Advantages and Disadvantages of Using IDE
IDEs are simply programs to write programs. They are generally editing environments with tools
to help programmers write code quickly and efficiently. As an example, we can create PHP-
driven
web applications using a combination of Eclipse and PHPEclipse. Core features typically
include:
• Code completion or code insight: The ability of an IDE to know a language’s
keywords and function names is crucial. The IDE may use this knowledge to do such
things as highlight typographic errors, suggest a list of available functions based on the
appropriate situation, or offer a function’s definition from the official documentation.
• Resource management: When creating applications, languages often rely on
certain resources, like library or header files, to be at specific locations. IDEs
should be able to manage these resources. An IDE should be aware of any required
resources so that errors can be spotted at the development stage and not later, in
the compile or build stage.
• Debugging tools: In an IDE, you should be able to thoroughly test your application
before release. The IDE may be able to give variable values at certain points, connect
to different data repositories, or accept different run-time parameters.
• Compile and build: For languages that require a compile or build stage, IDEs
translate code from high-level languages to the object code of the targeted platform.
Requirements for these features vary substantially from language to language. Thus,
traditionally,
an IDE specializes in one language or a set of similar languages. Some famous IDEs and their
languages include: JBuilder for Java; Metrowerks CodeWarrior suite for Java, C, and C++; and
Microsoft’s Visual Studio for its Visual Basic and C# family of languages.
Advantages of Using an IDE
Using an IDE will save you a lot of effort in writing a program. Some advantages include:
1. Less time and effort: The entire purpose of an IDE is to make developing faster and
easier. Its tools and features are supposed to help you organize resources, prevent
mistakes, and provide shortcuts.
2. Enforce project or company standards: Simply by working in the same
development environment, a group of programmers will adhere to a standard way of
doing things. Standards can be further enforced if the IDE offers predefined
templates, or if code libraries are shared between different team members/teams
working on the same project.
3. Project management: This can be twofold. First, many IDEs have documentation
tools that either automate the entry of developer comments, or may actually force
developers to write comments in different areas. Second, simply by having a visual
presentation of resources, it should be a lot easier to know how an application is laid
out as opposed to traversing the file system for arcane files in the file system.
Disadvantages of Using an IDE
Be careful of some of the pitfalls of using an IDE as it may not be ideal for everyone and might
not be suitable in every situation.
1. Learning curve: IDEs are complicated tools. Maximizing their benefit will require
time and patience.
2. A sophisticated IDE may not be a good tool for beginning programmers: If you
throw the learning curve of an IDE on top of learning how to program, it can be quite
frustrating. Further, features and shortcuts for experienced programmers often hide
crucial but mundane details of a language. Details should not be overlooked when
learning a new language. Using an IDE may hamper the learning of a new language.
3. Will not fix bad code, practices, or design: You still need to be proficient and
meticulous. An IDE will not eliminate efficiency or performance problems in your
application. IDEs are like paintbrushes. Whether you create a Van Gogh or a Velvet
Elvis is dictated by your skill and decisions.
