Best Node JS IDEs and Code Editors
Are you confused about which IDE is best for Node JS? Choosing the best Node JS IDE can be time-consuming because you need to look at many different features.
But save your time with this blog! Here we give you the list of the top 10 best Node JS IDEs. You can also learn about the best Node JS IDE for Windows and the best Node JS IDE for Mac.
10 Best Node JS IDEs and Code Editors – Overview
Here’s an overview of the 10 best Node.js IDEs and Code Editors:
| S.No. | IDE Name | License Type | Platform Compatibility | Version Control Integration | Download Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Visual Studio Code | Free/open-source | Windows, macOS, Linux | Yes | Download |
| 2 | IntelliJ IDEA | Free / Paid | Windows, macOS, Linux | Yes | Download |
| 3 | Atom | Free/open-source | Windows, macOS, Linux | Yes | Download |
| 4 | Eclipse | Free/open-source | Windows, macOS, Linux | Yes | Download |
| 5 | Brackets | Free/open-source | Windows, macOS, Linux | Yes | Download |
| 6 | Webstorm | Paid (Free trial available) | Windows, macOS, Linux | Yes | Download |
| 7 | Netbeans | Free/open-source | Windows, macOS, Linux | Yes | Download |
| 8 | Komodo IDE | Paid (Free trial available) | Windows, macOS, Linux | Yes | Download |
| 9 | Sublime Text | Paid | Windows, macOS, Linux | Yes | Download |
| 10 | Vim Editor | Free/open-source | Windows, macOS, Linux, BSD | Yes | Download |
Top 10 Node JS IDEs for Developers
Below are the top 10 Node JS IDEs for developers:
1. Visual Studio Code
Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is a lightweight but powerful source code editor developed by Microsoft.
It offers extensive functionality that supports everything from web development to app creation and data science.
License Type: Free/open-source
Supported Programming Languages:
- JavaScript
- Python
- C++
- Java
- PHP
- Go
- Ruby
- and many more
Platform Compatibility:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
User Interface and Experience:
- Clean, user-friendly interface
- Responsive design suitable for various screen sizes
Customization Options:
- Themes to change appearance
- Extensions to add languages, debuggers, and tools
- Configurable workspace settings
Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:
- The color-coded syntax for easier readability
- Real-time syntax error and warning notifications
Code Autocompletion: Yes
Integrated Debugging Tools:
- Breakpoints, call stacks, and an interactive console
- Inline variable viewing
- Performance profiling tools
Version Control Integration: Yes
Community and Support:
- Extensive documentation and tutorials
- Vibrant community with forums and chat channels
2. IntelliJ IDEA
IntelliJ IDEA is an integrated development environment (IDE) designed by JetBrains, primarily for Java development.
It provides advanced coding assistance, intelligent code refactoring, and deep integration with various frameworks and application servers.
License Type: Free (Community Edition) / Paid (Ultimate Edition)
Supported Programming Languages:
- Java
- Kotlin
- Scala
- JavaScript
- TypeScript
- SQL
- and more with plugins
Platform Compatibility:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
User Interface and Experience:
- Intuitive, project-centric interface layout
- Customizable UI for optimized workflow
Customization Options:
- Adjustable themes and font settings
- Plugins for extending IDE capabilities
- Customizable shortcuts and editor configurations
Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:
- Advanced syntax highlighting with customizable themes
- Visual diff, merge tools, and version control visualization
Code Autocompletion: Yes
Integrated Debugging Tools:
- Inline debugging for immediate code inspection
- Smart step into features for efficient navigation
- Memory and thread dump analysis
Version Control Integration: Yes
Community and Support:
- Comprehensive official documentation
- Active forums and community support
3. Atom
Atom is an open-source text editor developed by GitHub, designed to be deeply customizable but approachable using the default configuration.
It supports a wide range of programming languages and tools through community-built plugins, making it an attractive option for students who require flexibility.
License Type: Free/open-source
Supported Programming Languages:
- JavaScript
- Python
- HTML
- CSS
- PHP
- C
- C++
- Ruby
- and many others through plugins
Platform Compatibility:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
User Interface and Experience:
- Modern, slick user interface
- Easy-to-navigate, tabbed interface for managing multiple projects
Customization Options:
- Highly customizable themes and layouts
- Installable packages to add new features and functionality
- User-configurable snippets and auto-completion settings
Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:
- Customizable syntax coloring for easier code navigation
- File system browser for easy access to all parts of your project
Code Autocompletion: Yes
Integrated Debugging Tools:
- Integration with third-party debugging tools via packages
- Console for command execution and package management
- Error highlighting and built-in linter
Version Control Integration: Yes
Community and Support:
- Large library of community-contributed packages
- Active community forums and extensive documentation
4. Eclipse
Eclipse is a versatile and robust integrated development environment (IDE) primarily known for Java development but supports a wide array of other programming languages via plugins.
It offers comprehensive tools for coding, testing, and debugging, which are particularly beneficial for students and professionals.
