Top 15 Web Development IDEs & Career Tips

What Is a Web Development IDE?

An IDE or integrated development environment is a software application that helps programmers and developers build websites or web applications with greater ease. Without IDE, a programmer would have to select and manage all software testing and writing tools. IDE brings together all these tools under a single framework or service to make the developer's task faster and easier. 

A standard, bare-bones IDE usually consists of a source code editor, build automation tools, and a debugger. It allows to code, edit, test, and debug. However, an advanced IDE offers unique features like automation, visualization, and customization for an augmented programming experience. These web development IDEs support various programming languages, frameworks, web applications, and CMS.   

Today, while it's possible to do HTML editing and CSS coding using a simple text editor without an IDE, with the help of an IDE, you can dramatically reduce the time and improve the efficiency of the task. Thanks to IDEs, developers no longer have to switch between tools; plus, they have access to helpful resources, features, shortcuts, and a network of other developers to collaborate with. All of this has made web development faster, less error-prone, and less effort-intensive. 

With the demands and competition around web development rising exponentially, businesses are looking to achieve quick deployment. The knowledge of web development IDEs is crucial for web developers to stay current with growing demands and understand which IDEs to choose to get the desired results. IDEs can differ in the features they offer. So, pick the one that will work for you.

That said, let's take you through some of the best web development IDEs available out there.

A Glimpse Into the Top 15 Web Development IDEs for 2022

1. Visual Studio Code

One of the most popular IDEs for web development, Visual Studio Code is considered the best JavaScript IDE for Windows, Mac, and Linux. This powerful source code editor offers a range of tools for JavaScript development. It uses AI to learn from the edits made while writing code to finish the lines of code. Visual Studio has built-in support for web, mobile, app and game development, Python, Node.js, C++, PHP, etc. 

2. IntelliJ IDEA

IntelliJ IDEA is an HTML IDE that focuses on increasing developer productivity without cluttering up the GUI. It offers intelligent coding assistance and can perform data flow analysis. The tool also automates several iterative tasks. Another great feature of IntelliJ IDEA is that while it's focused on Java, it can still be used for other languages like HTML, SQL, JPQL, JavaScript.  

3. Aptana Studio 3

This is one of the best open-source web development IDEs available for web development. The main features include customizable GUI, built-in-terminal, Git integration, debugger, and deployment wizard.

4. Atom by GitHub

A simple editor for web development, Atom works with Mac, Linux, and Windows OS. It comes with an integrated package manager for installing new packages. The app is highly customizable but works well without customizing anything.  

5. Sublime Text 3

Sublime Text 3 is a free code editor that supports many programming markup languages like Python, HTML, C, JavaScript, CSS. Preferred for its robust API and Plugin support, Sublime Text 3 has distinct features, including multiple selections, command palette, and visual themes. It is lightweight, easy to work with, and fully customizable.  

6. Eclipse

Eclipse CDT framework is popular among the free web development IDEs that support various languages like Java, C++, Python, PHP. Whether you're a beginner or a pro at web development, Eclipse can be the right choice for you with its easy-to-use interface and unique features like auto validation of syntax, readymade code template, code refactoring. 

7. PyCharm

PyCharm is a free cross-platform IDE originally built for Python but supports many other languages. The IDE comes with API that developers can write their own plugins to build on the basic functionalities. PyCharm makes it easy for developers by providing comprehensive coding assistance, customizable interface, code analysis, graphical debugger, and an integrated unit tester. 

8. AWS Cloud9

AWS Cloud9 is a paid IDE that you can only access through an AWS account. One of the best editors for web development, Cloud9 supports development for JavaScript, C, C++, Python, Node.js, PHP, and Ruby projects. It enables developers to write, run and debug code from all web browsers and provides syntax highlighting, code completion, built-in terminal, and in-built image editor. 

9. Komodo Edit

This is another open-source code editing tool that supports almost all programming languages. Salient features include auto-complete code, multiple selections, multi-editor, skin and icon settings, minimap, commando, code refactoring, unit testing, plus integration with other technologies like Grunt. 

10. NetBeans

One of the popular, free, easy to use web development IDEs, NetBeans supports JavaScript, HTML, PHP, C, and C++ programming. One of the top web development IDEs, NetBeans supports fast and smart code editing with its drag-and-drop interface to develop high-performing desktop, mobile, and web applications.  

11. Notepad++

Notepad++ is a popular text and source code editor written in C++ and used mainly with Microsoft Windows. Preferred for its high exertion speed and small program size, Notepad++ offers syntax highlighting, auto-completion, code folding, customizable GUI, and supports over 140 plugins. 

12. Webstorm

A slick IDE that stands out for its feature-rich and smart code editor, Webstorm is a commercial software designed to develop the smartest web apps. Features include intelligent code completion, cross-platform features, powerful navigation, on-the-fly error detection. The IDE is compatible with Mac, Linux, and Windows and supports programming in JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and other languages. 

13. PHP Storm

PHP Storm is an excellent IDE for working with PHP frameworks like WordPress, Magento, and Drupal. PHP Storm is designed with an intuitive user interface and features like customization with themes and extensions, auto code completion, error highlighting, and smart code navigator. As such, it is an ideal web development IDE for developers. 

14. Kite

An editor that supports over 16 languages, Kite IDE automatically completes multiple line codes. Enjoy hassle-free, fast coding with this free web development software. 

15. Brackets

Created by Adobe Systems, Brackets is a powerful yet lightweight editor with great visual tools, preprocessor support, an intuitive user interface, and easy navigation. This free, open-source project supports programming in multiple languages and offers real-time browser connection so developers can instantly view all code changes on the screen.

Tips to Build a Career in Web Development

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced programmer looking to pursue a career as a web developer, you need to hone your skills and adopt new technologies that are constantly emerging in the dynamic web development field. Web developers build and maintain websites and applications for the internet or intranet. Their duties include building, testing, and deploying websites based on a deep understanding of client requirements. Website maintenance by fixing issues and adding features is also a vital responsibility of a web developer. 

With businesses going online everywhere, the demand for web designers and developers is at an all-time high. A career as a web developer is a promising one with excellent prospects as you go up the ladder. 

To become a successful web developer, you need to be ready to work in a challenging environment. Learn fundamental web development skills in programming languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, which will help you gain the foundation and logic required to work with programming languages. Choose a development specialization like front-end developer, back-end developer, or full-stack developer. Build projects that can help develop your web development skills. Design an attractive web developer portfolio to showcase your strongest skills when applying for web developer jobs.   

Coding boot camps are one of the best options for aspiring web developers as you get hands-on learning experience and the opportunity to develop job-ready skills quickly. Stay updated with emerging tools and technologies in the web development field. Jumpstart your career in web development with full-stack web development certification training from Simplilearn! Get in touch with us to know about our wide variety of programs and courses that will empower you for a successful career in this digital age.