Choose from the 8 best Node JS IDEs and code editors to use in 2023 and increase your Node development productivity.
As a Node JS developer, you want complete command over the code you write. Having a compiler, a debugger, and code building automation under one umbrella makes your life immensely simpler. Yes, that is the purpose of having an integrated development environment (IDE). There are numerous Top Node JS IDE options available on the market today. How do you select the one suitable for your needs?
Let's start the deep dive!
The main benefits of an IDE for Node JS
Integrated development environments and text editing applications make the process of creating and optimizing code more manageable. Let's look at why they are vital when coding in-demand programming languages like Node.JS.
- Availability of editor, debugger, build automation and compiler on a single platform
- Improves developer productivity and installation times
- Optimizes the use of programming resources
- Simplifies troubleshooting and minimizes errors
- Assists in collaborative coding and process standardization
Now we know why IDEs and text editors are important. Next, let's understand how they differ.
Text editor vs IDE: what's the difference?
The main difference is in the development process. As the name suggests, a text or code editor is used to write programs. It constitutes an element of the IDE.
An IDE is the complete package used to develop applications. It acts as a centralized interface where you can edit, debug, compile and build your programs. It has an integrated GUI that structures all the functionalities suitable for development.
How to choose the right IDE for Node.JS
Now that you know the function of IDEs, it is essential to select the right one for your use case from the plethora of options available. Let’s look at 5 main decision factors:
- Cross-platform compatibility: IDEs can be language-specific or support multiple programming frameworks. So, if you're thinking about leveraging the same IDE for multiple programming languages, including Node JS, consider options like Eclipse or IntelliJ IDEA.
- Operating System: Depending on your company or development team's choice of operating system, select the IDE accordingly. For example, Atom and Sublime Text are well optimized for Linux.
- Open source: Developers often choose open source IDEs from the point of view of cost savings and license management. Gitpod and Koding are popular examples of open source IDEs for developing NodeJS applications.
- Runtime: Avoid unnecessary baggage in your IDEs for faster runtimes and development speeds. IDEs like VS Code allow you to add features later as needed.
- Cloud support: Remote access, code collaboration, and easier configurations make cloud IDEs a cut above the rest. Some IDEs like Cloud9 achieve this category with portable docker runtimes.
These parameters will help you make the ideal choice. Next, let's take a look at the best-performing IDEs from each category we considered.
Top 8 IDEs and Text Editors for Node JS Developers
Node.JS's ability to handle concurrent and asynchronous operations allows developers to create powerful applications. This aspect largely contributes to the popularity of this coding framework. However, choosing IDEs is crucial for streamlining the entire software development life cycle (SDLC). This is where knowledge of best-in-class IDEs benefits you dramatically.
Eclipse
Eclipse is undeniably the preferred IDE, especially for large-scale development projects. Through a simple plugin, you can make it compatible with NodeJS. The Eclipse Che Cloud IDE comes with a top-level workspace that includes runtimes, RESTful API, and IDEs.
The out-of-the-box stack and the presence of a built-in debugger enhance the developer's user experience. The best part? It is completely free, being an open source tool. Cross-platform support for frameworks like Java, JavaScript, PHP, and C++ makes it immensely versatile.
If you want to extend the standard features, Enide (Studio) 2015 is one of the most feature-rich Node.JS plugins for Eclipse. You can install it by simply dragging and dropping the installation image to the Eclipse toolbar.
Main features
- Intellisense, refactoring and key binding capabilities
- Git and Maven integration
- Dedicated Java development tools
- Code recommendation options
| Pros | Cons |
| It's tailor-made for team collaborations associated with larger projects. | Performance is weaker compared to other IDEs due to poor memory allocation. |
| Abundant plugins available for feature extension. | It has a learning curve. Needs to be more beginner friendly. |
| Dark mode makes it easier for developers to see. | Setting up your workspace can be a lot of work. |
IntelliJ IDEA
From built-in database tools to version control and other development features, IntelliJ IDEA is feature-rich. This IDE was created by JetBrains and supports a variety of programming languages. In addition to Node.JS, it is compatible with AngularJS, Java, JavaScript and React, among others.