License Type: Free/open-source
Supported Programming Languages:
- Java
- C/C++
- PHP
- JavaScript
- Python
- Perl
- and more with plugins
Platform Compatibility:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
User Interface and Experience:
- Flexible and customizable interface
- Rich client platform capable of hosting a wide variety of tools and applications
Customization Options:
- Extensive plugin ecosystem for customization
- Themes and layout adjustments to suit personal preferences
- Key bindings and editor settings that can be tailored to individual needs
Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:
- Advanced syntax highlighting for multiple languages
- Graphical editors and viewers for different types of files and databases
Code Autocompletion: Yes
Integrated Debugging Tools:
- Powerful source debugger with conditional breakpoints
- Memory and performance analyzing tools
- Integration with build and release tools
Version Control Integration: Yes
Community and Support:
- Strong support through Eclipse Foundation
- Large user community with numerous forums and helpful documentation
5. Brackets
Brackets is a lightweight, yet powerful, open-source editor that primarily focuses on web development.
Its live preview feature and preprocessor support make it especially popular among front-end developers and students who need real-time browser feedback while coding HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
License Type: Free/open-source
Supported Programming Languages:
- HTML
- CSS
- JavaScript
- and extensions allow support for other web languages
Platform Compatibility:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
User Interface and Experience:
- Clean, minimalistic user interface focused on simplicity
- Smooth workflow tailored for web developers
Customization Options:
- Extensible with a wide range of available extensions
- Theme customization for personalized coding environments
- User-friendly interface customization through easy-to-adjust settings
Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:
- Real-time syntax highlighting adapted to modern web standards
- Visual tools for CSS editing and interactive widgets
Code Autocompletion: Yes
Integrated Debugging Tools:
- Inline editors for quick edits and adjustments
- Live preview to see changes in real-time without refreshing the browser
- Linter integration for code quality checks
Version Control Integration: Yes
Community and Support:
- Active community contributions to the extension registry
- Comprehensive documentation available online
6. Webstorm
WebStorm is a powerful commercial IDE developed by JetBrains specifically designed for the modern JavaScript ecosystem.
It offers comprehensive support for JavaScript, Node.js, HTML, and CSS, as well as advanced capabilities like code refactoring, debugging, and testing.
License Type: Paid (Free trial available)
Supported Programming Languages:
- JavaScript
- TypeScript
- HTML
- CSS
- Node.js
- React
- Angular
- Vue.js
Platform Compatibility:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
User Interface and Experience:
- Intuitive and responsive design
- Seamless tool integration for a streamlined workflow
Customization Options:
- Extensive plugin ecosystem to extend functionality
- Customizable themes and editor configurations
- Adjustable keymaps and settings to optimize development efficiency
Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:
- Intelligent syntax highlighting tailored to modern web languages
- Code folding and hierarchical view of code files
Code Autocompletion: Yes
Integrated Debugging Tools:
- Built-in debugger for JavaScript, Node.js, and client-side code
- Integration with Karma test runner, Mocha, Jest, and Protractor
- Network monitoring and REST client capabilities
Version Control Integration: Yes
Community and Support:
- Extensive official documentation and learning resources
- Strong professional support and community forums
7. Netbeans
NetBeans is a free and open-source IDE designed for developers working with Java, but it also supports various other languages like HTML5, PHP, C++, and more.
It is known for its straightforward interface, strong community backing, and robust set of tools that facilitate coding, debugging, and testing.
License Type: Free/open-source
Supported Programming Languages:
- Java
- HTML5
- JavaScript
- PHP
- C++
- and more with additional plugins
Platform Compatibility:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
User Interface and Experience:
- User-friendly interface that supports drag-and-drop functionality
- An integrated development environment that can handle large codebases efficiently
Customization Options:
- Highly configurable with plugins and themes
- Personalize editor and tool layouts to fit different development styles
Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:
- Syntax highlighting for multiple languages that enhances code readability
- Code templates and snippets for faster coding
Code Autocompletion: Yes
Integrated Debugging Tools:
- Powerful debugging tools with configurable breakpoints
- Step-by-step code analysis and variable inspection
- Integrated profiling tools for performance optimization
Version Control Integration: Yes
Community and Support:
- Extensive documentation and tutorials are available
- Active community forums for troubleshooting and tips
8. Komodo IDE
Komodo IDE, developed by ActiveState, is a comprehensive multi-language IDE that supports a broad spectrum of programming and scripting languages, including Python, Perl, Go, Ruby, Node.js, JavaScript, and more.
It offers a variety of tools for debugging, testing, and collaboration, making it suitable for complex development projects.
