Top React Code Editors and IDEs to Try

If you are a business ready to cater your customers with scalable and high-performing web applications using React js, then, you are on the right path. React js can help to develop web apps using a variety of ReactJS tools, editors and IDEs. Yes, in order to build Native or react based applications, IDEs play a vital role and there are many options available when it comes to using IDEs. 

In this article, We’ll take you through deeper concepts of the numerous available IDEs, both free and premium, so you can choose the one that best meets your development needs.

Before we delve deep into the insights of React, if you are a “newbie” to react, You must know how React development makes a difference. So, if you are a beginner, you can simply launch one of the browser-based online React-based editors like CodeSandbox, CodePen, Glitch, or others and see how React works in action.

Table of Content

1. What Makes React Special From Others?
2. What Role Does IDEs Play in the Development Process?
3. What is the Difference between IDE and Code Editor?
4. Recommended IDE And Visual Editors for ReactJS Development
   1. Reactide
   2. Alloy Editor React
   3. Brackets
   4. Nuclide
   5. Atom
   6. Visual Studio Code
   7. Webstorm
   8. Sublime Text 3
5. Conclusion

1. What Makes React Special From Others?

Mainly used to build an interactive user interface (UI), the JavaScript library is used by numerous tech giants like Apple, PayPal, Netflix, etc. Moreover, the tech brings a wide range of compelling features and benefits to your project such as: 

• Facilitating the overall process of writing. In fact, for writing React.createElement you can use this set of shortcuts featuring some rules. This does assist you in making your source code faster, cleaner and simpler. 
• Building high-volume apps or custom React components, migrating from HTML mockups to ReactElement trees, all such tasks become way easier for ReactJS developers in India. 
• Due to complex logic, many times updates turn into a headache. Well, that’s not the case with React technology; all thanks to reusing system components. What’s more! You get a consistent react app look and of course, long-term growth and maintenance.
• Are you planning to build a high-load application? For that, one must consider the structure because that is something that probably is going to impact the overall application performance. Also, no matter how precisely you use the latest platforms and methodologies, the absence of bottlenecks is inevitable. Fortunately, ReactJS project development technology features a magic wand known as Virtual DOM where all the changes can be applied first and the real html DOM tree is updated accordingly, ensuring minimum time consumed. It also kills two birds with one arrow –awesome UI interface, and higher app performance. 
• Last but not least is the SEO friendliness; i.e. search engine failures are pretty common especially while reading JavaScript code-heavy apps. The tech has the ability to deal with all this.

2. What Role Does IDEs Play in the Development Process?

To start with, there is no basic definition to IDE, an IDE is essentially a piece of software that performs a variety of functions and duties.This includes aid in the development of other software. While you know, one of the prime objectives of IDEs is to boost productivity of the programmer by merging common software development tasks. They align development tasks such as editing source code, creating executables, and debugging into a single application.

You can expect an IDE to perform several other functionalities and functions like

For certain languages, an IDE requires a compiler or interpreter — a built-in programme that converts your code into a computer-readable language.

• It keeps consistent check on the syntax
• It can perform tasks as in autocomplete mode
• You can do syntax highlighting using IDES
• Use Shortcuts for ease of use
• Use Plugins
• Variety of Debugging options
• Facility to view live Pages

3. What is the Difference between IDE and Code Editor?

There is a simple answer to the difference between IDE and code editors which would go by name. So a code editor will only allow you to code/edit texts. While on the other hand, IDES are focused on doing everything starting from text editing, advanced features and several other functions that just a text editor is not allowed to follow. 

Moreover, these IDEs can help you turn a code into a functional application or program. One of the major differences between the two one- is that they can be used as a tool for code compilation inside the tool. Code editor helps you make changes in code while you are already working on it. Code editor also provides you with functionalities like identifying errors, highlighting syntax, making changes and running codes. This cannot happen in a normal text editor.

4. Recommended IDE And Visual Editors for ReactJS Development

1. Reactide

The first IDE that must be considered for React web application development is Reacticide. Being a cross-platform desktop, it offers an integrated Node Server and custom simulator which means no need for creating unnecessary built-tool and server configurations. By simply clicking a button or by opening a single file, ReactJS developers can render the open source project in the browser instantly.

The technology still being in the active process compels programmers to keep a hawk-eye on what’s available and upcoming. It may also interest you to know that all projects developed here are built-tool agnostic. Moreover, you will go through several straightforward GUI controls that make it easier to get immediate feedback in the browser simulation.

