Hello Programmers, in today’s programming world Competitive Programming is one of the leading terms. When we talk about competitive programming, it is a field of programming where you have to solve problems in a limited time.
Many professional or smart programmers use different tools to write codes faster and edit their codes as well. so, in this article, I’m going to talk about what an IDE is, and what are the Best IDE for competitive programming.
Hopefully, this article will help you to decide the Best IDE for yourself.
What an IDE is?
Before knowing about what are the best IDE, let us know what an IDE is. Basically, IDE means Integrated Development Environment. It is software for programmers which consists of a code editor, debugger, compiler, and GUI (Graphical User Interface).
It a heavy software as compared to normal code editors. It is mainly used to develop software. It helps programmers to arrange their workflow. It consists of all features that are available in the normal code editor.
It also increases the productivity of programmers to code faster.
Why You should use an IDE
Now, Let’s talk about why you should use an IDE. There are many reasons to use IDE so let’s discuss them.
1. GUI (Graphical User Interface) – IDE has GUI (Graphical User Interface) which helps you to add components to your software program.
2. Debugging – Debugging is a feature that helps to analyze your code and find mistakes in the exact lines.
3. Unit Testing – Unit testing is a process in which we test a small part of codes to check whether it is properly working or not.
4. Time-Saving – IDE helps you to save a lot of time because it has many useful features.
5. Highlight Syntax – Most IDE has syntax highlight features. This feature helps you to highlight your syntax. So that, you can find your coding mistakes.
6. Autocompletion – The auto-completion feature helps you in auto-suggesting functions or code, which means you don’t have to type the full function it will automatically suggest it. Just like a google search.
7. Importing Library – When you are working on a project then you have to import some libraries. so, in this case, if you are using an IDE then it is very easy for you to import the library.
Best IDE for Competitive Programming
There are many IDE available in the market. Which make helps you to increase your productivity. But, in today’s post, I’m going will tell you about some of the best IDE that you can use.
Visual Studio
Visual Studio
Features
- Developed by Microsoft
- Easy-to-use interface
- Auto completion
- Supported by Windows, Mac & Linux
- Debugging feature
Pros
- Collaborations tools
- Code analysis
- Well Integrations
- Customizable User interface
- Extension Support
Cons
- Slow boot-up time
- Some time it crashes
- Difficult to learn
The first IDE on our list is Visual studio. This is one of the most useable IDE and many of you already know about this. Visual Studio is developed by Microsoft. It is available on windows and mac. It supports languages like C, C++, C#, Python, Visual basic.net javascript, etc.
Visual Studio is a lightweight IDE. It has Robusto Architecture. You can use this Visual studio code for free. It was initially released on April 29, 2015. Currently, the visual studio has a new very 2022 which has some new features.
Visual Studio
If you want to use Visual Studio IDE then click on the Know more button. You will be redirected to the next page where you can get a detailed guide about the Installation Process of Visual Studio.
Pycharm
Pycharm
Features
- Package Management
- Local History
- Intelligent Code Editor
- Integrated Debugging and Testing
- Refactoring
Pros
- Professional edition is free
- Available on windows, mac & Linux
- Smart code completion
- code inspections
- Customizable UI
Cons
- user interface is not good
- Need to optimize Software
- lacking performance.
The second IDE on our list is Pycharm. If you are a python developer then you must know about it. It is an IDE mainly for python programmers. It is developed by a Czech company. It has features like Refactoring which help to improve the internal structure of a python program.
It has an intelligent code editor which is help to auto-suggest the code. Pycharm has an integrated debugging and testing feature. It supports frameworks like flask and Django. Pycharm was initially launched on 18 January 2011. Pycharm provides API features which means you can create your own plugins as per your need. It is one of the most used IDE, especially for Python.
Pycharm has 3 editions General, commercial and Professional in which general and commercial are paid. It is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Pycharm
When beginning to program, it can be difficult to choose the best code editor for HTML, CSS, and Javascript. For beginners who want to use a code editor that is easy to learn and use, I recommend you use Visual Studio Code (VSCode). VSCode is a beginner-friendly code editor that offers many features that experienced developers need.