License Type: Paid (Free trial available)
Supported Programming Languages:
- Python
- Perl
- PHP
- Ruby
- Go
- JavaScript
- HTML
- CSS
- Tcl
- and more
Platform Compatibility:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
User Interface and Experience:
- Customizable interface with multiple layout options
- Streamlined access to project files and tools for efficient navigation
Customization Options:
- Extensive theme and icon customization
- Configurable key bindings and toolbars
- Add-ons and extensions available for enhanced functionality
Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:
- Adaptive syntax highlighting for various programming languages
- Real-time code inspection and error highlighting
Code Autocompletion: Yes
Integrated Debugging Tools:
- Advanced debugging capabilities across multiple languages
- Interactive shells for immediate code execution and testing
- Remote debugging support for working on server-side scripts
Version Control Integration: Yes
Community and Support:
- Active user community and forums
- Detailed documentation and support from ActiveState
9. Sublime Text
Sublime Text is a versatile and fast text editor highly favored by programmers and web developers for its minimalistic interface, exceptional performance, and wide ranging language support.
It is particularly renowned for its feature-rich functionality packed into a sleek user interface.
License Type: Paid
Supported Programming Languages:
- Python
- JavaScript
- HTML
- CSS
- PHP
- Java
- C++
- Ruby
- and many more
Platform Compatibility:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
User Interface and Experience:
- A clean, uncluttered interface that maximizes workspace
- Highly responsive editing experience even in large files
Customization Options:
- Extensively customizable with simple JSON files for settings
- A rich ecosystem of plugins through Package Control
- Themes and color schemes to personalize the coding environment
Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:
- Sophisticated syntax highlighting with customizable schemes
- Minimap view for quick navigation and overview of files
Code Autocompletion: Yes
Integrated Debugging Tools:
- Not built-in; available through plugins (e.g., SublimeDebugger)
- Inline error messages and linting with appropriate plugins
Version Control Integration: Yes
Community and Support:
- Large, active community with numerous forums and a dedicated subreddit
- A vast array of tutorials and third-party resources for learning and troubleshooting
10. Vim Editor
Vim is a highly configurable text editor built to enable efficient text editing. It is based on the older Vi editor and is known for its power, flexibility, and ubiquity across Unix-like systems.
Vim is favored by experienced programmers for its keyboard-centric approach and minimalistic interface, which facilitate rapid code manipulation and editing.
License Type: Free/open-source
Supported Programming Languages:
- Python
- JavaScript
- Java
- C/C++
- PHP
- Ruby
- and many more
Platform Compatibility:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
- BSD
- and other Unix-like systems
User Interface and Experience:
- Keyboard-driven interface with extensive shortcut commands
- Mode-based editing (Normal, Insert, Command-line, and Visual modes)
Customization Options:
- Highly customizable with scripts and plugins
- User-defined commands and key mappings
- Extensible with Vim Script or integration with other scripting languages like Python, Ruby, and Perl
Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:
- Advanced syntax highlighting customizable for different programming languages
- Support for hundreds of color schemes
Code Autocompletion: Yes
Integrated Debugging Tools:
- Available through plugins like Vdebug for PHP, Python, Ruby, and Perl
- Integration with external tools like GDB for debugging C/C++
Version Control Integration: Yes
Community and Support:
- Extensive documentation is available both offline and online
- Active community with numerous plugins and extensive user-contributed scripts
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are some of the best free Node JS IDEs and code editors available?
Some of the best free Node JS IDEs and code editors available are:
- Visual Studio Code
- Atom
- Brackets
- Eclipse
2. What are the key features to look for in the best Node JS IDEs and code editors?
The key features to look for in the best Node JS IDEs and code editors are code completion, debugging tools, built-in terminals, extensive extension support, and efficient performance handling.
3. What is the key difference between Node JS IDE and Code Editor
The key difference between Node JS IDE and a Code Editor is that an IDE offers comprehensive tools like debugging and project management, while a code editor provides basic text editing with syntax highlighting and may require plugins for additional features.
4. Which Node JS IDEs have strong community support and reliable customer service?
Visual Studio Code, WebStorm, and Eclipse have strong community support and reliable customer services.
5. What tools are available in Node JS IDEs for debugging code?
Tools available in Node JS IDEs for debugging code include breakpoints, step-through debugging, variable inspection, console outputs, and performance analysis tools.
6. What Node JS IDEs have the best integration with version control systems like Git?
Visual Studio Code, WebStorm, and Eclipse have the best integration with version control systems like Git.
Wrapping Up
With this list of 10 Node JS IDEs, you can get a clear picture of choosing and installing the best for your project or developmental needs. Always look for a simple IDE if you are a beginner and then switch to using a complex IDE for your development journey.
Explore More Node JS Resources
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Thirumoorthy serves as a teacher and coach. He obtained a 99 percentile on the CAT. He cleared numerous IT jobs and public sector job interviews, but he still decided to pursue a career in education. He desires to elevate the underprivileged sections of society through education
Thirumoorthy serves as a teacher and coach. He obtained a 99 percentile on the CAT. He cleared numerous IT jobs and public sector job interviews, but he still decided to pursue a career in education. He desires to elevate the underprivileged sections of society through education
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