Every programmer needs a good source code editor to write code. A source code editor is a text editor specifically designed and programmed for programmers. It allows you to write code on your computer. When it comes to choosing a source code editor, there are plenty of options to choose from. But what is most important is choosing the right tool that will match the workflow and purpose.
Top 5 Source Code Editors
Here, we have listed the top 5 source code editors you can use. Each of our selected text editors has its own advantages and disadvantages.
1. Visual Studio Code
If a cross-platform code editor with optimum features is your choice, Visual Studio Code from the house of Microsoft is your best option. Visual Studio Code runs with equal ease on almost all operating systems. Now, one might ask, what is the major difference between Atom and Visual Studio Code? Well, the answer is quite simple.
The same open-source components find their use as the base for Visual Studio Code as well. However, Microsoft added some new features in place of the older ones. As a result, the performance of the source code increases significantly, especially when writing joint statements.
The official marketplace offers many customized themes and plugins. The IntelliSense autocomplete feature of Visual Studio Code noticeably enhances the workflow process. With every command that the user types, this tool goes on enlisting probable suggestions. As a result, the programmer doesn’t need to type more than half of the code.
The most important factor of this tool that sets it apart from the others is its capability to allow the user to debug the source code right from the editing stage. As a result, the programmer doesn’t need to debug a 5000-line source code all at once after writing it.
2. Sublime Text
The reason Sublime Text is considered one of the best code editors is its user-friendly interface. There is a command palette present in the interface, which is a unique feature of this tool.
The Ctrl+P shortcut command stands out as an outstanding feature of Sublime Text. This command enables the user to go to anything, allowing quick access to system files and the ability to jump to specific words, lines, or symbols.
The command palette of Sublime Text presents several functionalities that any web developer would require. From quickly checking key bindings to the ability to switch to any other color palette, the command palette offers a lot of features to the user.
3. Brackets
Brackets is a free and open-source editor written in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It is primarily focused on proposed web development. Created by Adobe Systems, it is currently maintained on GitHub and available for all major cross-platform downloads on Mac, Windows, and Linux.
Most code editors serve the purpose of back-end programmers. HTML and CSS are regarded as the foundational languages for web development. While HTML is a markup language and not a programming one, CSS deals with the styling and formatting of web pages. Additionally, these days, JavaScript is the most important language required for web development.
It is one of the most robust languages used to date. For editing source codes in these languages, Brackets serve as the best choice. Brackets allow the user to establish a real-time connection with the browser in use.
The inline editing feature of Brackets makes the tool very handy to use. Moreover, it presents the opportunity for comparison and hence opens the room for in-time editing while developing the source code. One can split the editor into vertical as well as horizontal panes as per the requirement.
4. Notepad++
Notepad++ is a free and open-source text editor designed for the Windows operating system. Serving as an enhanced version of Notepad, it has become a popular choice among developers. Notepad++ provides a range of features that cater to the needs of web developers and programmers.
One of its notable features is the ability to highlight syntax, making code readability easier and reducing errors. The customizable interface allows users to adapt the editor to their preferences, enhancing the overall coding experience. The search and replace features are particularly useful for managing and modifying code efficiently, especially in more complex projects.
In addition to these core functionalities, Notepad++ supports various plugins, offering extended capabilities and further customization options. Its lightweight nature and quick loading make it a convenient tool for quick edits and extensive coding projects alike.
Overall, Notepad++ stands out as a versatile and powerful text editor, providing essential tools for web developers seeking efficiency and flexibility in their coding tasks.
5. Atom
Talking about the top source code editors, most professionals’ choice is Atom. It is an open-source tool launched by GitHub. The best part of Atom is that, despite having significant pros and minimal cons, this tool is available for free. Initially, GitHub used it for editing its internal source codes until it decided to release it to the public in the year 2014.
The primary specialty of Atom is its user-friendly interface coupled with advanced features. With an expertly designed User Interface, Atom provides the user with the opportunity to split the interface into two parts, enabling the comparison of contents in multiple files. Atom, as a tool, takes the finishing part very seriously.
That is the reason its auto-completion feature makes Atom a favorite in the software world, especially for those connected to back-end programming. The built-in package manager of Atom streamlines the workflow. The easy file browsing system and the availability of numerous open-source packages, along with themes, make Atom the first choice for both professional and beginner web developers.
