As a Node JS developer, you crave complete command over the code you write. Having a compiler, debugger, and code-build automation under a single umbrella makes your life immensely simpler. Yes, this is the purpose of having an integrated development environment (IDE). There are numerous top Node JS IDE options available in the market today. How do you select the one suited to your needs?
At BairesDev, we provide Node JS services across industries and partner with the world’s Top 1% of Developers from leading technology organizations. Based on our team’s rich experience, we have collated a list of the best IDEs and text editors required to develop powerful Node.JS applications.
Let’s initiate the deep dive!
The Main Benefits of an IDE for Node JS
Integrated development environments and text editor applications make the code creation and optimization process more manageable. Let’s glance at why they are vital while coding in-demand programming languages like Node.JS.
- Availability of editor, debugger, build automation, and compiler in a single platform
- Improves developer productivity and installation times
- Optimizes usage of programming resources
- Simplifies troubleshooting and minimizes errors
- Aids collaborative coding and process standardization
We now know why IDEs and text editors matter. Next, let’s understand how they differ.
Text Editor vs. IDE: What’s the Difference?
The core difference lies in the development process. As the name suggests, a text or code editor is used to write programs. It constitutes an element of the IDE.
An IDE is the complete package used for developing applications. It acts as a centralized interface where you can edit, debug, compile, and build your programs. It has a built-in GUI that structures all functionalities suited for development.
How To Choose the Right IDE for Node.JS
Now that you know the role IDEs play, it is imperative to select the right one for your use case from the plethora of options out there. Let’s look at 5 key decision factors:
- Cross-platform compatibility: IDEs can be language-specific or support multiple programming frameworks. So if you’re thinking of leveraging the same IDE for multiple programming languages, including Node JS, consider choices like Eclipse or IntelliJ IDEA.
- Operating System: Depending on your company’s or development team’s choice of OS, select the IDE accordingly. For instance, Atom and Sublime Text are well optimized for Linux.
- Open Source: Developers often choose open-source IDEs from a cost-saving and license management standpoint. Gitpod and Koding are popular examples open-source IDEs for NodeJS app development..
- Runtime: Avoid unnecessary baggage on your IDEs for faster runtimes and development speeds. IDEs like VS Code allow you to add features later, as per requirement.
- Cloud Support: Remote access, code collaboration, and easier setups make cloud IDEs a touch above the rest. Some IDEs like Cloud9 nail this category with portable docker runtimes.
These parameters will help you make the optimum choice. Next, let’s look at the top-performing IDEs from each category that we’ve considered.
The 8 Top IDEs & Text Editors for Node JS Developers
The ability of Node.JS to handle concurrent and asynchronous operations enables developers to create powerful applications. This aspect largely contributes to the popularity of this coding framework. However, the choice of IDEs is crucial in streamlining the entire software development life cycle (SDLC). That’s where the know-how of best-in-class IDEs dramatically benefits you.
BairesDev’s team of Node JS experts has curated a comprehensive analysis of IDEs and text editors to simplify your selection process. Let’s go.
Eclipse
Eclipse is undeniably the most preferred IDE, especially for large-scale development projects. Through a simple plugin, you can make it compatible with NodeJS. The Eclipse Che Cloud IDE comes with a top-tier workspace that includes runtimes, RESTful API, and IDEs.
The ready-to-go stack and the presence of a built-in debugger add to the developer’s user experience. The best part? It is completely free, being an open-source tool. The cross-platform support for frameworks like Java, JavaScript, PHP, and C++ makes it immensely versatile.
If you’d like to extend the default features, Enide (Studio) 2015 is one of Eclipse’s most feature-rich Node.JS plugins. You can install it using a simple drag and drop of the install image onto the Eclipse toolbar.
Key Features
- Intellisense, refactoring, and key binding capabilities
- Git and Maven integration
- Dedicated Java development tools
- Code recommender options
| Pros | Cons |
| It is tailor-made for team collaborations associated with larger projects. | Performance is weaker compared to other IDEs due to poor memory allocations. |
| Abundant plugins available for feature extension. | It has a learning curve. Needs to be more beginner-friendly. |
| Dark mode makes it easy on the eyes of developers. | Setting up the workspace can take a lot of work. |
IntelliJ IDEA
From built-in database tools to version control to other development aids, IntelliJ IDEA is rich in features. This IDE was created by JetBrains and supports a range of programming languages. Apart from Node.JS, it is compatible with AngularJS, Java, JavaScript, and React, among others.
