As a software developer, coding is life. There is very little on your daily task list that doesn’t require writing code or editing code.
From fixing technical website bugs to dreaming up new designs for mobile applications, code is at the heart of what you do. That’s why having the best code editors at hand is vital. ✨
Not only do these tools make you more efficient, but they also save time thanks to features like autocompletion and debugging. Plus, they ensure your code is error-free and clean, making it easier to maintain and deploy new versions.
Whether you’re an expert coder with decades of experience or new to the game, this list of the best code editors will help you work faster and more efficiently at your job. From Integrated Development Environment (IDE) to simple code editor software, there’s something for every need.
As a bonus, we’ll show you a platform that makes managing software development processes—from code creation to launch—easier than ever.
This Article Contains:
Summarize this article for me pleaseWhy Code Editors Are Important for Developers
You really can’t overstate the importance of an efficient and feature-rich code editor for web developers. These tools eliminate human error, preventing breakdowns in applications and reducing the risk of project derailments.
In a nutshell, the right code editor makes coding cleaner, easier, and faster. With functionality like syntax highlighting, indentation, and brace matching, you can write and edit code at lightning speed.
Plus, functionality like find and replace, line lengths, and wrapping all make your code better and more effective. In a fast-paced environment, that gives you an edge to launch new software before the competition.
For coders that work as part of a larger software development team, these tools also enable real-time collaboration. That means you can work on the same code with several team members without missing a beat. ?
What to consider when choosing the best code editor
If you’ve used code editors before, you know they aren’t all the same. There are basic code editors that help clean up syntax and more advanced systems called IDEs that handle large, complex projects. ?️
Some are designed for specific programming languages; others support a wide range of coding styles. The right tool will depend on whether you’re using code to write and edit short pieces or if you need an advanced tool to work collaboratively with other developers.
Here’s what to look for in the best code editors:
- Flexible interface: A great code editor will have a streamlined interface that enables quick changes
- Change tracking: Code is constantly evolving. Look for a tool that documents code changes to monitor alterations and see how your project has evolved over time
- Customization: The best tools are the ones you can leverage for specific needs. Look for a code editor that lets you customize tools for improved productivity
- Real-time collaboration: Work live with other developers in one simple workspace
- Code quality tools: Look for code editors that have features like linting and code refactoring to quickly identify and correct mistakes
- Community: Active communities, tutorials, and debugger updates provide support for better coding
Summarize this article for me please10 Best Code Editors
Ready to find the best code editors? We’ve gathered a list of the top tools recommended by developers. Whether you need help with the many programming languages like CSS, HTML, Javascript, Python, PHP, or something different, you’ll find a tool that works for you. ?
1. Visual Studio Code
Visual Studio Code is a free, open-source code editor that works on macOS, Windows X64, and Linux x64 operating systems. It features basic syntax highlighting and autocomplete functionality as well as smart completions, called Intellisense, based on functions and variables.
It supports Java, TypeScript, and Node.js, but extensions allow for greater programmer customization. Whether you’re a front-end developer or back-end coder, there’s tons of functionality to streamline your workflow.
Visual Studio Code best features
- Extensions for languages and bug tracking let you build a suite of products that work together for a streamlined coding workflow
- Built-in Git commands make coordinating work across development teams easier
- Change tracking history lets you keep tabs on what’s been updated before
- In-editor debugging makes cleaning up code faster than ever
Visual Studio Code limitations
- The tool takes a while to load and run, particularly if you run extensions or work on several large projects at once
- The interface may be overwhelming for beginners
Visual Studio Code pricing
- Free
Visual Studio Code ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.7/5 (2,100+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.8/5 (1,500+ reviews)
2. Sublime Text
Sublime Text is a simple and fast text editor that cleans up code in a jiffy. The tool features smart completion to provide suggestions based on existing code. The customizable interface is ideal for simple code editing and uses features like GPU rendering and syntax highlighting to configure better code. ???
Sublime Text best features
- Streamlined user interface features dark mode and color themes for a creative workspace
- Significantly improved API allows integration with a large suite of plugins
- Keyboard shortcuts let you select multiple variables to make quick changes and replacements
- File tabs let you work on different projects with a simple split-screen
Sublime Text limitations
- The tool sometimes loads slowly, particularly on larger projects
- You have to use an extension or another tool to run or test the code after editing
Sublime Text pricing
- Free
- Individual License: $99 one-time payment
- Business License: $65 per year
Sublime Text ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.5/5 (1,600+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (1,300+ reviews)
3. PyCharm from JetBrains
PyCharm is an Integrated Development Environment that provides advanced features to give you more control over your code. Features like PEP8 checkers, inspections, and refactoring ensure your code is clean and error-free. The tool offers support for a wide range of frameworks and remote web development capabilities.
