Top 10 JavaScript IDEs & Source Code Editors

JavaScript is the foundation language of the World Wide Web. Without it, the internet would not be what it is today. JavaScript is a high level programming language that can be used for both front-end development and back-end web development. JavaScript can be used to create dynamic web content or applications. JavaScript will give you a competitive edge if you are a web developer, or in any other role related to web development. here are best JavaScript IDEs.

This article will discuss our opinions on the top 10 JavaScript IDEs for code editors and JavaScript IDEs for 2022. Although Adobe’s Brackets, an open-source code editor for JavaScript, was discontinued in 2021, there are still many applications that can help JavaScript developers streamline their workflow.

What are IDEs, code editors and what do they do?

Software applications that allow you to create and edit code include integrated development environments (IDEs), and code editors (CEs). Although we could write code using a simple text editor, IDEs or CEs provide additional functionality that streamlines the coding process.

IDEs typically have more functionality than code editors. However, some code editors can be modified to provide similar functionality to an IDE. Many code editors include syntax highlighting, brace matching, autocompletion, as well as autocompletion. IDEs combine multiple tools into one graphical user interface. These tools typically include a code editor and a compiler/interpreter.

Consider these things when selecting an IDE/code editor

Each programmer has a preference for IDEs and editors. It is possible to try several applications before you find the right one.

These are some factors to be aware of when you evaluate your options.

• Cost: You have both paid and free applications. Consider your budget and the possibility of trying multiple applications before you find the perfect fit. Many applications allow you to try the software for free if you are open to paying.
  Learning curve: It can take time to adjust to a new interface, and to memorize keyboard shortcuts. Although learning curves vary from one user to another, certain applications have a steeper learning curve than others. These applications can be difficult to learn, so take your time and adapt to create a productive workflow.
• Customizability and functionality: Applications come with a variety of features. It is important to identify the functionalities that you are looking for. Multilingual support, autocompletion and Git integration are some of the most popular functionalities. Check to see if plugins or extensions are available for any IDEs or code editors that don’t provide a particular functionality.
• Speed: It is important to evaluate both the app’s speed and whether or not your device is capable of hosting the application.
• Requirements for your machine: Application performance can be affected by the specs of your machine. If you load a large program on your device’s memory and processing power, you will experience slowdowns. Although there are exceptions to this rule code editors will typically be lighter than IDEs.
• OS compatibility: Not all IDEs or code editors offer cross-platform functionality. When reviewing options, be aware of OS compatibility.
• Support for users: A well-known software company may offer more support for its customers than an application that is less popular. You may be a beginner and have a long learning curve. Look for applications with active user communities and customer support.
• Accessibility: Unfortunately, code editors and IDEs leave much to be desired in terms of accessibility. Many tools offer screen readers and font adjustments to assist visually impaired programmers. However, they are not perfect. Screen readers, for example, fail to show the visual indicators of some of their most useful features such as syntax highlighting or refactoring suggestions.

Also read: 10 Best C++ IDEs or Source Code Editors for Programming

10 Best JavaScript IDEs and code editors

1. WebStorm (IDE)

WebStorm provides integrated development environments that are specialized in TypeScript and JavaScript IDEs. WebStorm is used by many web developers for both front-end and back-end development. JetBrains’ WebStorm product. It supports JavaScript frameworks like Node.js and Angular.js. This is the best IDE for JavaScript development. It supports GitHub integration, smart Autocompletion and code refactoring across all project file types.

Pros:

• Support and reliable updates
• Easily customizable with plugins
• Available for Windows, Linux, or macOS
• Students and open-source projects are free

Cons:

• Can consume device memory
• Sometimes slow loading

Use Case: If you’re a multilingual web designer looking for an IDE that can support complex projects, this is the right place.

Price: $12.90/month for individual users. Students and open-source projects are eligible for a free copy.

