Guess what? We’re on a quest to find the best IDE for Linux! With so many options to choose from, it can feel like a daunting task, but don’t worry – I’m here to guide you through the process.
Here’s our battle plan:
- Features that really matter
- User-friendliness, because we all need that
- Seamless integration with your workflow
Finding the right IDE can make your Linux development experience a total breeze. We’ll be comparing some of the most popular IDEs out there, discussing their unique features, ease of use, and how well they play with other tools.
So, are you ready to embark on this journey with me? By the end of this article, you’ll have a solid understanding of the Linux IDE landscape and be well-equipped to choose the one that suits your needs best. Let’s dive into the world of IDEs for Linux development and find your perfect match!
18 Best IDEs for Linux
Bluefish
One of the best HTML editors is this new cross-platform code editor. To assist users in getting started with code editing in Linux systems, it offers users auto-completion features of tags, enables integrating external programmes, auto-indentation, plug-ins, and a simple user interface.
VIM
A popular text editor for Linux and Unix-based operating systems is called VIM (Vi IMproved). It is a robust editor that is open-source and free. It is quite customizable, and over time it gained popularity among system administrators and the majority of core developers. Overall, VIM is a robust and adaptable text editor that is well-liked by Linux users and programmers.
Spacemacs
Spacemacs, an open-source platform for configuring GNU Emacs, collaborates with Vim to give programmers the ideal IDE. This cross-platform IDE supports Windows, macOS, and Linux. The updated version is more ergonomic and consistent. The community has advocated for a certain configuration. It provides a few carefully chosen packages that have been adjusted by power users.
Kate
KDE Advanced Text Editor is referred to as Kate. A desktop environment (graphical user interface) for Linux is called KDE. Kate can be installed on Windows, Linux, or Mac; the KDE desktop is not necessary. You can edit several documents at once using Kate. It enables customisation, color-coded syntax, and plugins. Kwrite is a simpler programme that may be used to open and modify one file rapidly.
CodeLite
Another on the list of top free, open-source, and cross-platform code editors is CodeLite. If you deal with JS, PHP, C++, or another language, CodeLite will unquestionably suit your needs. With features like code navigation, refactoring, and source control plugins, CodeLite offers a lot to programmers.
KDevelop
KDevelop is yet another open-source, free, and cross-platform IDE that runs on Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Solaris, FreeBSD, and other Unix-like operating systems. It is built using the Qt, KDE, and KDevPlatform libraries. KDevelop is packed with features and incredibly extendable through plugins.
Geany
The lightweight IDE Geany supports all of the top programming languages. Geany seeks to offer a straightforward and quick development environment. The auto-indent, syntax highlighting, auto-complete code or snippets, and other fundamental functions are all present. Geany has a more spacious workspace and is spotless. So choose Geany if you want a simple and light Linux IDE for your projects.
The GNAT Studio
The goal of the IDE’s design and development is to streamline communication between programmers and their code. By making source navigation easier and emphasising a program’s most important goals and portions, the entire task is completed. A higher level of programming comfortability is also presented by the GNAT Programming Studio, which enables users to build a whole system from scratch.
Qt Creator
A free, cross-platform IDE called Qt Creator is intended for the development of linked devices, user interfaces, and software. Users of Qt Creator are able to create more than just application code. It can be used to develop desktop, mobile, and connected embedded device applications.
Brackets
The modern text and code editor Brackets was created specifically for Web developers. Web development is made incredibly simple by the preprocessor support and visual tools that are included. Brackets is a fantastic IDE and the ideal choice for web development because it is packed with features like an inline editor and real-time live preview of scripts.
Pyzo
Pyzo Pyzo is a free and open-source programme that is another excellent IDE for Linux and is well recognised for carrying out scientific computations (just like NumPy & Scipy). This IDE’s goal was to give users a straightforward yet sophisticated experience, and that is exactly what it delivers. The “Tool Menu” can easily be placed wherever you choose for convenience, and users can also design their own tools (such as Project Manager, File Browser, Web Browser, etc.)
Gedit (IDE)
This one is an IDE that comes pre-installed with the Linux GNOME desktop environment. Gedit is a straightforward C language code editor that enables users to write programmes in a variety of languages, including JavaScript, HTML, C, C++, Python, and other programming languages. It is a straightforward tool with customisable syntax and cut, copy, and paste capabilities for the clipboard.
CODE::BLOCKS
The majority of the capabilities that programmers want and deem ideal are available to users of the IDE Code::Blocks. The secret to Code::Blocks’ success is consistency, which has helped it reach to where it is today. A variety of plugins are supported and available by Code::Blocks, both from its own repository and from third parties. Code::Blocks is extremely quick at opening and editing files.
Apache NetBeans
A quick and potent IDE for software development is Apache NetBeans. It has strong community support and lets you develop code in a number of different languages. It contains a number of plugins to help it better adapt to new features. Furthermore, it provides front-end development with GUI-based design tools. Apache NetBeans is a free and open-source project.
Spyder
A special IDE designed to meet the needs of the scientific python developer community is called Spyder Spyder. Together with standard IDE capabilities like debuggers and a terminal, it includes an effective editor, an IPython console, and a variable explorer to interact with and plot variables.
MonoDevelop
A cross-platform and open-source IDE called MonoDevelop was created by Xamarin with the goal of helping developers create desktop and web applications using the Mono and.Net frameworks. It offers a simple, contemporary user interface and comes pre-loaded with support for a number of languages and extensions.
