The 10 best JavaScript IDEs (and code editors) for 2024

What are IDEs and code editors?#

Integrated development environments (IDEs) and code editors (CEs) are software applications used to write and edit code. We could technically write code in a plain text editor, but IDEs and CEs offer additional functionalities designed to streamline the coding process.

IDEs generally come with more functionalities than code editors, but some code editors can be customized to have similar functionalities to that of an IDE. Code editors often come with features such as syntax highlighting, autocompletion, and brace matching. IDEs combine multiple developer tools in a single graphical user interface. At minimum, these tools usually consist of a code editor, a compiler or interpreter, and a debugger.

Things to consider when choosing an IDE or code editor#

Every programmer has an individual preference when it comes to IDEs and code editors. You may try a few applications before finding a good fit.

Here are some criteria to consider when assessing your options:

• Cost: There are both free and paid applications to choose from. Define your budget and consider the fact that you may try several applications before finding the right fit. If you’re open to paid options, many applications offer a free trial period.
• Learning curve: It takes time to adapt to a new interface and memorize keyboard shortcuts. While learning curves are unique for each user, some applications are known to have a steeper learning curve for beginners. If you opt for one of these applications, allow yourself the time to adapt and develop an efficient workflow.
• Functionality and customizability: Applications have varying features, so it helps to know what functionalities you’re looking for. Some popular functionalities are multilingual support, autocompletion, and Git and GitHub integration. If an IDE or code editor doesn’t offer a certain functionality, see if it can be obtained via plugins or extensions.
• Speed: You’ll want to consider both the application’s reputation for speed, as well as whether your machine or device is powerful enough to host the application.
• Machine requirements: Your machine’s specs can impact an application’s performance. You’ll experience slowdowns if you overload your device’s processing power and memory with a heavy program. While there are certainly exceptions to this rule, a code editor will generally be a more lightweight application than an IDE.
• OS compatibility: Some IDEs and code editors don’t always offer cross-platform functionality. Be mindful of OS compatibility as you review options.
• User support: An established software company’s application may have more robust user support than a less popular application. If you’re a beginner with a learning curve ahead of you, you may want to look for applications that have customer support and active user communities.
• Accessibility: Unfortunately, IDEs and code editors leave a lot to be desired when it comes to improving accessibility. While many offer features to support visually impaired programmers, such as screen readers or font adjustments, these tools have shortcomings. For instance, screen readers fail to convey the visual indicators of some of the most helpful features, such as syntax highlighting and refactoring suggestions.
  

The 10 best JavaScript IDEs and code editors#

WebStorm (IDE)#

WebStorm is an integrated development environment specializing in JavaScript and TypeScript. Many web developers use WebStorm for back-end and front-end development. WebStorm is a product of JetBrains. It supports JavaScript frameworks such as Node.js, Angular.js, and React. Its features include GitHub integration, smart autocompletion, and code refactoring across all project files.

Use case: You’re a multilingual web developer looking for an IDE to support complex projects.

Price: $12.90 per month for individual users. A free version is available to students and non-commercial open-source projects.

IntelliJ IDEA Ultimate (IDE)#

IntelliJ IDEA Ultimate is a Java-centric IDE that is also popular for JavaScript development. At the time of its first release in 2001, IntelliJ was one of the first Java IDEs to integrate functionalities such as code navigation and code refactoring. Luckily, IntelliJ has more capabilities today, including coding assistance and support for JavaScript frameworks such as Node.js.

IntelliJ is a JetBrains product. If you choose IntelliJ, give yourself time to adapt, as some users report a steep learning curve. IntelliJ has a free and open-source counterpart, IntelliJ IDEA Community, but it unfortunately doesn’t support JavaScript.

Use case: You’re a professional who needs a wide set of functionalities for your projects.

Price: $49.90 per month for individual users.

Komodo Edit (CE) and Komodo IDE#

Developed by ActiveState, Komodo Edit and Komodo IDE are applications used for dynamic programming languages. Komodo Edit is a free open-source code editor. Its commercial counterpart, Komodo IDE, is an IDE with expanded functionalities. Komodo IDE is now free as part of the ActiveState platform.

Beginners may find it easier to start with Komodo Edit, as some users report a steep learning curve for Komodo IDE. Komodo Edit offers an inbuilt FTP client, autocompletion, code folding, and smart syntax highlighting. More advanced functionalities, such as debugging and unit testing, are reserved for Komodo IDE. Both can be customized with plugins and macros.

Use case: You want a minimalist coding environment. You’re actively prototyping and showcasing websites.

Price: Komodo Edit is free. Komodo IDE is free as part of the open-source ActiveState Platform.

AWS Cloud9 (IDE)#

AWS Cloud9 is an IDE hosted on the cloud. Anyone with a stable internet connection and AWS account can access the power of this online IDE. This is especially beneficial for those who can’t afford to locally install a heavy IDE on their device.

AWS Cloud9’s functionalities include real-time language analysis and syntax highlighting. AWS Cloud9 also lets you share and edit code with collaborators in real-time. The IDE can be further customized with plugins.

Use case: You need an IDE’s functionalities but can’t afford to install one locally on your machine. You need team collaboration tools. You’re interested in serverless development and want a development environment that is preconfigured to support it.

Price: AWS Cloud 9 is priced with a pay-for-value billing model.

NetBeans (IDE)#

NetBeans is a free IDE that is well-known to Java programmers. While it’s most commonly used for Java, NetBeans supports multiple languages including JavaScript, HTML5, and CSS3. The NetBeans JavaScript editor comes with syntax highlighting and autocompletion, as well as inbuilt jQuery support. NetBeans supports JavaScript frameworks such as Angular, Express, Vue, React, and Mocha.

Many programmers love NetBeans for its intuitive and customizable interface. It comes out of the box with many functionalities, so you can hit the ground running upon installation. However, NetBeans is known to be demanding on resources. It may not run smoothly if your device has lower specs.

Use case: You’re a Java or polyglot developer with a device that can handle a heavyweight application.

Price: Free.