2. IntelliJ IDEA Ultimate (IDE)

IntelliJ IDEA Ultimate, a Java-centric Java IDE, is popular for JavaScript programming. IntelliJ was the first Java IDE to incorporate functionalities like code navigation and code refactoring at its initial release in 2001. IntelliJ today has many more capabilities, including coding support and support for JavaScript frameworks like Node.js.

IntelliJ can be used with JetBrains products. IntelliJ is a JetBrains product. Some users have reported a steep learning curve. IntelliJ IDEA Community is an open-source, free IntelliJ alternative. Unfortunately, it doesn’t support JavaScript.

Pros:

• Intuitive user interface
• Accurate autocompletion using DOM model
• Screen readers are one of the accessibility features.

Cons:

• Indexing can take time
• Steeper learning curve
• Expensive
• Free version doesn’t support JavaScript

Use Case: If you are a professional and need a variety of functionalities to support ayour projects, this is the right place for you.

Price: $49.90/month for individual users

3. Komodo Edit (CE) and Komodo IDE

ActiveState developed Komodo Edit, Komodo IDE and Komodo Edit applications for dynamic programming languages. Komodo Edit is an open-source, free code editor. Komodo IDE is a commercial version of Komodo Edit that offers more functionality. Komodo IDE now comes as part of ActiveState.

Komodo Edit may be easier for beginners to use, although some users have reported a steep learning curve with Komodo IDE. Komodo Edit includes an FTP client, smart syntax highlighting, code folding and autocompletion. Komodo IDE has more advanced functionality, including unit testing and debugging. This JavaScript code editor allows customizing both these functions using macros and plugins.

Pros:

• Macros customization
• Komodo IDE features include remote collaboration, Git integration, version control and live preview.
• Maintain and improve your home regularly
• Cross-platform

Cons:

• For beginners, a steeper learning curve
• Komodo IDE has exclusive access to advanced features
• Developers for Python are not allowed to use Komodo IDE.

Use Case: A minimalist coding environment is what you want. You are actively prototyping and showcasing websites.

Price: Komodo Edit can be used for free. Komodo IDE is available as part of the Open-Source ActiveState Platform and open source JavaScript IDEs.

4. AWS Cloud9 (IDE)

AWS Cloud9 hosts an IDE on the cloud. Anyone can access this online IDE with an AWS account and a stable internet connection. This is particularly beneficial for those who cannot afford to install an expensive IDE locally.

AWS Cloud9 features include syntax highlighting and language analysis in real time. AWS Cloud9 JavaScript editor allows you to share and modify code with your collaborators in real time. Plugins can further customize the IDE.

Pros:

• Intuitive user interface
• Real-time collaboration helps to avoid merge conflicts and overwriting
• Kube tooling, integrated shell and other functionalities are some of the features
• Installation is not required locally

Cons:

• Access to stable Internet is required
• It is not free
• AWS account required

Use Case: If you need an IDE, but cannot afford one locally, it is possible to get them from the Internet. Collaboration tools are essential for your team. You are interested in serverless development, and need a preconfigured development environment to support it.

Price: AWS Cloud 9 prices with a pay for value billing model.

Also read: Top 10 JavaScript Frameworks for Developers

5. NetBeans (IDE)

NetBeans, a free IDE, is well-known among Java programmers. NetBeans is most often used for Java but it also supports HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript. NetBeans JavaScript editor includes syntax highlighting, autocompletion, and inbuilt jQuery support. NetBeans supports JavaScript frameworks like Express, Vue and React.

NetBeans is a favorite among programmers for its easy-to-use and customizable interface. NetBeans comes pre-installed with many functions so that you can get up and running immediately after installation. NetBeans can be resource-intensive. If your device’s specs are lower, it may not work smoothly.

Pros:

• It includes a debugger, code folding, and inbuilt Git support
• It is simple to customize the UI
• Available for Windows, Mac OS, and Linux

Cons:

• It is difficult to integrate with other tools
• Minimal add-on features
• Resource demands
• Even for small front-end projects, it can be slow

Use Case: If you’re a Java developer or polyglot, your device can handle heavyweight applications.

