Picking the best coding software has made a big difference in how productive I am and how much I enjoy coding. Out of habit, I used to stick with options I was already familiar with. But when I tried out some new software, I found some great tools that changed the way I work.
When it comes to me, the best coding software has an easy-to-use interface that lets me write code quickly and easily. It’s amazing how much more I can get done when the interface isn’t broken or hard to understand. There are also powerful features in these software packages that help find errors and make it easy to see where changes need to be made to the code.
Coding on the Mac does not end with a simple notebook application. In fact, there are some useful coding applications for Macs that are worth trying. They allow you to automate routine tasks and save time by performing repetitive tasks. In our post we have collected examples of coding software for Mac that you can find at Setapp for Teams. Setapp for Teams is a Mac application platform for businesses. By subscribing to the service, you have access to hundreds of tested apps that simplify daily tasks and help your team achieve more with fewer resources. Below, we have mentioned the best coding software.
Why Choosing the Right Coding Software Matters?
Choosing the right coding software, also called an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) or code editor, is important for a number of reasons. The choice of coding software can have a big effect on how well programmers and developers work, how much they get done, and how they like the development process overall. Why does it matter?
Productivity and Efficiency: A good piece of coding software has features that make it easier to be productive and efficient. Features like intelligent code completion, syntax highlighting, auto-indenting, and code suggestions can make coding much faster, less likely to go wrong, and more fun.
Customization: Different programmers have different ideas about how they want their coding environment to look and act. With the right software, developers can change the editor to their liking, which can make them more comfortable and help them get more done.
Integration with Tools and Libraries: A lot of coding software comes with built-in integrations or plugins for version control systems (like Git), debugging tools, testing frameworks, and different programming languages and libraries. These integrations make it easier to do things like keep track of changes, fix bugs in code, and test apps.
Best Coding Software comparison table
In the table below, you can see how the best coding software stacks up against each other. It talks about the most important features, the languages that are supported, how easy it is to use, the tools for working together, and how much it costs. This overview will help you choose the best coding software based on your preferences and the needs of your project.
| Software | Platform | Purpose | Language Support | Collaboration | Official Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atom | Cross-platform | Code Editing | Multiple Languages | Limited | Visit Website |
| UltraEdit | Windows, macOS | Text/Code Editing | Multiple Languages | Limited | Visit Website |
| Unite | macOS | Text/Code Editing | Limited | Real-time Collaboration, Synced Editing | Visit Website |
| CodeRunner | macOS | Code Running/Editing | Multiple Languages | Limited | Visit Website |
| IntelliJ IDEA | Cross-platform | Java Development | Java, Multiple | Extensive | Visit Website |
| Sketch Export for Xcode | macOS | Design to Xcode Integration | Limited | Real-time Collaboration | Visit Website |
| EmEditor | Windows | Text/Code Editing | Multiple Languages | Limited | Visit Website |
| SubEthaEdit | macOS | Text Editing | Plain Text | Real-time Collaboration, Syntax Highlighting | Visit Website |
Atom
Features
- Customizable interface
- Open-source and extensible
- Built-in Git integration
Atom is a 21st century hackable word processor based on Electron and incorporating everything we love about word processing. We designed it to be deeply customizable, yet accessible with default settings. Text editors are the heart of a developer’s toolkit, but they don’t usually work alone.
With the GitHub package, you can work with Git and GitHub directly from Atom. You can create new branches, stage and commit, push and pull, resolve merge conflicts, view pull requests, and more, all from the editor, available for OS X, Windows, and Linux. You can search for and install new packages or create your own directly from Atom The Atom Text & Source Code Editor was developed by GitHub. It is an open source tool and users can use it as an IDE.
Pros
- Free and open-source.
- Highly customizable with a wide range of plugins.
- Supports various programming languages.
Cons
- Can be slower with larger projects.
- Requires additional plugins for advanced features.
UltraEdit
Features
- Powerful text and code editing
- Multi-caret/multi-select
- Syntax highlighting and themes
UltraEdit is an excellent choice as the primary text editor because of its performance, flexibility and security. It also comes with an access package that provides access to a number of useful tools, such as file finder, a built-in FTP client, and a Git integration solution, among others. The main text editor is very powerful and can handle large files with ease.
The paid version entitles you to free upgrades for all future versions, in addition to the regular UltraEdit text editor load and manage large files with unsurpassed power, performance, startup and file loading. Customize, configure and redesign the entire application with beautiful themes that work for the entire application, not just the editor! Access servers and open files directly from UltraEdit’s native FTP/SFTP browser or SSH/telnet console.
Pros
- Powerful text editing capabilities.
- Supports large files and syntax highlighting.
- Offers macros and scripting for automation.
Cons
- Paid software with no free version.
- Interface might feel overwhelming for beginners.
Unite
Features
- Collaborative coding in real-time
- Video and voice chat integration
- Shared code editing and debugging
Believe it or not, but Unite is a tool that turns websites into mobile apps in no time. It’s an easy tool for web developers who need to create a mobile app, beginners in software development, or curious users who want to create a mobile app on their own. Whatever type of user you are, you will definitely enjoy Unite’s features.
Out of the box, Unite comes with a backend browser that supports modern security protocols and WebKit 2. It supports Mac keychain passwords, push notifications, dark mode themes and other useful features that will improve the user experience. Unite works on the principle of “every application is a browser”, so that each application isolates data and can integrate with third-party tools without compromising security.
Pros
- Integrates multiple tools and services in one platform.
- Collaboration features for teams.
