Which tool you use to write is as important as your writing. The most significant thing about coding is your selection of code editor. Whether a developer or programmer, you would have used multiple code editors. As a programmer, you learn new stuff daily, which means you consume a lot of information and have to digest (practice) it somewhere. But a traditional offline compiler takes a lot of time, which makes you lazy. Don’t worry; there are code editors available that have made it manageable.
In this era of cloud computing, why one should use boring offline compilers which take a lot of time for implementation, setup and configuration? Cloud-based compilers or you can say online compilers take no extra time – direct code implementation, no setups or configuration. If you’re into programming or development, then online compilers must be in your kit. As a developer, I love using online compilers because they help me save time. Here is the list of my favourite compilers which I have used personally. So, let’s take a deep dive to discuss what are online code editors, their strengths, flaws, and standout attributes.
What are Online Code Editors?
Online code editors are cloud-based compilers that reside on the remote server. Online means, that you don’t have to install them instead can use them via web browsers. They are straightforward to use, write your code, save, compile and access it anywhere in the world. There’s no headache of management, resource sharing or platform dependency. Have a good internet connection, create your account on one of the platforms and start using it.
Pros & Cons of Online Code Editors
Lightweight
There’s no load on your system as they require no installation hence they put no burden on the device. They are super lightweight.
No Installation
As they are online, so there’s no installation required to use them but you have to create your account which you can using email or Google.
Collaboration
Online compilers support simultaneous code editing which means you can collaborate with your friends or teammate. This is useful when you face an issue, collaborate and debug together. In traditional editors, it is nearly impossible to do so.
Slow Speed
The main concerning point of these compilers is speed. They become pretty slow when they face a heavy load. I recommend using them for small projects.
Require Internet
Having a good internet is necessary as they are online compilers. But in the case of traditional compilers, you don’t need to have it.
Technologies Limitations
In some compilers, you might see that there are some technologies are missing. But chances of that are very low as you get all the popular technologies available.
List of Online Code Editors
Project IDX
Project IDX is a cloud-based, AI-integrated Integrated Development Environment (IDE). It has a clean and minimal user interface. This runs on the pre-configured VMs on Google Cloud. It can be used to build and deploy applications using various tech stacks without trouble. There are a wide variety of project templates available, you need to select a specific template and start development.
It has all the popular project templates such as React, Next.js, Angular, Vue, Svelte and many more. The feature which makes it unique is Android Studio. Yeah, you hear it right. It has experimental Android Studio which allows you to build a native Android application entirely on a browser. I have been using it for a few months now. I can say that its speed, interface and project templates are excellent.
Features:
- High Speed
- Minimal Interface
- Project Templates
- Web-based compiler
- Experimental Android Studio
- Free to use
Link: Project IDX
Codesandbox
Codesandbox is a web-based, online code editor which lets you develop your projects. It allows you to write, share and collaborate with others on the browser without the need for local installations or complicated setups. Provides client-side as well as server-side project templates which means you can easily create a node, python or nest.js project. It has a feature where you can import your repository from GitHub, you just need to connect your GitHub with it.
Features:
- Web-based
- Client & Server Project Templates
- Collaboration
- Free to use
- Simple Interface
- Import Github Repository
Link: Codesandbox
Replit
Replit is an integrated development environment (IDE), which is cloud-based and easy to access everywhere using the same account. You can build and deploy applications on it, but it charges for it. Although replit is perfect, its free version is not enough to develop large projects. It gives you limited free apps to create. If you have to develop a big project then go for its premium version.
Features:
- Documentation
- Collaboration
- Templates
- Bounties
- Deployments
Link: Replit
Codespace
Github codespaces is a free cloud-based compiler which allows you to write, review and debug code. It requires no setup and directly you can start using it. It gives you access to your Visual Studio Code, installed extensions and settings. Through this, you can access your VS code virtually anywhere around the world. I use this to fix or modify code, like directly on GitHub no need to open my VS code.
Features
- Simple to use
- No setup
- Access to VS code
- Free
These are the top 4 online code editors which I have used by myself. That’s why I have recommended these 4 code editors only. I’ll suggest using them all and then selecting one.
Link: Codespaces
Which code editor software should you use?
I have used IDX, Codespace and Replit myself. As a web developer, IDX is the best choice for me according to my requirements. But code editors depend on your needs. You can’t go with any random compiler. Let me provide you a list from which you can choose a compiler which will fit your needs.
- Web Development
- App Development
- Machine Learning
- Artificial Intelligence
- Data Science
Popular languages such as C++, Java, C#, Python or Javascript are available in all the compilers.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, using an online compiler may give you benefits. I learn some new stuff daily, but if I go to practising it traditionally, then first I have to create a folder, set up the project, install technology and then implement it. This is time-consuming, I know that is why I just open my online compiler, select technology and start implementation. I’ll not recommend you, to use these online compilers for your large projects. They can’t handle heavy projects because of resource limitations. Use them for learning purposes for what they are built to do.
If you have any questions or are confused about these compilers, connect with me on LinkedIn or at faizan@appsoluion.com.