You can code, run, debug, and test your program within the IDE, making the overall development process convenient. You can also build applications whose GUIs are a treat for the eyes with features similar to HTML5. Node.JS developers can experience enhanced performance by installing specific plugins. Some of the popular ones include:
- GitToolBox – helps perform Git actions within the IDE environment
- ESLint – helps analyze and rectify errors quickly
- Multirun – allows running multiple configurations in parallel
Let’s look at the features that differentiate this IDE.
Key Features
- Code predictive capability for auto-completion
- Support for inline debugger
- Robust version controller
- Syntax highlighting and assistance
| Pros | Cons |
| Markdown document support enables developers to write well-structured codes. | Excessive presence of default plugins. |
| Fast troubleshooting enables quicker turnaround times. | Not suited for complex projects due to mediocre dependency management. |
| Support for test runners. | Premium subscriptions are costly compared to other IDEs. |
Atom
With 5 categories of UI and 8 built-in themes, you can’t miss out on Atom IDE. It is open source and compatible with multiple languages. The syntax is straightforward, and the customization options for coding make it a Node.JS developer’s delight.
Developers can directly work with Git and GitHub using Atom. Developed on the Electron framework, Atom IDE allows the creation of cross-platform applications. You can use it on a file system browser with support for multi-pane functionality.
If you are a web developer, then don’t miss out on these nifty Atom plugins:
- File icons – for easy file structuring and navigation
- Emmet – define shortcuts for faster coding
- Teletype – enables collaborative coding in real-time
Key Features
- Advanced auto-complete
- Cross-platform development
- Top-notch customization capabilities
- Search and replace options
| Pros | Cons |
| Coding is fluidic due to the autofill feature. | Lack of tutorials to learn working on this IDE. |
| Suited for developers who love playing around with customizing their coding experience. | Advanced features require time to grasp, especially for amateur developers. |
| Powerful performance. | Tool updates are less frequent than the other IDEs. |
Visual Studio Code
Microsoft developed this lightweight, open-source IDE. You can freely download and use this IDE on Windows, Mac, or Linux operating systems. It is a top-class cloud IDE for Node.js development, so you can code and debug in the cloud. The code assistance and navigation that VS Code offers make troubleshooting a cakewalk, even for beginners.
In addition, Microsoft has enhanced its value proposition by adding a variety of extensions and plugins to support different programming languages like C++, PHP, Java, and more. We recommend these plugins for enhancing the VS Code feature set.
- Lambda Test VS – allows real-time cross-browser testing
- Remote – SSH – remote debugging on the client side or cloud
- Peacock – change the color themes of your VS Code environment
Being a lightweight IDE, VS Code offers one of the fastest performances in this list.
Key Features
- Terminal split view and zen mode for enhanced UX
- Superior command line interface
- Intellisense for automatic code completion
- Git integration
- Command line integration
- Syntax themes
- Context menus for helping amateurs
- Free Node JS IDE
| Pros | Cons |
| Superior UX thanks to intellisense and syntax highlighting. | Application error messages often lack sufficient information for troubleshooting. |
| Abundant availability of add-ons. | Consumes a lot of computing resources (CPU usage) with occasional hangs. |
| Beginner-friendly GUI that is visually rich. | Multi-language code can get difficult to interpret for the compiler. |
Cloud9
With support for over 40 languages, Cloud9 is one of the best cloud IDEs you can possibly find for Node JS. You can code and run the program super fast in its powerful Ubuntu workspace. The code editor is immensely resourceful, with a built-in image editor, live previewing, and a key binder.
Developers also have access to split view and theme customizations, enhancing the visual appeal of this IDE. At BairesDev, we rate this as one of the best-performing and most reliable IDEs on our lists.
