Do you think that to conduct a successful software development project, all it takes is to simply write code? Of course not! Other than coding, a modern engineer or developer who is in charge of creating, deploying, and maintaining robust and highly scalable software solutions has a thousand other things to take care of. Feels quite overwhelming and challenging, right? And to add to your ongoing worries, software programs have been growing in terms of complexity over a period of time. Moreover, businesses nowadays have all these nightmares of their subscribers being taken away by their competition, especially if they do not innovate. Customers, every now and then, want bigger, better upgrades and updates. So now the real question is how to survive in this tough world where everyone around expects to deliver the best at all times. Fret not, keep reading the following post, and you will definitely have your answer.
There was a time when software development was all about shipping code, literally! Now it’s about keeping delivery timelines tight, assuring quick prevention from unwanted bugs and issues, and ensuring that development teams are able to work in sync, so yes, no more tripping over each other. Again, bringing us back to the same question, how? You need to keep considering the best software development tools which can assist well in conducting tedious jobs, cut down the unwanted rework or error-prone manual processes, and all you need to do is stay focused and productive.
What are Software Development Tools?
A software development tool - as the name implies is any kind of specialised app or a set-up which works wonders for developers, especially in regard to creating, maintaining, testing, and debugging programs, as well as maintaining developed software applications in the most effective manner.
Right from linkers, compilers, deployment platforms, code editors, assemblers, version control systems, debuggers, and so more, you will come across several software testing and development tools. And do you know what the best part here is? Each one of them is available in a paid version and an enterprise edition.
In addition, using such tools can ensure better security of codes, getting rid of any duplication and redundancy in codes, built-in code segments, constant code development, ensuring high reliability of application, and overall, software development tools are created to make work of developers easier and more importantly, by using these tools you get a better perspective of what it will look like in action later on.
Why should One Consider Using Software Development Tools?
Software development tools tend to offer a wide range of benefits and advantages; your choice depends on your core requirements as well as what skill level or expertise you carry as a developer. Below, I would like to mention several benefits of considering software development tools for your upcoming project.
Increased Efficiency and Productivity
One of the most common benefits of considering software development tools is that it leads to an increase in efficiency and productivity. Who doesn’t love to work hard if they are able to bring desired outcomes? Well, by using the right set of software development tools, nothing can stop you from saving time and effort. Tools not just assist in creating bang-on codes, offer quick debug assistance, version control and project management.
Enhanced Code Quality
The next benefit offered by software development tools includes enhanced code quality. One of the most crucial aspects to consider here is keeping tabs on the overall quality of the code. I mean to ensure the developed app or software runs in a smooth manner, it is very important to make sure the code quality is on par. Fortunately, software development tools not only assist developers in writing the code in the correct manner but also offer accurate analysis and review capabilities. What else, these tools can help developers spot as well as even rectify potential issues at a very early stage of development.
Easy to Collaborate
Another interesting advantage of considering software development tools is that most of them turn out to be pretty easy to collaborate on. Multiple developers can work on the same project, so chances for goof-ups and misunderstandings are pretty high. As a solution, these developer tools can be easily integrated, ensuring seamless collaboration and no scope for miscommunication.
Debugging and Testing
Developer tools offer debugging environments and testing frameworks which assist developers not just to identify relevant bugs but even rectify or solve the issue in no time. So yes, if you make the most of the development tools, accuracy is the key!
Automated Testing
The era of automated testing has been underway for quite a while. More and more developers and testers are highly relying on different ranges of tools to automate different aspects, be it development as well as testing. This means developed software is not just accurately developed but features no bugs, especially at and after the release.
Continuous Integration
Another benefit of considering software development tools is continuous integration. CI tools ensure to automate code changes, running tests, and deploying software to the production environment, ensuring faster release of the developed software.
Code Reuse
You will come across several development tools which use libraries, frameworks, and templates to facilitate high reusability. So unlike earlier, here developers no longer have to keep reinventing the wheel, and lots and lots of time and effort will be saved.
Optimized Performance
Of course, gone are the times when software development projects were conducted just for the sake of it. Today, developing software which lacks performance, security, robustness, and intuitiveness is a sin. Fortunately, you will come across numerous tools which offer performance profiling and absolute monitoring. So identifying relevant bottlenecks and performance issues is no longer a major concern.
