Types of Code Editors Software

Source code editors typically provide features that are specifically designed to facilitate the writing and/or editing of complex code. They help to simplify and speed up the coding process through a few key features, including brace matching, syntax highlighting, autocomplete, and indentation functionalities.

The majority of code editors also offer more convenient means of running programs like debuggers, compilers, interpreters, and other solutions critical to the software development process. However, there are many different types of text or code editors available, with varying functionalities and capabilities.

Open-Source Code Editors

Open-source code editors come in many different shapes and forms. Some are simple and lightweight, while others offer more functionality and features than your standard free-based text editing software solution.

A good example of this type of code editor is Notepad++. Originally developed for Windows operating system, Notepad++ is a decent replacement for the original Notepad, which comes with the Windows system.

Notepad++ is perhaps one of the most common code editors that a lot of software developers and programmers use to input codes in. It is also one of the simplest forms of code editing software out there with nothing extraordinary to learn about. It is lightweight and straightforward and supports BSD, Linux, UNIX, and Mac OS X operating systems.

Another open-source code editing software solution is jEdit. Like Notepad++, jEdit supports quite a few operating systems, such as Windows, Mac OS X, UNIX, Linux, OS/2, and VMS. However, unlike Notepad++, jEdit caters more to mature or more seasoned software developers.

This particular code editor is written in Java, but it actually supports a number of programming languages, including LOTOS, Python, ActionScript, COBOL, ColdFusion, and Ruby.

Proprietary or Standalone Code Editors

Standalone source code editors come in many different shapes and sizes. They offer a wide range of features and capabilities. Also, most of them are designed to cover a multitude of functions and processes in the world of software design and development.

One such code editor in this category is Dreamweaver CC. Developed by Adobe, Dreamweaver CC is an all-in-one web development solution that is proprietary in nature. It is designed to help users in creating, publishing, and managing websites and mobile content.

KompoZer is another good example. Powered by the well-known brand Mozilla, KompoZer is a complete system designed for web authoring. The code editing software integrates easily accessible web page editing functions with web file management to help web developers and programmers.

System-Specific Code Editors

System-specific source code editors are essentially designed to run on a specific operating system, even though they generally support a multitude of programming languages. More often than not, these types of code editors are not open-source.

A good example of a system-specific code editor is TextWrangler, which is a Mac-only platform. It is a robust, general-purpose text editor proven to be an invaluable tool in any UNIX and server administrator’s toolkit.

On the surface, TextWrangler seems like a basic and plain text editor. However, this is not the case. It actually offers quite a few features and capabilities, such as a documents drawer, syntax coloring or highlighting, and function navigation for over 40 programming languages, including C++, Python, SQL, Perl, JavaScript, ActionScript, VBScript, HTML, and so much more.

Additionally, TextWrangler allows users to open extremely large files and programs, limited only by the RAM specification of the machine and the OS X limitation to files.

How to Choose Code Editors Software

Whether you’re just starting to experiment and learn how to write code or are already an experienced coder, there are certain elements you need to look for when trying to choose the right code editor.

Ease of Use

Ease of use is an important factor in any software solution. It helps to increase workflow efficiency, shortens the learning curve significantly, and enables users with limited experience in coding to effectively utilize the platform.

Features and Capabilities

Whether you’re developing a mobile app, website or web app, business process software, or any other solution that requires coding, you need a tool that provides the features and capabilities you need in order to get things done in the speediest and most efficient way possible. So, opting for a code editor that can deliver on features and capabilities is worth checking out.

Technical Support and Programming Language Support

Technical support is integral in any software solution you intend to pick up, especially when it comes to proprietary or standalone systems. Another component of code editors you should consider when choosing a platform is the programming language it supports. Unless you’re only interested in one or two languages, you should consider code editors that support multiple programming languages.

Cost and Accessibility

If you’re looking for free open-source code editors, there are plenty to choose from out there. However, if you prefer something more feature-rich that has more flexibility and is fully integrated, opting for a paid platform might be the more appropriate option. But, if you do go for a paid code editing solution, you may want to consider the cost and the accessibility of the platform.

Benefits of Code Editors Software

Code editors are a form of text editing platform designed specifically for writing and editing source code for web and mobile applications, software programs, and computer systems. Compared to standard text editors, source code editors actually provide a reference to other existing components within the program, which allows the developer/programmer to improve upon or automate the code editing process.

The right code editing solution can help make the writing and editing process of code in more complex programs and applications a lot easier, more convenient, and efficient. Moreover, they allow users with limited knowledge or experience with coding to work on applications with a relatively short learning curve.

Common Features of Code Editors