Key Features
- Enables serverless development
- Pre-built key binding editor
- Impressive performance
- App preview option
- Powerful online code editor
| Pros | Cons |
| Minimal setup and configurations are required as it is a cloud IDE. | Occasional performance and disconnection issues. |
| Handy tool for collaborative coding in large teams. | Lack of adequate shortcut keys. |
| Useful packages installed in the default version. | Not suited for coding on Internet Explorer. |
Sublime Text
This cross-platform IDE comes with convenient features like split editing and fast project switching to improve multitasking during development. Node JS developers widely use Sublime Text’s editor, especially due to the Goto Anything feature. With this, you can open files using a few keystrokes.
This editor goes the extra mile from a UX perspective. Why? First, navigation is silky smooth thanks to the built-in Command Palette that minimizes navigational complexities. Second, the distraction-free option vanishes all unnecessary UI elements while you code on your monitor. The vast array of IDE customizations makes it a preferred choice among the developer community. Here are a few useful plugins that’ll make text editing on Sublime Text a fantastic experience:
- Bracket Highlighter – matches the opening and closing of brackets
- Themr – to enable unique syntax highlights
- Terminal – optimization of terminal features as per need
Key Features
- Instant project switch option
- Ideal for multitasking
- Power-packed packages and API
- Easy customizations using JSON files
| Pros | Cons |
| Allows extensive searching on complete code directories. | Fails to understand code type automatically. |
| GUI is unique, with customizable color schemes that are syntax-specific. | Running and testing code requires an external tool. |
| Intuitive and user-friendly with a lean learning curve. | Plugins can be confusing to understand and install. |
Webstorm
This tool is often regarded as the “smartest IDE” due to its formidable code assistance that comes with real-time error detection, refactoring, and code completion. It is lightweight and one of the best you’ll find for server-side development using Node.JS. The presence of a terminal and built-in debugger improves the overall utility of this IDE.
If you want to build e-commerce apps using a great Node.JS IDE, look no further. Webstorm is your ideal choice, with the ability to integrate virtual card services for digital payments. JetBrains has added some interesting new plugins for Webstorm users. For instance, Intelligpt integrates open AI’s ChatGPT into your IDE. The Pets plugin adds a cute pet icon to your Webstorm IDE environment.
Key Features
- Supports complex client-side development
- Impressive GUI with simple navigation
- Best choice for e-commerce apps
- Automated and safe refactoring capability
- Smart code completion
| Pros | Cons |
| Impressive UI that is fast and efficient. | Users can’t create directories for bookmarks and favorites. |
| Leading web editor in the market with impeccable plugins. | Connecting the debugger to new docker containers is a tedious affair. |
| Superior debugging for Node JS. | Occasional performance drops. |
Komodo IDE
This cross-platform IDE is known for its versatility and is the best multi-language IDE, including Node JS, Ruby, Python, Perl, and PHP, among others. Komodo provides developers with the flexibility to implement custom configurations on multiple selections. The change tracking and code running are highly efficient.
Furthermore, creating and managing dependencies is seamless with this IDE. This is due to multiple views provided for DOM and markdowns. You can also speed up the overall coding process due to intelligent completion features.
Some great add-ons/plugins make Komodo even more enjoyable. Morekomodo, for example, has multiple file management features, including copying the directory path from the context menu. For UI enthusiasts, the Tweak UI plugin allows you to customize Komodo’s UI themes.
Key Features
- Superior change tracking
- Suited for fast-paced coding needs
- Syntax highlighting and graphical debugging for easy troubleshooting
- Split view and multi-window coding
| Pros | Cons |
| One of the fastest coding editors. | Performance lags at times. |
| Navigation is super easy due to straightforward UI. | The learning curve is a bit steep for a newbie. |
| Provides useful function suggestions along with syntax. | It needs more tutorials to use the shortcuts. |
Conclusion
With this industry-grade checklist handy, you can make informed choices while developing powerful and feature-rich Node JS applications. With the right tool, you and your team of NodeJS developers can easily adopt Node JS best practices during your development process.
Keep in mind that some of these tools were built not only for Node JS but for cross-platform coding support. Before you decide on your IDE or text editor, make sure to rationally analyze your business and personnel requirements to achieve process and cost-effectiveness.
If you have other tools to suggest or need further assistance selecting your Node JS IDE, feel free to contact us.
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