Best Software Development Tools and Platforms a Developer Should Know:

Know which Software Tools developers use for developing the latest and modern feature-rich projects.

A computer program that is used by software developers for creating, editing, maintaining, supporting, and debugging other applications, frameworks, and programs – is termed a Software Development Tool or a Software Programming Tool.

Development tools can be of many forms like linkers, compilers, code editors, GUI designers, assemblers, debuggers, performance analysis tools, etc. There are certain factors to be considered while selecting the corresponding development tool, based on the type of the project.

A few of such factors include:

• Company standards
• Tool usefulness
• Tool integration with another tool
• Selecting an appropriate environment
• Learning curve
• Selecting the right development tool has its own effect on the project’s success and efficiency.

Use of Software Programming Tools

Given below are a few uses of the Software Dev Tools:

• Software tools are used to accomplish and investigate the business processes, document the development process of the software, and optimize all the processes.
• By using these tools in the software development process, the outcome of the projects will be more productive.
• Using the development tools, a developer can easily maintain the workflow of the project.

Best Software Development Tools You Should Know

We have researched and ranked the best software programming and development tools. Here is a review and comparison of each tool.

#1) Linx

Linx is a low-code tool to build and automate backend applications and web services. The tool accelerates the design, development, and automation of custom business processes, including easy integration of applications, systems, and databases.

• Easy-to-use, drag-and-drop IDE and Server
• Over 100 pre-built plugins programming functions and services for rapid development
• One-click deployment to any local or cloud server
• Input and outputs include nearly any SQL & NoSQL databases, numerous file formats (text and binary), or REST and SOAP Web services
• Live debugging with a step through the logic
• Automate processes via a timer, directory events, or message queue or expose web services, and call APIs via HTTP requests

=> Click here to read more about Linx

#2) Atom

Atom is an open-source and free desktop editor cum source code editor that is up-to-date, friendly, and hackable to the core.

Key Features:

• Atom supports cross-platform editing and works for various operating systems like Windows, Linux, and OS X.
• Atom is a customizable tool with which one can effectively edit the look & feel of the User Interface, add a few important features, etc., without editing the configuration file.
• Important features of Atom which made it a remarkable tool are its built-in package manager, smart autocomplete, multiple panes, file system browser, find & replace feature, etc.
• Atom is used to build cross-platform applications with web technologies using a framework called ‘Electron’.

Click here for further details on Atom.

#3) Cloud 9

Initially, in 2010 Cloud 9 was an open-source, cloud-based IDE (Integrated Development Environment) that supports various programming languages like C, Perl, Python, JavaScript, PHP etc. Later in 2016, AWS (Amazon Web Service) acquired it for further improvement and made it chargeable as per the usage.

Key Features:

• Cloud 9 IDE is a web-based platform that is used for scripting, running, and debugging the code in the cloud.
• Using Cloud 9, the users can work with serverless applications which help to switch between remote and local testing and debugging activities.
• The features like code completion suggestions, debugging, file dragging, etc., make Cloud 9 a powerful tool.
• Cloud 9 is an IDE for web and mobile developers that help to collaborate together.
• Developers using AWS Cloud 9 can share the environment with their workmates for projects.
• Cloud 9 IDE lets to replica the entire development environment.

Click here for more information on Cloud 9 tool.

#4) GitHub

GitHub is a powerful collaboration tool and development platform for code review and code management. With this GitHub, users can build applications and software, manage projects, host the code, review the code, etc.

Key Features:

• With GitHub, developers can easily document their code and can host the same from the repositories.
• GitHub’s project management tools help its users to stay aligned, coordinate easily, and get their tasks done accordingly.
• Few features of GitHub that make it a useful tool are its code security, access control among the team members, integration with other tools, etc.
• Few developers use GitHub for experimenting with new programming languages in their personal projects.
• GitHub can be hosted on servers and on a cloud platform. It runs on Windows and Mac OS.
• GitHub is free for open-source projects and public use. For developers, it is charged $7/month, for teams @ $9/month, and for organizations, it is $21/month.

For further information on the GitHub tool, visit here.

#5) NetBeans

NetBeans is an open-source and free software development tool written in Java that develops world-class web, mobile, and desktop applications easily and quickly. It uses C / C++, PHP, JavaScript, Java, etc.

Key Features:

• NetBeans supports cross-platform and works on any operating system like Linux, Mac OS, Solaris, Windows, etc.
• NetBeans offers features like Smart Code Editing, writing bug-free code, easy management process, and quick user interface development.
• Java applications can be easily updated to their newer editions using the code analyzers, editors, and converters offered by NetBeans 8 IDE.
• Features of NetBeans IDE that made it the best tool are debugging, profiling, dedicated support from the community, powerful GUI builder, out of box working, support for Java platforms, etc.
• The well-organized code in NetBeans allows its new developers to understand the structure of the application.

