Introduction
Ask a writer the importance of a text editor, ask an accountant the significance of a spreadsheet, similarly the importance of IDEs cannot be unacknowledged. Being a software programmer having a clear understanding of IDEs is extremely important. Now what is an IDE? An Integrated Development Environment is a kind of software application that assists programmers in developing effective codes. IDEs are useful in every stage of development from building to testing to packaging and so on.
Benefits of IDEs
Now one can write a code using any text editor, agree? However, by using an integrated development environment, the functionality it offers is way beyond just text editing. Here you are bound to receive a plethora of benefits such as:
A central interface
Ensuring efficient software development procedures
Easy way to program new applications
Code editing automation
Syntax highlighting
Intelligent code completion
Refactoring support
Compilation
Testing Debugging
How to choose the right IDE?
So what should be the next big question? Well, isn’t it obvious, it has to be how to choose an IDE? Fortunately, there is a wide range of modern integrated development available in the market, now even though all of them are of a kind incorporated with amazing features and functionalities, you need to pick an appropriate one or else there can be inappropriate consequences. Here are a few factors to consider before choosing the right IDE.
The programming language - Which programming language you are willing to code? Keeping this factor in mind is extremely important after all you will find IDEs that are open source or free to configure but some of them comprise dedicated automation features suitable for the syntax of specific languages. Of course, some IDEs support multiple languages.
The operating system - Generally IDEs tend to have multiple versions for different operating systems so it is possible for them to work on specific platforms. For instance, if you choose an IDE that works amazingly on Linux might not be the same for other platforms.
Automation features - Almost all IDEs comprise of code editor, build automation, and debugger. There are certain specific yet interesting features that may vary such as code editor UI enhancements, automated testing features, code deployment support, code refactoring support, application packaging support, and a lot more.
IDE customization - There are a few IDEs that can successfully customize workflows in such a way that they get successfully in sync with the developer's needs and preferences. It is possible to download as well as use plugins, extensions, and add-ons to customize your programming experience.
Lightweight and portable - Code editors and IDEs are pretty lightweight and can be successfully installed as well as used on a wide range of projects. No wonder these are ideal for developers among a wide range of platforms.
Now working on PHP technology is easier said than done. Fortunately, we have a bunch of editors who won’t just enhance your coding experience but also productivity to a great extent. Further, I would like to mention the best IDE and Code Editors for your upcoming PHP development project.
Here is a bit of a detour, IDEs and code editors are not the same, a code editor is a lightweight software app designed to write as well as successfully edit code. Some of its mesmerizing features include syntax highlighting, code folding, and auto-completion. IDE or integrated development environment is a comprehensive suite of tools featuring code editor, debugging tools, build automation, version control integration, and other components. IDEs have a proven track record for successfully streamlining the entire development process.
Check out this carefully compiled list of top-notch editors and IDEs, each offering unique features and functionalities to provide diverse developer requirements.
Top PHP IDEs and Code Editors
Visual Studio Code
Visual Studio code often known as VS code is a free, open-source code editor which is successfully developed by Microsoft. Now this IDE has successfully gained immense popularity, especially among PHP developers across the globe since it offers numerous advantages such as rich feature sets, extensibility, and cross-platform compatibility.
Visual Studio isn’t a PHP-specific tool though but it can assure excellent support. Some of its attention-grabbing key features include:
Lightweight and customizable
Integrated terminal and debugging tools
Extensive extension marketplace for added functionality
Built-in Git support
IntelliSense code completion
Support for a wide range of programming languages, including PHP
Atom
The next interesting IDE to take into account is Atom. Another free and open source yet powerful and popular among developers. Created by GitHub, this IDE is known for its modern and extensive package ecosystem. Now it may quite interest you to know that Atom is a desktop application that is developed with the help of HTML, JavaScript, and Node.js.
Some of its key features include:
Cross-platform compatibility
Built-in package manager for easy installation
Built-in Git integration
Extensive language support
Real-time collaborative coding
Eclipse PDT
Another popular PHP development tool that turns out to be a successful open-source extension offers insane support for PHP-based projects. It offers intelligent code completion, syntax highlighting, code folding, refactoring capabilities, and more.
Some of its key features include:
Advanced code editing such as code folding, syntax highlighting, auto-completion
Supports almost all PHP frameworks such as Laravel, Symfony, Zend
All the dubbing and testing tools are precisely integrated.