Eclipse
Eclipse
Features
- Free to use
- Available on Windows, Mac & linux
- Many languages supported
- Extensive Plugins
Pros
- Supports almost all languages
- Lots of features
- Great debugging supports
- Lots of Plugins and Extensions
Cons
- Slow IDE
- Many Plugins are not supported
- Consume lots of RAM
Eclipse is a free open-source IDE developed on Java. Which provide a platform for a developer to create Java Based application like web apps and website. It supports a variety of plugins that help developers to create their applications in different languages such as Ruby, Java, Python, PHP, C, C++, Javascript, etc.
Eclipse supports almost all languages which means you do not have any barriers to creating applications in only one language. It has a great debugging feature which saves lots of your time in the execution process.
This IDE consumes lots of RAM and its performance speed is slow. And many plugins of this IDE are not supported.
Eclipse
If want a detailed guide about how to use install or how to use Eclipse IDE then click on the know more button and read the detailed article.
Net Beans
Net Beans
Features
- Visual debugger.
- Static analysis tools.
- Code converters.
- Collaborate
Pros
- Visual debugger
- Batch code analyzers
- Available on Mac, windows & Linux
- Free and open source
Cons
- It crashes after a long time of use
- Slow performance
- debugger is less efficient
The next IDE on our list is Net Beans. It is a powerful IDE that is based on Java. It helps developers to create mobile applications, web applications, etc. Net Beans supports languages such as HTML, CSS, Javascript, Python, PHP, Java, and C++.
Netbeans is an open-source IDE. The first time Net Beans was launched was in 2004. It is easy-to-use software. Netbean is available on different platforms like mac, windows, and Linux. It has very helpful features like a visual debugger which helps developers test their code.
But, there are also some cons to this IDE. After a long time of use, it crashes which is not good. Its performance is slow and also the debugger is not very efficient.
Net Beans
If you want a free & open-source IDE for decent types of work then you can use Netbeans. For installing Netbeans IDE please click on the know more button.
IDLE
IDLE
Pros
- Supports mac and windows
- Syntax Highlighting
- Auto-Completion
- Single statement execution
- Inbuilt debugger
Cons
- Need package manager to install
- Built only for python
- Old UI
IDLE means Integrated Development and Learning Environment. It is built by Guido Van Rossum in December 1998. If you’re a python programmer then it is one of the best IDE for you. You can use the IDE only for python programming.
You can make many different projects or programs with this IDE. IDLE is available on mac and windows. It has features like syntax highlighting, auto-completion, and single-line execution.
IDLE has its own inbuilt debugger. But, there are also some cons that you have to watch before using it. But, it also has some disadvantages which you have to see before using it. Its UI is very old and you can use this IDE only for your python programming.
FAQ
Why is IDE Needed
IDE is needed because It helps programmers to arrange their workflow. It consists of all features that are available in the normal code editor. IDE also increases the productivity of a programmer
What is IDE Example
Examples of IDE are – Visual studio, Pycharm, Netbeans, and Eclipse
Do you need an IDE to Code
If you are a normal programmer and you’re not working on any big project then in that case you don’t need an IDE to code. You can use a simple code editor for your basic code.
What are the features of IDE?
Features of IDE are – Autocomletions, Debugger, Extensions, Graphical User Interface
Is Python an IDE
No Python is a programming language and Pycharm is an IDE that is basically used to develop python based application
What does IDE stand for in programming
IDE stands for Integrated Development Environment
Which is the fastest IDE?
According to my experience, Visual Studio Code is one of the fastest IDE
What IDE do most companies use?
Visual Studio and IntelliJ IDEA is mostly used in companies
Conclusion
I listed the Best IDE for Competitive Programming according to my experience. If you are an expert programmer or a beginner and want to work with an IDE, then I will suggest that you should give some of them a try.