Click here for further details on NetBeans.

#6) Bootstrap

Bootstrap is an open-source and free framework for developing responsive websites and mobile-first projects using CSS, HTML, and JS. Bootstrap is widely used to design faster and simpler websites.

Key Features:

• As Bootstrap is an open-source toolkit, one can customize it according to the project’s requirements.
• Bootstrap is provided with built-in components which are used in accumulating responsive websites by a smart drag-and-drop facility.
• Powerful features of Bootstrap like a responsive grid system, plug-ins, pre-built components, sass variables & mixins allow its users to build their applications.
• Bootstrap is a front-end web framework that is used for the quick modeling of ideas and building of the web applications.
• This tool guarantees consistency among all the developers or users working on the project.

More information on this framework is available here.

#7) Node.js

Node.js is an open-source, cross-platform, and JavaScript run-time environment that is built to design a variety of web applications and to create web servers and networking tools.

Key Features:

• Node.js applications run on Windows, Linux, Mac OS, Unix, etc.
• Node.js is efficient and lightweight as it uses a non-blocking and event-driven I/O model.
• Node.js is used by developers to write server-side applications in JavaScript.
• Node.js modules are used to provide rapid and well-organized solutions for developing back-end structures and integrating with the front-end platforms.
• The largest ecosystem of open-source libraries is available with the node.js package.
• Various IT Companies, software developers, and small & large business organizations use node.js for developing web and network server applications in their projects.

Click here for more information on NodeJS tool.

#8) Bitbucket

Bitbucket is a distributed, web-based version control system that is used for collaboration between software development teams (code and code review). It is used as a repository for source code and development projects.

Key Features:

• Useful features of Bitbucket that make it a powerful tool are its flexible deployment models, unlimited private repositories, code collaboration on steroids, etc.
• Bitbucket supports a few services like code search, issue tracking, Git large file storage, bitbucket pipelines, integrations, smart mirroring, etc.
• Using Bitbucket, one can organize the repositories into projects with which they can focus easily on their goal, process, or product.
• To rationalize the development process of any software it can integrate into the prevailing workflow.
• Bitbucket offers a free plan for 5 users with unlimited private repositories, a standard plan @ $2/user/month for growing teams, and a premium plan @ $5/user/month for large teams.

You can reach here for further details on Bitbucket.

#9) CodeCharge Studio

CodeCharge Studio is the most creative and leading IDE and RAD (Rapid Application Development) that is used to create data-driven web applications or enterprise internet and intranet systems with minimal coding.

Key Features:

• CodeCharge Studio supports various platforms like Windows, Mac, Linux, etc.
• Using CodeCharge Studio, one can analyze and modify the code generated to study the web technologies which are used to work with programming projects in any environment.
• It supports various Databases like MySQL, Postgre SQL, Oracle, MS Access, MS SQL, etc.
• A few important features of CodeCharge Studio are Visual IDE & Code Generator, web reports, online calendar, gallery builder, flash charts, AJAX, menu builder, database-to-web converter, etc.
• By using CodeCharge Studio, one can minimize errors, reduce development time, reduce the learning curve, etc.
• CodeCharge Studio can be used for a 20-day free trial and then it can be purchased at $139.95.

Documentation and sign up information about CodeCharge Studio can be accessed from here.

#10) CodeLobster

CodeLobster is a free as well as a convenient PHP IDE that is used to develop fully-featured web applications. It supports HTML, JavaScript, Smarty, Twig, and CSS.

Key Features:

• CodeLobster PHP Edition rationalizes & makes things easier in the development process and also supports CMS like Joomla, Magneto, Drupal, WordPress, etc.
• A few important and advanced features of CodeLobster PHP IDE are PHP Debugger, PHP Advanced autocomplete, CSS code inspector, DOM elements, auto-completing of keywords, etc.
• PHP Debugger facilitates the users in debugging the programs at the time of coding and before executing the code.
• CodeLobster offers its users to enjoy the file explorer facilities and browser previews.
• CodeLobster is available in 3 versions namely the free version, the lite version @ $39.95, and the professional version @ $99.95.

CodeLobster can be downloaded from here.

#11) Codenvy

Codenvy is a cloud development environment used for coding and debugging applications. It can support sharing projects in real time and can collaborate with others.