Wing
This IDE, which was first presented by Wingware in 2000, is one of the most well-liked among beginners. It is renowned for using the quick and effective Python language and was created specifically for Linux developers. Wing Pro (Free Trial), Wing Personal (Individual/Paid), and Wing (101/Paid) are the three current variants that are offered. The best feature of this IDE is that it allows programmers to automate tasks and do debugging, which qualifies it for use by beginners and students.
Kakoune Code Editor
An alternative Linux text editor is Kakoune. It doubles down on navigating through the already-written material rather than concentrating on adding or creating new text. In that it employs many modes, such as insertion mode and command mode, it is comparable to the Vi/Vim editor. The most recent features, including color-coding, autocomplete, and on-screen assistance, are all present in Kakoune. The capacity to make several selections is a significant advantage. The method for producing and maintaining files is simplified and made more intuitive by Kakoune.
Finding the best IDE for your needs
As you can see, the ideal IDE for you will depend on your operating system, preferred programming language, and platforms for which you intend to create software. Indeed, finding the ideal match is a continuous process. As your possibilities are nearly endless, it could be beneficial to make a list of your preferences before looking for the IDE that best suits your requirements. Although every developer has a favourite piece of software, don’t be hesitant to try something new because IDEs are constantly evolving.
FAQ on the best IDE for Linux
Why use an IDE on Linux?
Using an IDE on Linux can significantly improve your productivity and overall experience. IDEs often provide features tailored for various programming languages and platforms, such as:
- Code completion
- Syntax highlighting
- Error checking
- Integrated build tools
- Debugging capabilities
- Version control
These features make the development process more efficient and enjoyable, and many IDEs are compatible with or designed specifically for Linux.
Which IDEs are popular for Linux?
There are several popular IDEs suitable for Linux development, including:
- Visual Studio Code
- Eclipse
- JetBrains IDEs (e.g., IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, WebStorm, GoLand)
- Sublime Text
What makes Visual Studio Code suitable for Linux development?
Visual Studio Code is a powerful and versatile IDE with extensive support for various programming languages and platforms, and it runs smoothly on Linux. Some of its key features include:
- Built-in support for multiple programming languages
- A large ecosystem of extensions
- Integrated terminal
- Built-in Git support
- Customizable interface
Visual Studio Code is a great choice for Linux development due to its flexibility and wide range of features.
Is Eclipse a good choice for Linux development?
Definitely! Eclipse is a popular, open-source IDE designed for various programming languages and platforms. Key features include:
- Intelligent code completion
- Syntax highlighting
- Debugging tools
- Integrated version control
- Integration with build tools
Eclipse is highly extensible and can be customized using plugins to support various programming languages and development environments.
How do JetBrains IDEs perform on Linux?
JetBrains IDEs, like IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, WebStorm, and GoLand, perform very well on Linux. They offer a consistent development experience across platforms, with features such as:
- Intelligent code completion
- Syntax highlighting
- Debugging tools
- Integrated version control
- Integration with build tools
JetBrains IDEs are a popular choice for Linux developers due to their powerful features and seamless integration.
Can I use Sublime Text on Linux?
Yes, Sublime Text is a lightweight and powerful text editor that runs smoothly on Linux. It supports various programming languages and platforms through the installation of packages. Key features include:
- Fast and efficient performance
- Extensive customization options
- Syntax highlighting
- Code completion
- Integrated build tools
Sublime Text is an excellent choice for developers looking for a fast and highly customizable text editor on Linux.
Are there any Linux-specific IDEs?
While most popular IDEs are cross-platform and work well on Linux, there are some IDEs designed specifically for Linux development, such as:
- KDevelop (for KDE/Qt development)
- Anjuta DevStudio (for GNOME development)
- Geany (lightweight and versatile)
These Linux-specific IDEs often provide a more tailored experience for Linux developers, with features designed for specific Linux platforms or environments.
Can I use online IDEs for Linux development?
Yes, you can use online IDEs for Linux development. Some popular options include:
- Replit
- CodeSandbox
- Cloud9
These platforms allow you to create, edit, and test code directly in your web browser, making them a convenient option for quickly prototyping or collaborating on projects. However, they may not provide the same level of integration and customization as desktop IDEs.
Can I develop using a simple text editor on Linux?
While it’s possible to develop using a simple text editor on Linux, you’ll miss out on the many productivity-enhancing features that IDEs and advanced text editors offer. These features, such as code completion, integrated build tools, and debugging capabilities, can make a significant difference in your development experience.
If you prefer using a simple text editor, you may want to consider installing plugins or extensions that add support for your programming language and development environment, like syntax highlighting, error checking, and build system integration.
However, keep in mind that these setups might not provide the same level of integration and ease of use as a dedicated IDE or advanced text editor with built-in support for Linux development.
Conclusion on the best IDE for Linux
All of these IDEs are excellent options for programmers, and each one has advantages and disadvantages of its own. To summarise, there isn’t a single IDE that is perfect for everyone. It’s important to use the one that best suits your needs.
So, web and application developers utilizing Linux and its distros, such as Ubuntu and LinuxMint, are the best-integrated development environments. All IDEs on this list are excellent for experienced developers and programmers.
If you liked this article about the best IDE for Linux, you should check out this article about the best IDE for Golang.
There are also similar articles discussing the best IDE for PHP, the best IDE for Rust, the best IDE for Ruby, and the best IDE for Scala.
And let’s not forget about articles on the best IDE for TypeScript, the best IDE for Angular, the best IDE for React, and the best IDE for Android.
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