Member Avatar for JohnThomas0205

Hi,
Can anyone give a 100-word or less overview of the top 2 or 3 IDEs in use today, and especially, what are the pros and cons of each? Any help would be greatly appreciated
Thanks in advance!
John (over 50 but still feisty!)

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Quick orientation for a mixed C++/Unix, Java/Linux, and C#/ASP shop: pick tools by language and project needs, not by brand loyalty. Modern IDEs trade manual build fiddling for faster navigation, refactorings, and static checks — but knowing the command-line build and debugger still pays off (echoing ). The short checklist most teams use: language/OS fit, build-system support, debugger quality, plugin/ecosystem, and licensing.

For C#/ASP on Windows the easiest start is a full IDE with built-in designers, debugger, and workload-based installer; the free Community edition covers most individual and small-team needs. If cross-platform or a lightweight editor is preferred, a modular code editor with language extensions gives fast install and minimal configuration. (visualstudio.microsoft.com)

For Java on Linux, a modern JVM IDE that emphasizes refactorings, inspections, and reliable Maven/Gradle import will save time on medium-to-large codebases; try the free edition first and use the paid tier only if you need extra enterprise tools. If you prefer minimalism, an editor plus Maven/Gradle and command-line tooling is still a valid workflow. (jetbrains.com.cn)

For native C++ on Unix pick an IDE that “just works” with CMake and your native debugger. There are full-featured C++ IDEs that focus on CMake workflows and deep refactorings, and lighter editors with good CMake/gdb/lldb extensions. Using CMake as your canonical build system dramatically reduces per-IDE setup pain. (jetbrains.com)

Practical next step: try the free edition of the candidate IDE, import a real project (not a toy), verify debugger/formatting/version-control and measure memory/CPU. Take ’s point about docs into account and vet any code‑generation tools mentioned (for example by ) before adding them to a production workflow.

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Member Avatar for server_crash

If you're a beginner then the cons to any IDE is tremendous. Otherwise, they are fine. Always start with the command line and learn that first before moving on.

Member Avatar for JohnThomas0205

If you're a beginner then the cons to any IDE is tremendous. Otherwise, they are fine. Always start with the command line and learn that first before moving on.

Hi Server_Crash,
Thanks! Do you mean a beginner with IDEs (which I am) or a beginner programmer (which, with 20+ yrs exp I hope I am not!) ? ?

Member Avatar for server_crash

Just with programming, unless you have no prior experience with the command line...

What language are you considering? A question asking pros and cons of certain IDE's isn't very meaningful unless it's for a specific language.

Member Avatar for JohnThomas0205

Just with programming, unless you have no prior experience with the command line...

What language are you considering? A question asking pros and cons of certain IDE's isn't very meaningful unless it's for a specific language.

DUH :) Do I feel stupid ? ? ?

Well, we use a mixed environment, including some C++/Unix, some Java/Linux, and some C#/ASP.

So I guess the real question is, which IDE, if any, is best for each environment ? Most of our programmers are guys like me,
old-timers who would really prefer not to use all this new-fangled stuff: a good text-editor and a good debugger is all anybody really needs :) (Half-kidding/half-serious)

Seriously, my ideal IDE who be easy to learn, easy to install, would not require a bunch of finicky configuring-ballyhoo, would not cramp my coding style too much, but would do the mundane work of including needed libraries, warn about stupid mistakes like unused variables, etc. Does that make my vagueness a little less vague.

Thanks Again!

John in Washington DC

Member Avatar for server_crash

Any .NET language would obviously go to Visual Studio.NET. For Java I really don't have a favorite. Personally, I like using JEdit and the command line while working in Java. It's a little more work, but when you get use to something like that you don't want to change. As for C++, I use bloodshed. It's probably my favorite to use. It is an IDE and it doesn't quit indent code correctly so you're forced to edit the text a little.

I guess it all boils down to personal preference. Person A might like Borland products, while person B really likes using the command line. Really the only advise I can give is to try a bunch of them and form your own opinion.

Member Avatar for JohnThomas0205

Any .NET language would obviously go to Visual Studio.NET. For Java I really don't have a favorite. Personally, I like using JEdit and the command line while working in Java. It's a little more work, but when you get use to something like that you don't want to change. As for C++, I use bloodshed. It's probably my favorite to use. It is an IDE and it doesn't quit indent code correctly so you're forced to edit the text a little.

I guess it all boils down to personal preference. Person A might like Borland products, while person B really likes using the command line. Really the only advise I can give is to try a bunch of them and form your own opinion.

Thanks very much ! for your answers and your patience :)

Take care,
John :)

Member Avatar for jbennet

i like visual studio, its ide is consistent between all of its languages and the documentation is great.

I got a student deal - visual basic 2003 standard and microsofts vb step by step book all for £100 - the software is worth that alone and its like a £40 boook on its own

Comes with sample cd, msdn libary etc..... and an eboook version

Member Avatar for s_sana

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