# Development
Top Code Editors for JavaScript: Discover the Best Tools
Red Rocket teamJul 19, 20246 min read
Experienced developers know well that a small code for a web page can be written even with the help of an ordinary notepad, which is available on every PC. However, this method is a thing of the past because today, there are many solutions for the convenient writing of code for development. You should pay attention to integrated development environments or relevant code editors if you want to save time and make the development process more convenient.
Are you astonished by the many offers of code editors for JavaScript and don't know which option to choose? We, the experts at Red Rocket, know how to choose the right code editor. We have prepared a lot of useful information for you in this article, including a list of advanced editors for JavaScript
Top JavaScript IDEs and code editors
Before we share with you an actual list with the best JavaScript editors, let us explain the difference between code editors and IDEs. Program code is stored in a plain text file, which you can work with in any text editor. To increase productivity, it is better to use specialized code editors. They have functions that make programming easier: syntax highlighting, autocompletion, quick navigation through the code. There are also whole program complexes that include not only a code editor but also a compiler, debugger, project manager, version control and many other things. Such applications are called IDE - Integrated Development Environment.
There are many code editors for JavaScript: paid and free, created by enthusiasts and corporations, new players and time-tested applications. Let's move on so that you can choose the best JavaScript editor.
1. Visual Studio Code
We start our list of code writing programs with Visual Studio Code. A lot of people consider this program to be the best JavaScript editor free of charge. Why is that so? This is an open source free code editor from Microsoft that works on platforms such as Windows, Linux, and macOS.
It supports JavaScript, TypeScript, PHP, Python, C++ and many other programming languages. This program has a built-in terminal for convenient work with console applications. The project is actively developing, with constant updates and a built in user feedback process.
What are the pros of Visual Studio Code?
- Suitable for different platforms.
- Wide functionality.
- Free access.
- Integrated Git client.
What are the cons of Visual Studio Code?
- It will take some time for a beginner to master the program, as there are quite a lot of different menus and settings in the editor.
- Not all extensions from third-party developers work stably.
2. WebStorm
Let us introduce you to the next JavaScript program. This is an IDE from the JetBrains company, focused on web development. The first thing to note about this code editor is that it is only available on a paid basis. The price is $129 per year.
WebStorm offers quick code navigation and access to documentation. Like the past version, it is compatible with different platforms such as Windows, Linux, and macOS. The program has tools for remote teamwork, the ability to pair programming right inside the IDE.
What are the pros of WebStorm?
- No initial setup required.
- Intelligent autocomplete, error checking and code improvement tips.
- Support for extensions;
- Flexible user interface customization.
What are the cons of WebStorm?
- Due to its extensive functionality, WebStorm is heavy and resource-intensive.
- Quite complicated to customize.
- Long initial loading time.
- Subscription-based distribution model.
3. Sublime Text
It's time to introduce you to the Integrated Development Environment, which is great for HTML. Sublime Text works great on Windows, Linux and macOS. The cost to access the program is $99.
You may ask what are the features? It has a simple interface and full functionality so that developers can do their work faster and easier. It has flexible user interface customization and supports extensions. These all make it a great option for many users.
What are the pros of Sublime Text?
- Doesn't take up much storage space.
- Instant startup.
- Very high performance when working with text. The program does not slow down when working with large files.
- Syntax highlighting and auto-complete function.
What are the cons of Sublime Text?
- Long customization and installation of various extensions is required to turn the editor into a full-fledged IDE.
- There is no built-in terminal.
4. Notepad++
Notepad++ is a JavaScript editor for Windows that is characterized by its simplicity in operation. The program does not have an overloaded interface and a large variety of functions. However, this fact in no way affects the popularity of this text code editor.
The program is rightfully considered to be universal. Because it can be used both for writing text and writing code. It is similar to a regular notepad on your computer or notes on your smartphone, but more functional. Now, despite the abundance of IDEs and specialized editors, Notepad++ is still used for specific programming languages.
What are the pros of Notepad++?
- Free access to the code editor.