- Simplifies workflow with unified interface.
Cons
- May not have as extensive features for specific tasks compared to dedicated tools.
CodeRunner
Features
- Supports multiple languages
- Quick code execution
- Customizable code snippets
CodeRunner is a code editor for Mac OS that supports more than 25 languages, including Java, JavaScript, Ruby, Go, Node.js and others. Its intelligent auto-suggestion features full strings and offers templates for writing functions, saving you time. CodeRunner is fully configurable, so you can set up syntax underlining or automatic underlining. This text editor includes debugging tools such as a web inspector and switching between terminal and web mode for code comparison. Overall this is one of the best Coding Software.
On top of that, CodeRunner allows you to view language specifications directly in the application. A side menu turns into an informative dashboard with functions, classes and methods, so you don’t have to switch between applications and waste valuable time. Also, this feature is useful for novice coders who are studying a programming language and need to see the documentation frequently.
Pros
- Supports a wide range of programming languages.
- Offers instant code execution and testing.
- Lightweight and easy to use.
Cons
- Limited to basic coding tasks.
- Lacks advanced features found in full-fledged IDEs.
IntelliJ IDEA
Features
- Smart code completion
- Advanced refactorings
- Integrated development tools
IntelliJ IDEA is a code-centric IDE that focuses on developer productivity. It deeply understands your code and provides you with a powerful set of tools without imposing a specific workflow or project structure. IntelliJ IDEA is the developer of your dreams, who knows his way around the codebase, makes great suggestions exactly when you need them, and is always ready to help you shape your code.
Pros
- Feature-rich IDE with advanced tools and integrations.
- Excellent support for Java and other languages.
- Smart coding assistance and productivity features.
Cons
- Can be resource-intensive.
- Some advanced features might have a steeper learning curve.
Sketch Export for Xcode
Features
- Export Sketch designs to Xcode assets
- Streamlines design-to-development workflow
Sketch Export for Xcode allows you to quickly transfer application colors to Xcode from Sketch. All you need is to simply drag a Sketch file into the application. The best part is that you don’t need a licensed version of Sketch on your computer.
For all the technicians out there who can’t think of creative color names, Sketch Export for Xcode will create beautiful and unique names for unnamed colors. This tool is useful for cross-functional teams working together on UI design and software development.
Pros
- Streamlines design-to-development workflow for iOS apps.
- Generates assets and code snippets from Sketch designs.
Cons
- Limited to macOS and iOS development.
- Relies on proper usage of Sketch for optimal results.
EmEditor
Features
- Fast and lightweight text editing
- Supports large files
- Unicode and syntax highlighting
EmEditor is a lightweight, but scalable, commercial text editor for Microsoft Windows. Although designed for Windows XP, the program is also certified for use with Windows Vista. Available versions of the program include the 32-bit and 64-bit versions, and the program also includes a portability option to create a removable drive, such as a USB drive, via an Import and Export Wizard. In terms of features, the program includes unicode and large file support, tabbed window design, and is extensible through plug-ins and scripts (macros), many of which are user-written.
Pros
- High-performance text editor for handling large files.
- Extensive customization and scripting support.
- Strong search and replace capabilities.
Cons
- Windows-only software.
- Might have a learning curve for users used to simpler text editors.
SubEthaEdit
Features
- Collaborative text editing
- Supports various programming languages
- Real-time collaboration features
SubEthaEdit is a powerful and lightweight text editor. And it is the only collaborative one that is a pleasure to use. Combining the ease of Bonjour with the world’s best text collaboration engine, it makes collaboration not only powerful but fun… SubEthaEdit includes several advanced features: A UNIX command-line utility for enabling complex and interactive piped workflows with your terminal.
Revised printing, with all the bells and whistles, even with collaborative metadata. Export to HTML, again with metadata. Fully user-configurable syntax highlighting via styles. Support for editing files as administrator. Improved AppleScript support allowing control of sharing functions.
Pros
- Collaborative text editing in real-time.
- Suitable for pair programming and remote collaboration.
Cons
- Limited to text editing without the full features of IDEs.
- May not be as feature-rich as other dedicated text editors or IDEs.
Tips for Maximizing Productivity with Coding Software
To get the most out of coding software, you need a mix of useful tools, strategies, and habits. Here are some tips to help you keep your mind on coding and get things done quickly and well:
Pick the Right Equipment: Choose coding software that fits your needs as a coder. Visual Studio Code, IntelliJ IDEA, and PyCharm are all popular choices. Make sure your software works with your programming languages, has a good set of add-ons, and is easy to use.
Change your surroundings: Set up your coding environment the way you like it. Set up themes, color schemes, and fonts that make it easier on the eyes and make the text easier to read. Use plugins and extensions to add extra features that make your work easier.
How to Use Shortcuts: You can do things quickly if you learn and use keyboard shortcuts. You can code much faster if you use these shortcuts. Many tools for coding have shortcuts built in, and you can also change them to fit your needs.
Control of versions: Use version control systems like Git to efficiently manage your codebase. Platforms like GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket can help you work with your team, keep track of changes, and go back to older versions easily.
FAQs
Microsoft made Visual Studio Code, which is an open source code editor. This free text editor works with TypeScript, JavaScript, and Node.js right out of the box. It is automatically completed by IntelliSense, which offers smart completions based on the types of variables, the most important modules, and the definitions of functions.
The number of people using VS Code has grown like a rocket. It keeps getting more and more people to use it, and developers are leaving other editors to use it. It comes with a built-in terminal and Git support, both of which are very popular with fans.