Key Features:

• As Codenvy is a cloud-based IDE there is no need for any installation and configuration of this software development tool.
• Codenvy can be integrated with Jira, Jenkins, Eclipse Che extensions, and any private toolchain.
• Codenvy can be customized in many ways using IDE extensions, Eclipse Che, commands, stacks, editors, assemblies, RESTful APIs, and server-side extension plug-ins.
• Codenvy can run on any operating system like Windows, Mac OS, and Linux. It can also run in the public or private cloud.
• Command-line installers generated by Codenvy are used for deploying in any environment.
• It is available free of cost for up to 3 developers and for more users, it costs $20/user/month.

More information on this tool is available here.

#12) AngularJS

AngularJS is an open-source, structural and JavScript-based framework used by web developers to design web applications in a dynamic manner.

Key Features:

• AngularJS is fully expandable and works easily with other libraries. Each feature can be replaced or edited as per the development workflow and project needs.
• AngularJS works well with data-driven applications if the site is updated regularly as per the changes in the data.
• Advanced features of AngularJS are Directives, localization, dependency injection, reusable components, form validation, deep linking, data binding, etc.
• AngularJS is not a plug-in or browser extension. It is 100% client-side and works on both mobile and desktop browsers like Safari, iOS, IE, Firefox, Chrome, etc.
• AngularJS offers built-in protection against basic security holes which include HTML injection attacks and cross-site scripting.

Download AngularJS from here.

#13) Eclipse

Eclipse is the most popular IDE that is used by Java developers in computer programming. It is used to develop applications not only in Java but also in other programming languages like C, C++, C#, PHP, ABAP, etc.

Key Features:

• Eclipse is an open-source group of projects, tools, and collaborative working groups which play a key role in the development of new solutions and innovations.
• Eclipse Software Development Kit (SDK) is a free and open-source software that is used by developers in programming as per their respective programming languages.
• Eclipse is used in creating web, desktop, and cloud IDEs which in turn delivers a wide collection of add-on tools for software developers.
• Advantages of Eclipse are refactoring, code completion, syntax checking, rich client platform, error debugging, industrial level of development, etc.
• One can easily integrate Eclipse with other frameworks like TestNG, JUnit, and other plug-ins.

Eclipse can be downloaded from here.

#14) Dreamweaver

Adobe Dreamweaver is an exclusive software program and programming editor that is used for creating simple or complex websites. It supports many markup languages like CSS, XML, HTML, and JavaScript.

Key Features:

• Dreamweaver is used across Linux and Windows operating systems including iOS devices.
• Dreamweaver CS6 provides you with a preview option with which you can look at the preview of the designed website on any desired device.
• The latest version of Dreamweaver is used to design responsive websites.
• Another version of Dreamweaver, named Dreamweaver CC combines a code editor and a design surface termed as a Live view to offer some advanced features like auto-completion of code, code collapsing, real-time syntax checking, syntax highlighting, and code inspection.
• Dreamweaver offers various plans, for individuals @ $19.99/month, for businesses @ $29.99/month, and for schools or Universities @ $ 14.99/user/month.

Click here for further details on Dreamweaver.

#15) Crimson Editor

Crimson Editor is a freeware, lightweight text editing tool and an epic of software development tools only for Microsoft Windows which are used as HTML editor and source code editor.

Key Features:

• Crimson Editor is a specialized source code editor that offers an amazing feature of editing the score of programming languages like HTML, Perl, C / C++, and Java.
• Features of Crimson Editor include print & print preview, syntax highlighting, multi-level undo/redo, editing multiple documents, user tools & macros, editing remote files directly using a built-in FTP client, etc.
• The size of Crimson Editor software is also small but the loading time is fast.
• The learning curve of this software is so fast. It comes with a complete help manual which makes the navigation part easy.

Crimson Editor can be accessed from here.

#16) Zend Studio

Zend Studio is a next-generation PHP IDE that is used for coding, debugging, prototyping, and testing of mobile & web applications.

Key Features:

• Zend Studio’s 3x faster performance helps in indexing, searching, and validation of PHP code.
• Zend Studio helps in deploying PHP applications on any server that includes cloud support for Microsoft Azure and Amazon AWS.
• Debugging capabilities offered by Zend Studio are using Z-Ray integration, Zend Debugger, and Xdebug.
• It supports best-in-class development tools like Docker and Git Flow.
• Zend Studio works on Windows, Mac OS, and Linux platforms.
• Zend Studio software pricing for personal use is $89.00 and for commercial use is $189.00.

Zend Studio can be downloaded from here.

#17) Jira

Jira is the most popular software development tool that is used by agile teams for planning, tracking, and releasing software.

Key Features:

• This tool is customizable and also has some prevailing features that are used in every development phase.
• Using Jira, we can accomplish the work in progress, generate reports, backlogs, etc.
• A few other important features of Jira software are Scrum boards, Kanban boards, GitHub integration, Disaster recovery, Code Integration, Portfolio Management, Sprint Planning, Project Management, etc.
• Jira works for Windows and Linux/Solaris operating systems.
• Jira software pricing in the cloud for small teams is $10/month per 10 users and for 11 – 100 users it costs $7/user/month. For a free trial, this tool is available for 7 days.

