IDE

21 Best Free Linux Integrated Development Environments (IDEs)

Last Updated on May 27, 2022

An integrated development environment (IDE) (sometimes known as an integrated design environment or integrated debugging environment) is a software application that provides comprehensive facilities to programmers for software development.

Many coders learn to code using a text editor but in time they move towards using an IDE as this type of software application makes the art of coding quicker and more efficient.

For example, IDEs have semantic knowledge of the programming language which highlights coding problems while typing. Compiling is ‘on the fly’ and debugging is integrated.

An IDE normally comprises a:

  • Source code editor (essentially a text editor with additional features such as code completion, structural navigation, and syntax highlighting);
  • Debugger;
  • Compiler and/or interpreter;
  • Build automation tools.

A good IDE helps developers produce bug-free, maintainable applications quicker than by using an editor and console based tools. However, selecting an IDE can be a daunting task, in part because there are a large number available for Linux.

To provide an insight into the quality of software that is available, we have compiled a list of 21 highly polished free Linux IDEs. Hopefully, there will be something of interest here for anyone who wants to quicken the pace of software development. Here’s our recommendations.

Integrated Development Environments

Now, let’s explore the 21 IDEs at hand. For each title we have compiled its own portal page, a full description with an in-depth analysis of its features, screenshots, together with links to relevant resources.

Integrated Development Environments
PyCharmIntegrated Development Environment for Python
EclipseJava based environment combining a number of different Eclipse projects
SpyderThe Scientific Python Development Environment
NetBeans IDEJava based IDE from Apache
Qt CreatorCross-platform, complete Integrated Development Environment
EricFull featured Python editor and IDE
KDevelopAn easy to use IDE for KDE
Oracle DS(formerly Sun Studio) Software development product
PyDevPython Integrated Development Environment for Eclipse
LazarusDelphi compatible cross-platform IDE
GambasDevelopment environment and a full powerful development platform
CodeLitePowerful and lightweight C/C++ IDE
IntelliJ IDEAIDE for Java, Groovy, and other languages
Arduino IDEElectronics prototyping platform
DrRacketIDE for the Racket programming languages
Code::BlocksVery extensible and fully configurable
BuilderIDE for GNOME
AnjutaVersatile development environment for GNOME
LiteIDEEdit and build Go projects
MonoDevelopGNOME environment for the development of Mono and .NET applications
GeanySmall and lightweight IDE based on Scintilla
Best Free and Open Source SoftwareRead our complete collection of recommended free and open source software. Our curated compilation covers all categories of software.

The software collection forms part of our series of informative articles for Linux enthusiasts. There are hundreds of in-depth reviews, open source alternatives to proprietary software from large corporations like Google, Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, IBM, Cisco, Oracle, and Autodesk.

There are also fun things to try, hardware, free programming books and tutorials, and much more.
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