PyCharm best features
- Cross-platform technology supports several languages including SQL, Ruby on Rails, Cython, and markup languages
- Built-in developer tools like debuggers let you edit code and find issues before they cause problems
- Use the built-in test runners to assess changes all in one space
- Intelligent support automates code refactoring, error highlighting, and rich navigation
PyCharm limitations
- The paid version can be expensive, limiting its utility for smaller business
- The application is resource-intensive when it comes to storage and memory
PyCharm pricing
- PyCharm: $24.90/month for organizations or $9.90/month for individual use
- All Products Pack: $77.90/month for organizations or $28.90/month for individual use
PyCharm ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.6/5 (700+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (300+ reviews)
4. Spacemacs
Spacemacs is a code editor that includes GNU Emacs features and blends them with capabilities that users of Vim love—more on that tool in a minute. The extensive functionality means this tool works as a simple text editor and a more advanced IDE or code editor.
Spacemacs best features
- Mnemonic command menus make it easy to search, get help, or run tests
- Command-line user interfaces paired with modern graphical interfaces let you write code in the style you prefer
- The layered format makes it easy to hone in on a specific section of a project
- Support for broad overviews lets the team check for bugs
Spacemacs limitations
- For users that aren’t familiar with Emacs, getting started will take more time
- Configuration is highly customizable, which slows down the code editing process
Spacemacs pricing
- Free and open-source
Spacemacs ratings and reviews
- G2: N/A
- Capterra: N/A
5. IntelliJ IDEA
IntelliJ IDEA is a Java and Kotlin IDE that offers a collaborative and remote work environment to code with the entire team in a streamlined workspace. Not just a text editor, this tool is designed to simplify the coding process from design and implementation to testing and deployment. ✍️
IntelliJ Idea best features
- The run and debug tool features a live preview to track changes and see how they look in real-time
- The Smart Editor feature includes AI code assistance, language injection, and intelligent code completion
- Community support offers insight into best practices, new language features, and coding education
- The collaborative tool can be used remotely on multiple devices to work with other developers in one space
IntelliJ Idea limitations
- Some users felt the UI could be improved with themes
- There aren’t user-specific profiles on projects which can make managing collaborative coding tricky
IntelliJ Idea pricing
- IntelliJ IDEA Ultimate: $59.90/month for organizations or $16.90/month for individual use
- All Products Pack: $77.90/month for organizations or $28.90/month for individual use
Intellij Idea ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.6/5 (2,000+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (1,100+ reviews)
6. Vim
Vim is a text editor created for web designers who don’t need hand-holding. The tool is compatible with most UNIX systems and focuses mainly on in-terminal editing. It’s a free code editor that asks for donations to charity instead of monthly payments.
Vim best features
- A wide range of plugins lets you build a workspace that’s customized to your needs and preferences
- It’s lightweight and often bundled with Linux and GNU servers
- Key features include code folding, syntax highlighting, and code linting
- Built-in file sharing lets you move code documents from one tool to another without losing formatting
Vim limitations
- Vim has a huge learning curve, making it useful mainly for advanced coders
- Limited fancy features make it less desirable for coders who want state-of-the-art plugins and high-tech functionality
Vim pricing
- Free
Vim ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.4/5 (200+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (3+ reviews)
7. Notepad++
This free source code editor features multi-language support and lower CPU power, reducing resource load and making your coding more efficient. The feature-rich tool lets you manage multiple documents in one space and includes classic tools like syntax highlighting and auto-complete. ?
Notepad++ best features
- The script editor works with a wide range of languages
- It handles small standalone snippets as well as longer, integrated code
- The plugin system handles XML code with proper formatting and indentation
- Side-by-side text comparisons let you compare old code with new changes for easy bug fixes
Notepad++ limitations
- There isn’t a terminal to run and test the code so you’ll need another tool to monitor the effects of changes
- The user interface isn’t as modern as some users would like
Notepad++ pricing
- Free
Notepad++ ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.6/5 (2,200+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (1,800+ reviews)
8. Espresso
Espresso is a web editor for Mac products. Designed to help programmers build websites, it features live previews to see exactly how your code translates into user views. Templates and plugins make coding faster than ever and improve collaboration.
Espresso best features
- Live Styling lets you change CSS and see the design in real time without needing to hit save or publish
- Built-in CSSEdit tools have won awards thanks to stylish colors, gradients, and layouts
- The Browser Preview and X-Ray functionality for page layouts works in Chrome, Firefox, and Safari
- Customizable toolbar lets you add snippets, menus, and modules specific to your workflows
Espresso limitations
- While it supports languages like HTML, LESS, and Ruby, it doesn’t support Perl
- It doesn’t have a cross-platform testing feature
Espresso pricing
- Free Trial
- License: $99
Espresso ratings and reviews
- G2: N/A
- Capterra: N/A
9. GitHub Codespaces
Codespaces is a GitHub product designed to make it easier to manage development environments. The editor integrates seamlessly with Visual Studio Code, Jupyter, and JetBrains for an all-in-one coding tool. Low-latency connections allow for faster editing, even if you’re working on huge projects. ?