- High performance.
- Syntax highlighting.
- Extension support.
What are the cons of Notepad++?
- Outdated visual look of product.
- Available for Windows only.
- Limited number of features.
5. Eclipse
Eclipse IDE was first introduced in 2001 by IBM. Since that time it has become one of the most popular integrated development environments in the world. This is an open source project and is used by developers to create various types of software.
Numerous reviews on the Internet of web developers say that Eclipse JavaScript software is characterized by reliability and stability. The program automatically notifies the developer of an error as soon as it notices an error.
What are the pros of Eclipse?
- Wide functionality for developers.
- Integration with Git is possible.
- Optimal performance.
- Ability to work with large projects.
What are the cons of Eclipse?
- May be complicated for novice developers.
- Special plug-ins are required to work with JavaScript.
6. Vim
The famous American software developer Bill Joy released the Vi text editor back in the 70s of the last century. Actually, Vim is an improved modification that allows people to write code. Many developers have noted the significance of this software and have even called Vim one of the most significant applications in the history of computers.
Vim uses a rather peculiar control model for the current times. It is mainly used by those people who are opposed to today's approaches to web development.
What are the pros of Vim?
- Available free of charge for all users.
- Extensive customization options.
- Supported on Windows, Linux and macOS.
- Able to work even with large files.
What are the cons of Vim?
- It can take a lot of time to set up and get up and running.
- It is hard to master for both beginners and experienced developers.
How to Choose the Best JavaScript Editor?
Certainly, we have told you about six code editors for JavaScript according to our opinion and that of other experts. However, choosing the only one among so many offers can be quite a difficult task. When choosing a code editor, you need to consider your own goals, budget, and some external factors. Below, we will talk about the key points to consider to get the best text editor for JavaScript.
- Working with code. An editor for writing code should definitely be able to highlight syntax, check errors, automatically complete the code, and have support for refactoring tools. Pay attention to the most basic features that every developer needs.
- Expandability. Editor developers physically do not have the resources to satisfy all highly specialized user requests. That is why a good code editor has a system of plugins, with the help of which third-party developers can extend its functionality.
- Relevance and popularity. The world of JavaScript development is constantly growing, so it makes sense to choose only from the most popular and actively supported projects. Otherwise, there is a risk of encountering incompatibility errors between outdated editors and new versions of the language or tools. Atom and Brackets are vivid examples of popular editors being shut down by the companies that created them.
- Speed of operation. This is an important point if your computer is not the latest version. Not all editors are well optimized, so pay attention to the compatibility of the editor and your PC.
- The intuitiveness of the interface. A developer spends most of his time in the code editor. An uncomfortable tool is hard to use, so the editor should be designed so that it can be used on an intuitive level.
- Design. Many developers underestimate the visual look of the editor. However, it is very important point. The design of the editor should be comfortable for the eyes. Pay attention to whether the editor has a dark theme.
- Price. As you may know, there are paid programs and free programs. If a program is available for free, it may indicate that it is of low quality or has little functionality. Paid products offer personalized support, where you will be helped to solve exactly your problem. And also highly specialized features, such as teamwork or integrations with cloud services.
Reading this article, you can probably already distinguish several code editors for yourself. Make a comparative analysis between these 2-3 options according to the parameters we have written above. Give each program one point if it satisfies the required parameter. The editor that will score the most points in your comparison will be perfect for your needs and work.
Conclusion
In 2024, there is a large number of offers for conveniently writing code in JavaScript language. As statistics shows, the most popular JavaScript editor today is Visual Studio Code. Open source program code, a huge number of plugins, a well-developed community and support from Microsoft itself. All of these are reasons why Visual Studio Code has become the standard in the web development industry in recent years.
However, there are many other alternatives that provide ease and high speed of work. We should also say a couple of words for the future of the JavaScript code editor industry. With the development of artificial intelligence, it is hard to predict what kind of look such programs will have in a few years. In any case, it's always a good idea to try out a few different editors to see which one best suits your needs and capabilities.