You can code, run, debug and test your program within the IDE, making the overall development process convenient. You can also create applications whose GUIs are a feast for the eyes with HTML5-like features. Node.JS developers can experience improved performance by installing specific plugins. Some of the most popular include:
- GitToolBox – helps you perform Git actions within the IDE environment
- ESLint – helps you analyze and fix errors quickly
- Multirun – allows you to run multiple configurations in parallel
Let’s look at the features that set this IDE apart.
Main features
- Predictive code capability for autocomplete
- Built-in debugger support
- Robust Version Controller
- Syntax highlighting and assistance
| Pros | Cons |
| Markdown document support allows developers to write well-structured code. | Excessive presence of default plugins. |
| Rapid troubleshooting enables faster response times. | Not suitable for complex projects due to mediocre dependency management. |
| Support for test runners. | Premium subscriptions are expensive compared to other IDEs. |
Atom
With 5 UI categories and 8 built-in themes, you can't miss Atom IDE. It is open source and supports multiple languages. The syntax is straightforward and the customization options for coding make it a delight for the Node.JS developer.
Developers can work directly with Git and GitHub using Atom. Developed on the Electron framework, Atom IDE allows the creation of cross-platform applications. You can use it in a file system browser that supports multi-pane functionality.
If you're a web developer, don't miss these great Atom plugins:
- File icons – for easy file structuring and navigation
- Emmet – set shortcuts for faster coding
- Teletype – enables real-time collaborative coding
Main features
- Advanced autocomplete
- Cross-platform development
- High-level customization capabilities
- Search and replace options
| Pros | Cons |
| Coding is fluid due to the autocomplete feature. | Lack of tutorials to learn how to work in this IDE. |
| Suitable for developers who love to customize their coding experience. | Advanced features require time to understand, especially for amateur developers. |
| Powerful performance. | Tool updates are less frequent than other IDEs. |
Visual Studio Code
Microsoft developed this lightweight and open-source IDE. You can free download and use this IDE on Windows, Mac or Linux operating systems. It's a first-class cloud IDE for Node.js development, so you can code and debug in the cloud. The code assistance and navigation that VS Code offers makes troubleshooting a breeze, even for beginners.
Additionally, Microsoft has improved its value proposition by adding a variety of extensions and plug-ins to support different programming languages such as C++, PHP, Java, and more. We recommend these plugins to enhance VS Code's feature set.
- Lambda Test VS – Enables real-time cross-browser testing
- Remote – SSH – remote debugging on the client side or in the cloud
- Peacock – change the color themes of your VS Code environment
As a lightweight IDE, VS Code offers one of the fastest performances on this list.
Main features
- Split terminal view and zen mode for enhanced user experience
- Superior command line interface
- Intellisense for automatic code completion
- Git integration
- Command line integration
- Syntax Themes
- Context menus to help amateurs
- Free Node JS IDE
| Pros | Cons |
| Superior UX thanks to intellisense and syntax highlighting. | Application error messages often do not contain enough information for troubleshooting. |
| Abundant availability of add-ons. | Consumes a lot of computing resources (CPU usage) with occasional crashes. |
| Beginner-friendly and visually rich GUI. | Multilingual code can be difficult for the compiler to interpret. |
Cloud9
With support for over 40 languages, Cloud9 is one of the best cloud IDEs you can find for Node JS. You can code and run the program super fast on your powerful Ubuntu workspace. The code editor is immensely ingenious, with a built-in image editor, live preview, and a binder.
Main features
- Enables serverless development
- Pre-built key binding editor
- Impressive performance
- App preview option
- Powerful online code editor
| Pros | Cons |
| Minimal setup and configuration is required as it is a cloud IDE. | Occasional performance and disconnection issues. |
| Useful tool for collaborative coding in large teams. | Lack of proper hotkeys. |
| Useful packages installed in the standard version. | Not suitable for coding in Internet Explorer. |
Sublime Text
This cross-platform IDE comes with convenient features such as split editing and quick project switching to improve multitasking during development. Node JS developers widely use the Sublime Text editor, especially due to the Goto Anything feature. With this, you can open files using just a few keys.