GitHub Codespaces best features
- Port sharing makes it easy to share privately and publicly with teammates and clients
- All code and private networks are secure and protected thanks to ephemeral VM in isolated virtual networks
- As a cloud tool, use Cloudspaces anywhere you have internet and from any type of device including mobile phones, tablets, and desktops
- Low latency connections across multiple regions means fast loading and high memory storage
GitHub Codespaces limitations
- With security features, some functions may require SSH keys
- Some users found that isolated environments meant the code worked on one team member’s computer and not another
GitHub Codespaces pricing
- Free: With feature limitations
- Team: $4/user/month
- Enterprise: $21/user/month
GitHub Codespaces ratings and reviews
- G2: N/A
- Capterra: 4.8/5 (5,800+ reviews)
10. Apache NetBeans
Apache NetBeans is a code editor that features syntax highlighting, code refracting, and brace matching for faster creation. Smart code completion and keyboard shortcuts cut down on the time it takes to create code. Suggesting parameters use best practices to highlight areas for improvement and refine code based on existing elements.
Apache NetBeans best features
- Cross-platform support means this tool is suitable for Java applications including Microsoft Windows, Linux, Mac OS X, and BSD
- Java and PHP tutorials offer quick support when you need it
- Access to an active community of users to learn, grow, and ideate with the best in the business
- A huge range of editing tools lets you edit simple code or create more complex projects
Apache NetBeans limitations
- Some users found the platform was unstable, crashing and taking a while to reboot
- Large projects can take up space and memory
Apache NetBeans pricing
- Free and open-source
Apache NetBeans ratings and reviews
- G2: N/A
- Capterra: 4.3/5 (200+ reviews)
Summarize this article for me pleaseOther Tools
While these code editors are great for crafting and cleaning up your coding efforts, they don’t do anything for task management or larger project support when managing a team. That’s where other tools like ClickUp come in. Here, we’ll show you how ClickUp helps when it comes to development project tasks, managing agile software teams, and streamlining workflows. ?
ClickUp
ClickUp is a project management software tool that developers use to manage projects big and small. It’s not a code editor. Think of it more as a workflow tool that lets you manage the dev team and track progress toward your goals.
ClickUp is a task management dream thanks to triggers and Automations that instantly assign work to the right team members. Say you have a client that fills out a contract for a new website design. Once that’s completed, it triggers tasks for the development team to start coding landing pages and the back-end of the site.
ClickUp’s agile teams features let you create agile dashboards, run sprint reporting, and build workflows for Scrum, Kanban, and more. Create test specifications, brainstorm ideas, and write code with ClickUp AI. It supports dozens of use cases including creating testing plans and suggesting code changes.
ClickUp’s integrations connect to more than 1,000 tools. That way, your development team works seamlessly with tools like GitHub and Figma. ClickUp Forms provide a space for feature requests, bug reporting, and code reviews. Agile templates from ClickUp let you build project plans, sprint designs, and project roadmaps with ease. ?
ClickUp best features
- With over a thousand templates like the ClickUp Agile Project Management Template, visualize your work, prioritize tasks, and track progress on development sprints
- ClickUp’s Whiteboards let you collaborate in real time with other team members when writing new code or editing existing projects
- Chrome extensions include functionality for time tracking and task management to see how much time is spent on development projects and who’s working on what
- Built-in AI content creation tools lead to better brainstorming and save time creating similar coding projects
- Custom Fields and prioritization let you hone in on the most important work and keep track of the most complex projects
ClickUp limitations
- ClickUp AI is currently available on desktop only, but the mobile rollout is coming soon
- The sheer number of features means you need to spend a little time learning the platform
ClickUp pricing:
- Free Forever
- Unlimited: $7/month per user
- Business: $12/month per user
- Enterprise: Contact for pricing
- ClickUp AI is available on all paid plans for $5 per Workspace member per month
ClickUp ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.7/5 (8,745+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (3,795+ reviews)
Summarize this article for me pleaseBuild Better Code Workflows With ClickUp
With all the code editors on this list, you’re sure to find a tool that helps clean up and elevate your work. From advanced IDEs to simple text editors, there’s something for every style and use case.
When you’re ready to take your entire coding workflow to the next level, sign up for ClickUp. Dive in and start assigning coding tasks to relevant team members and build code reviews into your workflows. Use the built-in AI tools, Forms, Whiteboards, and templates to make your team more effective and efficient—all in one space. ?
Everything you need to stay organized and get work done.
