Top 10 Trending IDEs and Tools for JavaScript Development in 2022
The most widely used programming language on the web is JavaScript. And when it combines incredibly well with HTML and CSS, it creates robust front-end apps. While with the introduction of NodeJS, this language has expanded its reach to back-end development.
This massive popularity among developers has sparked an explosion in creating JavaScript frameworks, IDEs, and source code editors. Due to the debugging capacity, developers prefer IDEs over code editors. However, the line separating IDEs and source code editors has become hazier in recent years.
Now, look at some trending IDEs that can add value to JavaScript development services and help complete projects with futuristic features.
Best JavaScript IDEs and tools to use in 2022
Although the fundamental operation is the same, each JS IDE and source code editor has unique benefits and drawbacks. The list of top 10 JavaScript IDEs and tools for 2022 is as follows:
1. Atom
Initial release: February 2014
Type: Source Code Editor (Open-source)
It is one of the most fabulous IDEs to find customization for accomplishing anything without changing the configuration file for building JavaScript programs. The self-described “hackable text editor for the 21st century” is a free, open-source code editor. This program will ensure that the code is compiled automatically as you type. The fact that it has built-in package management is admirable.
This JavaScript front-end tool allows for simple browsing and project or file opening. While entering the file, it provides simple access to discovering and replacing the text. This integrated development environment is compatible with Windows, Linux, and OS X.
2. Visual Studio
Initial release: February 1997
Type: General IDE
Many JavaScript development companies use Visual Studio for a better computer program for Windows. This leading IDE enables the creation of both managed code and native code. This code editor consists of IntelliSense, providing built-in support for JavaScript, which significantly helps code completion and refactoring. The inbuilt debugger operates at the machine level as well as the source level.
Also, it comprises several inbuilt tools like database schema designer, class designer, code profiler, forms designer, and web designer. With the latest, Visual Studio 2022, you can even explore more.
3. AWS Cloud9
Initial release: 2010
Type: Cloud IDE (Proprietary)
Written in JS and NodeJS, AWS Cloud9 is an online IDE for developing JavaScript applications. This IDE supports development for C, C++, PHP, Python, Node.js, Perl, and Ruby projects. Additionally, its inbuilt terminal supports npm and basic Unix commands. It allows real-time language analysis, code completion, and simultaneous editing.
With JSBeautify and CSSLint, code reformatting is possible in this IDE. It contains variable/function name refactoring and syntax highlighting for JS. It provides customizable key bindings, including presets for Sublime Text, Emacs, and Vim.
Additionally, an inbuilt image editor supports BitBucket, GitHub, and Mercurial. Compatible for deploying various platforms like Google App Engine, Joyent, Heroku, and Microsoft Azure.
4. WebStorm
Initial release: 2010
Type: Dedicated IDE for CSS, HTML, and JavaScript (Commercial)
One of the best IDEs for HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, Webstorm is compatible to work with all platforms; macOS, Linux, and Windows. JetBrains offers this IDE that provides many features like code completion, error identification, and refactoring. Through its built-in debugger, a JavaScript developer doesn’t need to exit the IDE to evaluate the code. Also, it generates easy-to-read error reports and makes testing simple. Moreover, the best feature of WebStrorm is the Spy-js feature that enables tracking codes to prevent actions that can cause a problem later.
5. Sublime Text
Initial release: January 2008
Type: Source Code Editor
SBT3, the latest version of Sublime Text, transforms it from a source code editor into a pseudo-IDE. Offering a high degree of customization, this cross-platform shows a clutter-free interface with a substantial speed boost.
Go to Definition, panel management, and Go to Symbol are some striking features that separate it from others. The Babel plugin enables syntax highlight for ES6 and ReactJS code. Besides, many JavaScript development service providers use Sublime Text plugins; JSFormat, DocBlockr, SideBar Enhancements, and SublimeLinter for better access.
6. Eclipse
Initial release: November 2001
Type: Java-specific IDE (Open-source)
It has a built-in extensible plugin system that utilizes specific plugins in Eclipse for JavaScript development and other programming languages.
One of the earliest IDEs to support GNU Classpath was Eclipse. The integrated development environment impressively combines performance, robustness, and stability. The setup of the Oomph Project enables automating and reproduction of identical workspaces.
It is clear from the JSDT’s improved performance (JavaScript Development Tools). Eclipse’s support for a new Docker UI is possible to build Docker images and containers with the Docker CLI.
For Eclipse, almost all download packages interact with Git. Automated error reporting is only one of the incredible features that Eclipse supports. The functionality enables the IDE to send discovered bugs to eclipse.org automatically. These bugs are processed and then turned into Bugzilla entries. As a result, it allows troubleshooting via crowdsourcing.
7. IntelliJ IDEA
Initial release: January 2001
Type: Java-specific IDE (Free edition/Commercial edition)
To maximize developer productivity, a JavaScript development company must use IntelliJ IDEA. It supports many languages besides Java and JavaScript while supporting ergonomic designs for ease of use. It enables the addition of tools relevant to the context and several innovative code assistance features for the development.
IntelliJ IDEA has an in-built static code analyzer, advanced code competition, and integrated version control with robust features of automating repetitive programming tasks to reduce development time.
8. Codeanywhere
Initial release: May 2013
Type: Cloud IDE (Free/Premium)
Codeanywhere is a cross-platform and cloud-based IDE written in JavaScript that allows writing, editing, and running development projects from a web browser. Apart from JavaScript, it supports more than 70 programming languages.
Based on the CodeMirror, its editor uses OpenVZ containers for the development, known as DevBoxes. Additionally, this IDE allows connecting with one’s VMs via FTP or SSH to run the code in DevBoxes.
With an inbuilt terminal, Codeanywhere supports npm and basic Unix commands. Moreover, its built-in debugger provides tabbed file management and completes the deployment to Heroku.
9. NetBeans
Initial release: 1997
Type: Dedicated IDE for Java
Besides its widespread use for Java web development, NetBeans provides powerful IDE features favoring JavaScript development. The time between installing NetBeans and utilizing it to create applications is shorter. Some of the main features of the IDE include built-in support for Git, Mercurial, and Subversion, smart code completion, and syntactic & semantically highlighted code.
The NetBeans workspace tends to get modified quite easily. To suit your application development style, you can drag and rearrange the tabs in the application frame or alter the toolbar’s buttons. Furthermore, you can create your keyboard shortcuts.
10. Brackets
Initial release: November 2014
Type: Source Code Editor (Open-Source)
Created by Adobe Systems, Brackets is a free JavaScript editor famous for its scintillating web design and front-end development features. Many JavaScript development companies have identified it as an ideal JavaScript Dev Tool, making the visual tools and processor support.
It offers you the Live Preview feature that allows seeing the changes in real-time by opening a new tab. To verify the JS file while uploading using Brackets, JSLint supports making the process seamless. Also, the built-in source code editor is fast and lightweight, that helps in the compilation in JavaScript.
Wrapping things up
With this list of top trending IDEs and tools for JavaScript development, you can identify the right tool for your next project. However, finding a one-stop solution for everything seems next to impossible. Every IDE has strengths and flaws; depending on your requirements, you can choose a suitable tool. Moreover, several companies are providing you with JavaScript development services considering your objectives, but before that, you must underline your requirements precisely. So, be ready to develop your JavaScript project without any hassle.
