10 replies to this topic

[chrisbregg]

Hey all,

I recently started coding in Python, and for the first time I've started coding without an IDE. I've never really done this before (and to date, I still haven't done much of it), but it got me thinking about my IDE.

Most of my code is written in C# or C++, and for both I use Visual Studio (the free version, or the 90 day trial if I've recently formatted :)). I wouldn't say I use many of the features, probably less then 10% of what is there. I primarily use it for the debugger, and it keeps my code files seperate and organized.

I'm curious about other people's experiences. Does everyone use an IDE? Or just a simple editor/compiler. Why do you do it that way?

[opwuaioc]

I use an IDE, but I hardly take advantage of much of the features. For some reason, I don't use the WYSIWYG for html editors, and I don't use things like code completion for IDEs. However, it's nice to have the tools at my disposal if I so needed them. And it's much easier just to click a button or two rather than continually typing commands in the terminal. I guess I'm a bit spoiled though.

[josep]

An IDE is quite helpful in things like code completion etc.., but if you are new to a certain programming language, i would not recommend and IDE as it hides important details that will help you grasp the basics.

[Alexander]

I use an IDE so it can autocomplete my custom variables (sometimes they get a bit long), as well as one-click compile and run functioning, of course with syntax highlighting. For this I use Geany, it is very small and just has those limited features I looked for.

[WingedPanther]

My experience has been that many of the code editors, such as Notepad++ and jEdit, are more powerful in many ways, and give you a consistent interface across many languages. I often find myself with a project open in both Delphi and jEdit, using jEdit to enter code and Delphi to compile/debug.

[chrisbregg]

josep said:

i would not recommend and IDE as it hides important details that will help you grasp the basics.

I agree with you to a point on this one. I remember back when I was first learning C#, and was trying to figure out the gui/events stuff. More then once I would remove a method for an event, but the generated code wouldn't remove the assignment of the method to the specific event. This caused all kinds of fun when I went to compile. I eventually learned what was going on well enough to fix the problem, but I couldn't say what was actually happening. It wasn't until some time later that I learned more about events, and actually understood the process.

I suppose this leans towards some of the comments made in The Pragmatic Programmer, don't use code generators unless you could write the code yourself. Not exactly related to IDE use, but I doubt you can get code generators in an editor.

[sam_l]

IDE, just don't use Eclipse.

[artificial]

For me, it depends on the programming language: When I write in C/C++, C# or Java, I use an IDE. But if I write in Assembly or Ruby, I use a simple text editor (normally gEdit or SciTE).

Greets,
artificial

[DarkLordofthePenguins]

I personally just use a compiler like gcc and a powerful text editor like Vim. I've tried three different IDEs: Visual Studia, XCode, and jGrasp, and they were all horrible.

[artificial]

DarkLordofthePenguins said:

I've tried three different IDEs: Visual Studia, XCode, and jGrasp, and they were all horrible.

Try Code::Blocks. IMHO, it's great. ^^

[DarkLordofthePenguins]

artificial said:

Try Code::Blocks. IMHO, it's great. ^^

No need. I'm perfectly happy with what I've got. I prefer a completely text-based interface anyway.