2. Alloy Editor React

Our second tool is a rich text editor which can be used as a core component to numerous applications such as blogs, administrative tools of eCommerce, and the list goes on. Alloy text Editor comprises smart toolbars that appear right near the selected text and, depending on the context, offer different functionality. The best part here is one can easily add their buttons or paste relevant images from the clipboard or Drag & Drop from another application, and due to its amazing architecture, you can paste rich text from any web page and preserve its formatting. And do not worry about the core as it is fully separated from the UI.   

3. Brackets

Are you looking for a lightweight, powerful, modern text editor that seamlessly blends visual tools? If so, the bracket is an option worth considering. There are times when these efficient tools get in the way of creative processes but that’s not the case here. This tool in particular offers the right amount of help without delving into the creative procedures. More importantly, ReactJS developers often end up enjoying writing code here. Supported by an active and continuously developing community , the tool acts as an open-source project featuring modern text editors making things way easier to design in the browser. It’s specially crafted from the ground up for web designers and front-end developers.

4. Nuclide

Developed by Facebook, the text editor works wonders for both ReactJS and other programming languages. Unfortunately, Facebook no longer offers any associated updates but we have huge community support in case if you get stuck somewhere in between.

As far as JavaScript development is concerned, there is no denying the fact that Nuclide is the best IDE for the React development realm. Cross-platform support, built- in debugging capabilities, autocomplete, Inline indentation, code diagnosing capabilities that ultimately saves additional efforts for a ReactJS developer.

5. Atom

Another interesting and widely used IDE by most of the ReactJS development companies in India is Atom. Much like the scientific ones – extremely important structures that make up all of the materials on earth; this IDE comprises a variety of features giving an amazing experience to developers as well as the end-users. Apart from that, it is open-source and easy to use.

Developers can hack every part of Atom as per their convenience and without even touching any configuration file, they can end up developing a wide range of applications. Windows, Linux, and Mac offer so much support such as a live edit feature.. Also, its built-in package manager keeps on updating packages so you don’t need to do much and search for one in particular and start creating it as well. Auto-completion of syntax highlighter and inline indentation, mini-map are some of its best features that might save the day for you. 

6. Visual Studio Code

Supports a wide range of different languages, in-built Git commands, Quick Debugging, easy customization of particular component are some of the most interesting features Microsoft’s Visual Studio Code for Windows, OS X, and Linux. Typescript, including debugging, intelligent code completion based on different types, functions, and imported modules are some of the best aspects supported by the Source code editor. In case, if you are working on something that needs the support of a lot of programming languages VScode is a great IDE to start up your work.Class definition, function and variables created easily in visual studio code editor due to its cross platform nature.

It provides various features, such as snippets and code refactoring, syntax highlighting, and autocomplete with IntelliSense code completion.

7. Webstorm

This ideal React IDE for Enterprises is paid but arguably the most popular as well as a feature-rich tool to develop applications across the whole JavaScript realm. Yes, this means it includes ReactJS, Vue.js, Angular, Electron, Meteor, Ionic, Cordova, React Native, Node.js, and everything that comes under the hood of CSS, TypeScript, and the list goes on.

Being the product of a company that has been developing tools for more than a decade named JetBrains, the track record seems to be good till now. In fact, due to its regular product upgrades and support, Webstorm is being used by many large organizations. Webstorm has some good useful features and build tools. 

8. Sublime Text 3

If you aren’t satisfied with these aforementioned companies, then Sublime Text is right for you featuring a powerful integrated development environment. The tool is workable and a great option, ReactJS developers don’t need to keep scratching in their heads to find anything else.

And since React is a part of the whole JavaScript ecosystem; turning sublime into a feature-rich React ide won’t be a big deal at all. Also, these can be used to enhance development experience with the technology For example, ColorSublime, react ES6 snippet, Babel, Pretty JSON, SublimeREPL, ColorPicker.BabelSnippets etc. These are an absolute productivity booster. 

Further Reading On:

15 Best PHP Editors for Web Developers (Free and Paid)

5. Conclusion

There are so numerous visual text editors springing up. What is essential to recall is that every one of these visual editors has a lot of extraordinary highlights that are significant in different circumstances.

Other crucial aspects to take into account include the compatibility for the platforms you require, support for the operating system you use, the features and integrations that you require, and essentially the flexibility to move out anytime you want to.

Further Reading on React
React design patterns and structures of Redux and Flux
ReactJS for Web Development – Why & Where To Use?