For more details about the free trial and other tool-related information, visit here.

#18) CloudForge

CloudForge is a Saas (Software as a service) product that is used for application development. It is used for collaborative application development in the cloud.

Key Features:

• CloudForge is a secured and single cloud platform that is used by developers for coding, connecting, and deploying applications.
• CloudForge elastically balances your projects, teams, and processes.
• It is used to manage and integrate various development tools.
• Features of CloudForge are Version control hosting, Bugs & issue tracking, Agile planning, Visibility & reporting, deploying code to public & private clouds, etc.
• CloudForge is available for a 30-day free trial. Standard pack for small teams is available @ $2/user/month and Professional pack for small business & enterprise groups is available @ $10/user/month.

Click here for further details on CloudForge.

#19) Azure

Microsoft Azure is a cloud computing service that is used for designing, deploying, testing, and managing web applications or hybrid cloud applications through Microsoft’s global network of data centers.

Key Features:

• Microsoft Azure offers various services like mobile services, data management, storage services, messaging, media services, CDN, caching, virtual network, business analytics, migration apps & infrastructure, etc.
• It supports various programming languages (.NET, Python, PHP, JavaScript, etc), the widest range of operating systems (Linux, Windows, etc), devices, and frameworks.
• Detailed pricing information is available on their website. Sample example pricing for “App Service” is Rs 0.86/hour and that too is free for the first 12 months.
• Using Azure, we can easily spot threats and lessen them, deliver mobile apps flawlessly, manage the apps proactively, etc.

Documentation and sign-up information about Microsoft Azure can be accessed here.

#20) Spiralogics Application Architecture (SAA)

SAA is a cloud-based development tool that is used to define, design, customize, and publish software applications online without any coding.

Key Features:

• Using SAA, the developers can preview the changes before issuing or deploying the applications.
• Even the users can select any pre-built application and customize them as per their requirements or can build it from scratch.
• Important features of SAA are dragging & drop controls, customizing the controls, embedding & built-in HTML editor, Interactive dashboard builder, predefined processes, a graphical representation of workflows & seamless integration, etc.
• SAA supports various platforms like Windows, Android, Linux, iOS, etc.
• SAA is available for a 30 days free trial and the paid plans start at $25/month/user for Pro Subscription and $35/month/user for Premier Subscription.

Access here for more information on SAA.

#21) Delphi

Embarcadero Delphi is a powerful object Pascal IDE that is used to develop cross-platform Native Applications with adjustable cloud services and comprehensive IoT connectivity.

Key Features:

• Delphi is used to deliver powerful and fast native apps for Linux, Android, iOS, Mac OS, Windows, IoT, and the cloud.
• Delphi is 5 times quicker in designing Hyper-Connected Apps using FireUI preview for multiple database platforms, desktops, and mobiles.
• Delphi supports RAD and its features like native cross-compilation, visual window layout, application framework, refactoring, etc.
• Delphi provides an integrated debugger, source control, strong database, code editor with code completion, real-time error-checking, in-line documentation, best code quality, code collaboration, etc.
• The latest versions of Delphi include features like Quick Edit support, new VCL control, FireMonkey, installer, multi-tenancy support in RAD server, etc.
• Delphi Professional Edition costs $999.00/year and Delphi Enterprise Edition costs $1999.00/year.

A free trial of Delphi is available here.

#22) Zoho Creator

Zoho Creator is a low-code platform that enables rapid development and delivery of web and mobile applications and assists to Build powerful enterprise software applications 10x faster. You no longer have to write endless lines of code to build an application.

It also provides key features like Artificial Intelligence, JavaScript, Cloud functions, third-party integrations, multi-language support, offline mobile access, integration with a payment gateway and more.

With over 4 million users worldwide and 60+ apps, our platform enhances business productivity. Zoho Creator is featured in Gartner Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Low-Code Application Platforms (LCAP), 2019.

Features:

• Create more applications with less effort.
• Connect your business data and collaborate across teams.
• Create insightful reports.
• Gain instant access to mobile apps.
• Uncompromising security.

Verdict: Zoho Creator provides a low-code application development platform to build enterprise applications. It involves building applications with minimal coding which drastically reduces app-development time and effort.

In this article, we have researched and listed popular, modern, and latest Software Development Tools along with their features, supported platforms, and pricing details.

This is a comprehensive list of programming tools used for development on any modern project. You can boost your productivity by using this latest easy-to-use and learn dev tools.