This editor goes beyond the UX point of view. Why? First, navigation is smooth as silk thanks to the integrated command palette that minimizes navigation complexities. Secondly, the distraction-free option eliminates all unnecessary UI elements while you code on the monitor. The wide range of IDE customizations makes it the preferred choice among the developer community. Here are some useful plugins that will make editing text in Sublime Text a fantastic experience:
- Bracket marker – corresponds to the opening and closing of the brackets
- Themr – to enable unique syntax highlighting
- Terminal – optimization of terminal resources as needed
Main features
- Instant project change option
- Ideal for multitasking
- Powerful packages and API
- Easy customizations using JSON files
| Pros | Cons |
| Allows extensive searches of complete code directories. | Failed to understand the code type automatically. |
| The GUI is unique, with customizable color schemes that are syntax specific. | Running and testing code requires an external tool. |
| Intuitive and easy to use, with a lean learning curve. | Plugins can be confusing to understand and install. |
Webstorm
This tool is often considered the “smartest IDE” due to its formidable code assistance that comes with real-time error detection, refactoring, and code completion. It's lightweight and one of the best you'll find for server-side development using Node.JS. The presence of a terminal and a built-in debugger improves the overall usefulness of this IDE.
If you want to build eCommerce apps using a great Node.JS IDE, look no further. Webstorm is your ideal choice with the ability to integrate virtual card services for digital payments. JetBrains has added some cool new plugins for Webstorm users. For example, Intelligpt integrates open AI ChatGPT into its IDE. The Pets plugin adds a cute pet icon to the Webstorm IDE environment.
Main features
- Supports complex client-side development
- Stunning GUI with simple navigation
- Best Choice for Ecommerce Apps
- Automated and secure refactoring capabilities
- Smart code completion
| Pros | Cons |
| Stunning, fast and efficient UI. | Users cannot create directories for bookmarks and favorites. |
| Market-leading web editor with impeccable plugins. | Connecting the debugger to new docker containers is a tedious task. |
| Superior debugging for Node JS. | Occasional performance drops. |
KomodoIDE
This cross-platform IDE is known for its versatility and is the best multilingual IDE including Node JS, Ruby, Python, Perl, and PHP among others. Komodo offers developers the flexibility to implement custom settings across multiple selections. Change tracking and code execution are highly efficient.
Furthermore, creating and managing dependencies is seamless with this IDE. This is due to the multiple views provided for DOM and markdowns. You can also speed up the overall coding process due to the smart completion features.
Some great add-ons/plugins make Komodo even more enjoyable. Morekomodo, for example, has several file management features, including copying the directory path from the context menu. For UI enthusiasts, the Tweak UI plugin allows you to customize Komodo UI themes.
Main features
- Superior change tracking
- Suitable for fast-paced coding needs
- Syntax highlighting and graphical debugging for easy troubleshooting
- Split View and Multi-Window Encoding
| Pros | Cons |
| One of the fastest coding editors. | Performance is sometimes slow. |
| Navigation is super easy due to the simple user interface. | The learning curve is a bit steep for a beginner. |
| Provides useful function suggestions along with syntax. | More tutorials are needed to use the shortcuts. |
Conclusion
With this industry-grade checklist at hand, you can make informed choices as you develop powerful, feature-rich Node JS applications. With the right tool, you and your team of NodeJS developers can easily adopt Node JS best practices during your development process.
Keep in mind that some of these tools were created not just for Node JS but also for cross-platform coding support. Before deciding on your IDE or text editor, be sure to rationally analyze your business and personnel requirements for process and cost efficiencies.
If you have other tools to suggest or need more help selecting your Node JS IDE, don't hesitate to contact us.
If you liked this article, check out our other guides below;
- Change Node Version: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Node JS Cache: Increasing Performance and Efficiency
- Unlock the power of Node.JS microservices
- Unlocking the Power of Websocket Nodejs
- Best Text Editors and Node JS IDE for App Development
