can open the app in multiple windows to easily compare different codes. Furthermore, it supports editing in other platforms, provides helpful suggestions when coding, auto-completes code, and lets you quickly find and replace text in your code with its search feature. However, if you want to write packages, you will need a Coffee Script.
Finally, you can customize the Atom user interface to your taste, and it is easy to use. Plus, the software requires no fee.
3. Notepad++
Notepad++ presents an upgrade to the Microsoft Windows-in-built Notepad text editor. Hence, it is an open-source code editor with useful features to aid coding, like automatic code completion and syntax highlighting, which displays different code elements in different colors. Notepad++ supports coding in CSS, HTML, JavaScript, and PHP. For developers whose main priority is fast programming software, Notepad++ is a good option.
Furthermore, Notepad++ includes a “code folding” feature which helps you to avoid getting distracted by previous code by collapsing any block of text you complete. That way, you can concentrate on the current code you are writing. Also, it automatically saves your work and loads where you stopped when you open it again, so you don’t have to worry about losing your progress if you forget to save it.
Additionally, the document map shows your location within your entire code, and you can view multiple files simultaneously with the multi-view and tab features on Notepad++. In addition, it has many valuable plug-ins and is updated frequently, all at no cost. However it is available for Windows, Linux, and UNIX operating systems, but you will need a third-party tool for a Mac.
4. Sublime Text
Due to its beginner-friendly features, Sublime text is one of the best code editors for beginner programmers. Moreover, it supports many programming languages like AppleScript, C/C++, JavaScript, SQL, Go, R, Scala, and more. However, it is especially suited for HTML and PHP.
Sublime Text quickly spots and highlights syntax errors, giving you intelligent options for jumping to symbols and opening files. It also provides shortcuts that help you quickly perform different functions, enabling you to edit multiple code lines simultaneously. Finally, it has a superb feature that automatically creates a class, method, and function index. However, Sublime text has no package manager or print option available.
You can use Sublime Text programming software on Windows, Linux, and Mac devices. Also, you can customize nearly every setting on the Sublime Text software with a JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) file. Thus, it is best for programmers who like customizing everything about an application to their taste. Finally, it comes with a free trial, but you must purchase the license for $99 afterward before using it.
5. UltraEdit
Consider UltraEdit as your main text editor if you work with large files regularly. Due to its powerful performance and flexibility features, it makes working with huge files a breeze. UltraEdit has a package that provides several tools, including an integrated FTP (File Transfer Protocol) client, a Git integration solution, and a fast file finder.
UltraEdit’s fully integrated file compare feature lets you quickly spot discrepancies between your codes. It lets you access your servers and files directly from its SSH/telnet console or the Native FTP/SFTP browser. Its column and hex editing mode also improve flexibility when editing your file data. Thus, UltraEdit is a fantastic choice if you have text-based files to edit frequently.
In addition, you can quickly parse and reformat JSON and XML files with its in-built managers. Furthermore, with excellent themes, you can configure and customize the entire application, not just the text editor display. While UltraEdit is not an open-source code editor, its packed features make it a top pick for many programmers. Finally, the UltraEdit free software houses all these features, but the paid subscription allows you to enjoy new upgrades and all future versions at only $99.95/year.
6. TextMate
TextMate is a top text editor strictly for MacOS and supports over 50 programming languages. It has a good set of standard features for its minimalistic package, some of which include a search and replace tool, automatic code completion, and board management.
TextMate is a lightweight code editing software with a sleek user interface. You can customize the text editor, change languages, and adjust workflows. It also helps to eliminate repetitive work, enabling you to generate macros to ease your workload and save time. Finally, it allows you to edit multiple lines of code instantly.
However, TextMate does not give a guided code completion facility or comes with an HTML validator. You can download and use TextMate for free and opt for the premium version, which costs $59.
7. Bluefish
Bluefish is an easy-to-use programming and web development tool. The programming software supports many markup languages, including Ada, Perl, Ruby, XHTML, XML, Java, Python, and the best programming languages today.
Bluefish is an extensible software with several standard code editor features like syntax highlighting, auto-completion, code folding, seamless code navigation, and bookmarks. In addition, it enables multiple encoding and has a Unicode character browser.
It is also a free text editor for several operating systems, like Windows, Linux, MacOS, and Solaris. Additionally, it is widely acclaimed for its speed, although it tends to vary.
8. Komodo Edit
Komodo Edit is a free, open-source text editor for Windows or Mac operating systems. The basic Komodo Edit is perfect for beginners looking for simple software that lets them complete small projects efficiently as they learn the skill. Then there is the Komodo IDE upgrade with more advanced functionalities like unit testing/code profiling and print debugging, which is also free.
So if you are looking for simple, lightweight programming software, the basic Komodo Edit covers you. Conversely, the Komodo IDE upgrade is excellent for advanced power users. Komodo IDE supports all coding languages and frameworks; thus, it is well-suited for web development. In addition, the Komodo IDE has several integrations, and its interactive shells include Perl, Python, and Ruby. Plus, it allows you to customize your workspace.
As an open-source tool, Komodo IDE offers real-time collaboration between you and other developers on your team, allowing them to also share and edit your files across borders. Also, its live preview will enable you to render an HTML display as you change your code. Furthermore, the Komodo Edit version allows you to make multiple selections and track changes in your document.
Both versions of the Komodo Edit have multi-language editors with skin and icon sets. That’s not all; it also offers tutorials for learning how to use the software, so you can completely understand its functions and features.
9. Brackets
Adobe adds another solution for developers and creators to its list with the Bracket text editor. Bracket offers modern open-source programming software chiefly for website developers. Furthermore, this cost-free text editor has appealing visual tools for examining your work as you edit.
Writing codes in Bracket is smooth with the help of its inline editors, live previews, and systematically organized files. Also, Bracket can be integrated with Photoshop if you need to integrate PSD files in your work. Furthermore, it connects with GitHub.
Several extensions are available on Brackets, so you can expand the current text editor and customize the interface. Finally, Brackets is an excellent choice for developers looking for nice features from a free text editor. Also, it runs on Linux, Mac, and Windows operating systems.
10. Vim
Made in 1991, Vim is one of today’s oldest yet most stable and reliable text editors that seamlessly integrates with other popular tools. Vim is a stand-alone application in a GUI (graphical user interface) or from a command-line interface (CLI). However, its user interface could use an upgrade, but the MacVim provides a better GUI.
At its initial development, Vim was a top prominent text editor many developers used to create scripts and updates with commands. Today, Vim is still one of the most advanced text editors. Since it is less recent than some programming tools of today, you will need to use it frequently, exploring its different functionalities to familiarize yourself with the application. Also, Vim has an active online community where you can find helpful information, new tools, and extensions to expand the base text editor.
Vim still has some powerful functions, including a vast collection of plug-ins that allows you to extend the features of the text editor. Furthermore, it works on all operating systems, like Linux, Windows, and Mac. Additionally, it is an open-source application with free regular updates.
Best Programming Software for Writing Code – Final Thoughts
When picking a code editor, you should understand what you want from one based on your programming needs. Doing so will give you an insight into the programming software you can use. So whether you are searching for the best choice for beginners, one that runs fast, or one with many exciting perks, you can find the best fit from this list. However, some of the best tools may require a fee, although you can find good ones for free.
Recent Comments