Extensive plugin ecosystem for added functionality
Cross-platform compatibility
Aptana Studio
Another interesting power-packed integrated development environment that is highly recommended for developing unique and amazing web applications. The IDE offers built-in support for frameworks like Laravel, Symfony, and CakePHP. This particular IDE is known for its unmatched debugging capabilities. Also, here you are bound to come across a variety of customization options.
Some of its key features include:
Integration with version control systems like Git and SVN
Support for PHP, HTML, CSS, JavaScript
Code assist and auto-completion for PHP and popular frameworks
Built-in debugging and profiling tools
Support for remote file editing and deployment
CodeLite
Another open-source, cross-platform IDE designed to successfully conduct development projects in C, C++, and PHP is CodeLite. This IDE is highly appreciated for its ungendered simplicity and performance. CodeLit assures cross-platform compatibility and assures a stable environment. No wonder it is highly appreciated for large-scale projects.
Some of its key features include:
Cross-platform compatibility
Support for multiple programming languages
Lightweight and efficient performance
Extensible through a wide range of plugins
Integrated GDB debugger for complex debugging
Syntax highlighting and code completion
Sublime Text
Our next popular cross-platform code editor is highly known for its speed, simplicity, and amazing customization functionalities. No wonder in a very short time sublime text has become one of the favorites and entered the list of the top IDEs and code editors.
Some of its key features include:
Blazing-fast performance and responsive UI
Split-editing and distraction-free mode
Extensive plugin ecosystem
Support for multiple selections and command palettes
Support for a wide range of programming languages
Powerful search and replace functionality
PHPStorm
This IDE is developed by JetBrains, one of the most powerful and feature-rich integrated development environments. PHPStorm is pretty known for its efficiency and exceptional capabilities. Also, it offers immense support for Javascript, HTML, and CSS.
Some of its key features include:
Built-in support for popular PHP frameworks
Advanced code editor with extensive PHP support
Integrated debugging tools
Version control integration
Support for various front-end technologies
Intelligent code completion and refactoring
CodeLobster
If you are looking for a lightweight and user-friendly IDE then, of course, you have your answer right here. Some of its core features include intelligent code completion, syntax highlighting, code folding, and code formatting capabilities. CodeLobster is known for its comprehensive solution for web development.
Some of its key features include:
Intelligent code completion and refactoring
Integrated debugging and profiling tools
Built-in support for different PHP frameworks and version control systems like Git, SVN, and Mercurial
Of course, Cross-platform compatibility
Zend Studio
Looking for extensive support for a PHP development project? Zend Studio is a sure-shot answer that not only assists well in developing and delivering high-quality software and enhances productivity. Zend Studio is a successful commercial product featuring intelligent code assistance, robust debugging and profiling capabilities, framework support, collaboration tools, and dedicated support.
Some of its key features include:
Advanced code editing
Built-in support for Laravel, Symfony, and Zend Framework
Integrated Debugging and Profiling Tools
Version Control Integration
NetBeans
Last but not the least is NetBeans. Now this one is again a free and open source IDE which was developed by Apache. Highly known for its user-friendly interface, extensive toolset, and cross-platform compatibility, Netbeans is one of a kind. However, this one might not be on par with other commercial IDEs but developers love this one since it ensures an increase in efficiency.
Top Key features include:
Comprehensive PHP support with code completion, refactoring, and debugging
Support for popular PHP frameworks
Built-in tools for database management and profiling
Extensible architecture with a vast plugin ecosystem
Cross-platform compatibility
Final words
So that’s all for now! As I mentioned earlier, though all these aforementioned PHP IDEs are worth considering it doesn’t mean you choose any of these randomly for your project. Make sure to analyze your needs and requirements precisely and then choose wisely. Apart from that, here is a gist of which IDEs should be chosen and when.
Beginners often consider Visual Studio Code, Atom, or NetBeans since they are free, user-friendly, and go easy on a budget.
Professional developers often consider PhpStorm or Zend Studio since it offers advanced features, comprehensive framework support, and powerful tools that streamline the development workflow.
If it’s the case of cross-platform compatibility then Visual Studio Code, Atom, NetBeans, or Eclipse PDT must be considered.
You can also use the technique of trying before you buy here and make a perfect choice. So good luck and enjoy coding!