Price: Free.

6. Eclipse (IDE)

Eclipse, an open-source JavaScript IDEs, was released for the first time in 2004. Although it is primarily focused on Java development, Eclipse also supports JavaScript as well as other programming languages. Eclipse comes with a basic workspace that can be customized using plugins. This will mean that you need to add some setup time. For example, JavaScript development tools will need to installed.

Pros:

• Highly customizable
• Large user base, community-built plugins
• Use Emacs key bindings

Cons:

• Limited support
• Resource demands
• Many people find the UI counterintuitive.

Use Case: If you prefer open-source software, and are willing to spend the time to customize it, then this is your choice. You like what other people may call an old-fashioned interface.

Price: Free.

7. Sublime Text (CE)

Sublime Text can be used to edit source code for programming and markup languages. Sublime Text is a popular choice for developers due to its speed and versatility. You can customize it with a wide range of plugin packages.

Pros:

• It’s lightweight and fast, as well as customizable
• Color coding, multi-selection and customizable hotkeys are some of the features. Git integration is also available.
• Available for Windows, macOS, or Linux

Cons:

• Lacks intelligent code completion
• It takes time to set it up
• Steeper learning curve
• The work environment features are not adequate

Use Case: You value application speed and work regularly with large files. You work as a freelancer, or for a small company and don’t require a robust work environment.

Price: $99/year for individual users

8. Atom (CE)

Atom is GitHub’s open-source, free code editor. It includes smart code completion and an integrated package manager as standard features. It’s known as the “hackable text editor”, and it can be customized via plugins. Atom is based upon the Electron framework, and it is well-suited to building cross-platform desktop apps using Chromium or Node.js.

Atom’s simple UI and customization are well-known. However, users have reported bugs, freezing and crashes. If your machine is less powerful, this application will slow down.

Pros:

• Highly customizable UI and functionality
• Features include GitHub integration and the APM integrated bundle manager. There are also multiple panes.
• Open-source software with a large, supportive community

Cons:

• Large application size exceeding 100MB
• Long load times, frequent crashes, and freezes
• If you want to expand functionality with plugins, it will take longer to set up

Use Case: If you value customizability and an intuitive interface, as well as strong online communities, then you favor . Your device can handle large applications and is not weak of heart.

Price: Free.

Also read: 10 Best Node.JS Frameworks for App Development

9. Visual Studio Code (CE)

Microsoft has released Visual Studio Code (VS Code), a free code editor. It is a code editor but does not have any testing or tooling. These functionalities can however be installed using plugins or extensions. VS Code has a strong community and technical support.

Visual Studio is the IDE for VS Code. Visual Studio is a popular IDE for C++, C++ and C Sharp. Visual Studio isn’t free and beginners JavaScript developers may find it too complicated. We think VS Code is sufficient for JavaScript development, provided you are not afraid to install plugins. Check out our VS Code extensions to help you get started.

Pros:

• Support for JavaScript frameworks, including React and Node.js
• Code folding, git integration and debugging are some of the features. IntelliSense is Microsoft’s implementation for code completion.
• Accessibility screen reader

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve
• It takes a long time to set up extensions and plugins

Use Case: If you’re a corporate developer, this is the case. You need a flexible JavaScript IDEs tool that can handle complex tasks.

Price: Free.

10. Notepad++ (CE)

Notepad++ is a Windows source code editor that’s free to use. It’s a lightweight program that’s great for people with small device specs. It comes with syntax highlighting and code folding features. You can also customize it with macros or plugins.

Pros:

• It is easy to set up and use
• Lightweight applications
• Supports macros and plugins

Cons:

• Only for Windows
• Inadequate syntax checking and code completion

Use Case: If you are a Windows user and need a lightweight app for your device, this is the case. You are looking to do basic projects without having to install and customize a complicated IDE.

Price: Free.