Linux gives software developers more power while still giving them the freedom and security they need to create productive programs.
Android uses the Linux Kernel, which is very well-liked and has the highest market share of any operating system now in use (42% globally).
The most secure operating system is generally agreed to be Linux. Linux’s security is mostly due to its open source nature.
Numerous developers from all around the world may examine the code and close any existing back doors or weaknesses. Because engineers constantly monitor the code, there is limited space for security problems.
There are several Linux distributions as well. Consider Linux distributions as having a common core but varying skins and features. Debian, Fedora, Ubuntu, Kali, Pop, and Parrot are a few examples of Linux distributions.
The best operating system for software developers is Linux for all these reasons!
What Is an IDE and Why Use One?
An IDE (Integrated Development Environment) integrates numerous developer tools and programming functions such code editing, debugging, production builds, code formatting & lining, and much more.
By offering features like:
- Code autocompletion
- Syntax Underlining
- Detecting errors in real-time
- Refactoring of code
Developers can access all the tools and functions in one location by utilizing an IDE. To compile, modify, or build the code, they don’t need to jump between several tools. A single GUI (Graphical User Interface) houses everything!
A few advantages of utilizing an IDE are listed below:
- Speedier setup of the development environment
- There is no need to change between various applications.
- Plugin-based extensible
- Workflow efficiency
IDE vs. Code Editor
Similar to a text editor, a code editor can include features like syntax highlighting. A far more advanced all-in-one tool, on the other hand, is an IDE, which includes a terminal, debugger, compiler, intelligent code analyzer, etc.
A code editor can be considered a part of an IDE. A code editor is a simple tool with a few capabilities to make writing code easier. An IDE, on the other hand, is a memory-intensive environment that includes a variety of tools to enhance the overall development process.
How to Choose an IDE: What to Look for?
The most crucial criteria to consider when choosing an IDE are compatibility and support for the programming languages you need.
If you desire extra functionality, it should also support some helpful plugins or extensions, and it should have a vibrant community that contributes to regular updates and the introduction of intriguing new plugins or extensions.
Following that, the following are some of the top IDEs for Linux:
VS Code
Although its primary function is as a code editor, Visual Studio Code is more than that. It becomes nothing less than a full-fledged IDE with the aid of several practical and interesting enhancements.
The power of VS Code is unmatched when extensions are enabled. Furthermore, it is open-source software.
There is an extension for practically anything in VS Code, whether you want to add syntax highlighting, allow new themes, enable language support, offer linting for a particular language, obtain compiler tools, integrate git tools, or style your code. Only the proper extension has to be chosen.
A few of the intriguing aspects of VS Code are listed below:
- Code samples and recommendations from Intellisense
- Implementing Git
- Incredibly adaptable
- Debugger built-in
Geany
Geany functions as both a text editor and an IDE. It is a feature-rich, extremely lightweight IDE. There are several plugins available, and it supports more than 50 different programming languages.
These are some of its characteristics:
- Number of file formats that are supported
- Coding samples
- Highlighting syntax
- Plugins
- Navigation by code
Geany may seem to have an archaic user interface, but it’s still a respectable IDE in general.
Eclipse
Eclipse could be the IDE you were looking for if Java is your main programming language. It is an IDE designed exclusively for Java programmers. Eclipse allows you to manage.jsp files, develop servlets, and much more. Additionally, it is open source, giving you lively community support.
Here are a few attributes of the Eclipse IDE:
- Extensible
- Maven Assistance
- Website Tools
IntelliJ IDEA
JetBrains provides an IDE called IntelliJ IDEA. It’s an IDE that’s mostly used for Java or Kotlin application development.
It features a very sophisticated code analysis tool that makes recommendations as you input your code. If you’re working on a project with a team, its real-time collaboration tool is very helpful.
The following are some attributes of IntelliJ IDEA:
- Remote cooperation in real time
- knowledgeable editor
- Extensible
You might think of IntelliJ IDEA as the most cutting-edge and contemporary Java IDE to date. The majority of programmers use it for Java programming, but you may also use it for Javascript web development.
Apache NetBeans
The Oracle IDE Apache NetBeans is mostly employed for Java programming. It may be used to create Java desktop apps. It is among the first Java IDEs ever created. It has strong community support since it is entirely open source.
The following are its features:
- Refactoring of code
- Highlighting syntax
- Cross-platform
- Modular construction
You could think the user interface could be upgraded or renewed despite its robust capabilities.
PyCharm
PyCharm is an IDE created by JetBrains specifically for Python developers, as the name implies. It provides a range of tools for Python programming.
These are its characteristics:
- Quick and secure code refactoring
- Tools for science
- Supporting plugins
- Database tools built-in
PyCharm makes it simple to do tasks like setting up a virtual environment using Anaconda, connecting to a database, and accessing the command line.
Frameworks like Django, Flask, and Pyramid function flawlessly. Data research and analytics need Python, therefore PyCharm includes scientific programs like NumPy and Matplotlib.
Spyder
Spyder is a special IDE designed with the needs of the scientific Python developer community in mind. Along with the standard IDE tools like debuggers and a terminal, it includes an effective editor, an IPython console, a variable explorer to interact with variables and plot them, and these features in addition to others.
These are its characteristics:
- Advanced analysis and editing
- Analysis of data
- Full examination
- Skills to visualize
The integration of Jupyter notebooks with Spyder is one of its intriguing aspects. Using a plugin, Jupyter notebooks may be created, edited, and saved inside Spyder.
Conclusion
Because it totally depends on your needs and objectives, selecting an IDE is subjective. The IDE/editor you should use, in my view, if you want to perform web programming is called VS Code. I personally use it, and I love it since it’s quick, effective, and backed by a vibrant community. You can also customize it as you like with the aid of extensions.
Choose one of the JetBrains IDEs if you are certain that you need an IDE that is designed exclusively for a given programming language, such as Java, Python, or C++. They are more contemporary and sophisticated than other IDEs. They provide a free community edition that you are welcome to use.
You can employ any of the aforementioned cross-platform IDEs on Linux, Windows, or MacOS.