The 4 Top IDEs for Developers in 2025
by @eleanorhecks@x.com (@designerlymag@x.com) on , tagged guest-posts, code-editors, comparisons, vs-code, microsoft, jetbrains, sublime-text (toot this?)
For frontend developers looking for a new integrated development environment (IDE) in 2025, Visual Studio Code, IntelliJ IDEA, Visual Studio and Sublime Text are must-haves. Which is best for their needs?
1. Visual Studio Code
Visual Studio Code—VS Code—is a source code editor built by Microsoft. It runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Raspberry Pi OS. There is built-in support for JavaScript and TypeScript, which other popular IDEs do not have. Major programming languages are available out of the box.
Pros of VS Code
With VS Code for the Web, you can browse your source code repositories and make simple code changes regardless of where you are or what device you are using—no installation required.
Another pro of using VS Code is that you get Copilot—Microsoft’s artificial intelligence—by linking your GitHub account. This is a practical advantage, considering most businesses are interested in using generative AI, and GenAI can increase revenue by up to 15 percent. Instead of needing to pay a monthly subscription to enjoy these benefits, you get it for free.
Cons of VS Code
Since VS Code is not technically an IDE, your setup will require an extensive amount of configuration. While you can gain whatever functionality you need with extensions and plugins, doing so can make this tool incredibly resource-intensive.
2. IntelliJ IDEA
IntelliJ IDEA is an IDE built by the software company JetBrains. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Although it does not offer all most popular languages, support for Java, Kotlin, Scala, and Groovy is built in.
While many frontend developers view VS Code as the gold standard now, IntelliJ IDEA remains the best in its class. Research shows 78% of developers primarily using Java use IntelliJ IDEA instead of IDEs like Eclipse, VS Code, or NetBeans.
Pros of IntelliJ IDEA
IntelliJ IDEA offers out-of-the-box functionality. In addition to its unique variety of supported languages, it has a built-in decompiler, terminal, debugger, and profiler. You can tweak, run, and debug code all in one place. If you crave more control over your environment, there are many plugins, keyboard shortcuts, custom themes, and accessibility features you can use.
With the local history capability, you can track changes, restore deleted files, and even roll back the project state if needed.
The remote development and collaboration feature is great if you ever need more than one set of eyes on your code. It enables teamwork on shared projects by displaying real-time changes and allowing audio calls.
Cons of IntelliJ IDEA
The biggest drawback of IntelliJ IDEA is its price. Many features require an Ultimate subscription, which is a monthly expense. Languages like Python, Rust, PHP, Go, Dart, SQL, HTML, TypeScript, and CSS are only available if you pay.
The Community Edition—the free, open-source version—has meager framework support. You cannot leverage Spring, React, Angular, Node.js, WordPress, or Vue.js. Also, there are fewer build and integrated developer tools. It is ideal for enthusiasts, but may not have everything that professionals are looking for.
3. Visual Studio
Visual Studio is an IDE built by Microsoft. Compared to VS Code, it is more flexible and fully featured, making it better for resource-intensive or enterprise-level projects. It is one of the most comprehensive options for Python, C++, or .NET developers. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Pros of Visual Studio
This environment allows you to develop, test, edit, and debug code. Code completion, compiler, and collaboration tools can streamline your workflows. Since Visual Studio is not as lightweight as VS Code, it offers built-in support for JavaScript, TypeScript and Node.js.
If you want other languages and runtimes, thousands of extensions are available.
You can download Studio Community—a lightweight, cloud-connected version of the original software—for free. Thanks to its modularity, you only need to include the features that are most important to you. However, it offers fewer advanced features.
Cons of Visual Studio
Frankly, the paid subscription is expensive. For reference, the enterprise standard version of Visual Studio Professional 2022 regularly costs $499 monthly per user. While the professional standard version is much more affordable, it still outprices all other IDEs and rich-text editors on this list.
4. Sublime Text
Sublime Text is a rich-text editor for code. It supports all major languages, including Python, Java, C++, and CSS. If you have a Windows, Mac, Linux, or Raspberry Pi operating system, you can run it. Notably, while it does not have IDE functionality built-in, it offers robust extensions and plugins.
With package control, you can add or modify functionality. If you want to make changes to themes, formatting, text manipulation, language syntax, color scheme, autocomplete suggestions, and more, you can.
Third-party workarounds may seem less convenient, but it does not stop most in this profession. Research shows that although 73% of software developers used a stand-alone IDE like IntelliJ IDEA or Visual Studio in 2022, an almost equal share—74%, to be exact—used rich-text editors like Sublime Text and VS Code.
Pros of Sublime Text
Unlike IntelliJ IDEA Ultimate and Visual Studio, Sublime Text is free to download and use. Technically, this is recognized as an evaluation period, meaning you are expected to pay for the software eventually. However, there is no time limit, so you could technically get away with indefinite personal use.
Unlike other text editors, Sublime Text lets you run code directly. Its other notable features include multiline-editing, snippets, and autocomplete suggestions, which can streamline development.
Cons of Sublime Text
Although Sublime Text is technically free to download and the evaluation period is indefinite, you will be bombarded with near-constant pop-ups when opening the editor or saving. You will either be asked to upgrade to the new version or be reminded to pay. At best, these messages are incredibly frustrating. At worst, they can interrupt your workflow.
Even in a commercial environment—where your employer would almost undoubtedly pay for the tool for legal reasons—paying for Sublime Text is not necessarily ideal. Licenses are per user. You cannot get a site or group license. You must pay $99 per person for the full version.
How Developers Can Select the Best IDE for Their Needs
Consider unique features like web support, local history, and remote collaboration. Then, assess the quantity and quality of extensions and plugins available to each IDE or rich-text editor. Which are deal-breakers? Narrowing down your options this way can help you make a decision.
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