Accurate Documentation
Proper documentation is often ignored due to the time and effort it takes. Well, there are several development tools which can assist in generating documentation in accordance with the developed codebase. Creating proper documentation means you are bound to develop the software in the right way and maintain it properly.
Version Control
Last but certainly not least, software development tools offer version control systems, which ensure tracking changes to the source code at the right time. This is how different software versions can be managed as well as collaborated on seamlessly.
Top Software Development Tools
Visual Studio Code
One of the common yet crucial software development tools being used all across the globe is Visual Studio Code. Often known as VS Code, this tool is a free, open-source code editor created by the tech giant Microsoft. The tool came into existence with an objective to offer a lightweight and powerful development environment like never before. Being cross-platform, Visual Studio Code is highly recommended for Windows, macOS, and Linux, and is highly customizable with the help of lots and lots of extensions.
What makes Visual Studio Code a cut above?
Inellisense - The tool offers intelligent code completion, which is no longer limited to basic syntax highlighting with smart, context-aware suggestions based on variable types, function definitions, and imported modules.
Integrated Debugging - Here you will find numerous built-in interactive debugging tools which enable users to step through code, inspect variables, and view call stacks directly within the editor.
Built-in Git Support - The tool definitely offers integrated source control management (SCM) with Git. So, here is what happens: it is possible for developers to review any pending changes, commit code, and manage repositories without leaving the editor.
Extension Marketplace - Visual Studio Code is known as a cornerstone when it comes to flexibility. Fortunately, here you will come across thousands of extensions to add support for more languages (e.g., Python, Java, C++, PHP), tools (Docker, Kubernetes), and themes.
Integrated Terminal - The built-in command-line interface enables developers to conduct several tasks, such as running proper scripts, managing the overall development process as well as the environment and here the best part turns out to be, you no longer have to keep on switching the apps every now and then.
Live Share - Last but not least, VS Code offers live share, which allows multiple developers to work on the same codebase simultaneously in real-time, and this has nothing to do with whether these professionals work in the same location or premises or not.
Sublime Text
The next one in line is Sublime Text. I am pretty sure you must have come across this development tool at any point in time. One of the fastest, lightweight and highly efficient text editors, which has been gaining popularity among editors right from the very beginning. Another alluring aspect about Sublime Text is that it is highly responsive and carries a minimalist design. Whether you are working on Windows, macOS, or Linux, the software development tool works wonders for every platform available.
It may be quite interesting to you to know that the development tool is ideal for handling large files and projects, especially those that don’t lag. Thus, Sublime Text is highly recommended if you are conducting any web development project, scripting, or general programming tasks.
Some of its amazing key features:
Fast and High Performance - Sublime Text is pretty much known for its speed and high performance. So whether the file is small or large, it doesn’t matter since the tool will take care of everything here. In addition, this does enhance productivity and efficiency for developers, especially the ones who are working with extensive codebases.
Multi-caret Editing - Another astounding feature of Sublime Text is enabling developers to edit multiple lines, and all this can be done in a single go. So no matter how many times you try repeating coding tasks, it won’t lessen the overall morale of the developer any time soon.
Plugin Support via Package Control - Lastly, here you will come across a wide range of plugins, so it becomes easy for users to add or remove features, themes, and offer language support in a more customised and personalised manner.
JetBrains IDEs
Much like high-quality software development projects, you will find a high demand for amazing high-end software development tools, which is why JetBrains IDEs is on the current list. Being a renowned company itself, JetBrains offers a suite of power-packed integrated development environments (IDEs) as well as an amazing bunch of tools.
Some of the popular JetBrains IDEs include IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, and WebStorm, and each one of these is available in paid licenses, free trials, and free versions as well. What if I tell you that there are almost 11.4 million active users going gaga over new products such as the AI-powered JetBrains AI Assistant and RustRover, a specialised Rust IDE. Here, I would like to mention certain benefits of using JetBrains IDEs.
Enhanced Software Quality - JetBrains IDEs offer IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, and WebStorm, featuring an amazing bunch of features, including Intelligent code completion, real-time error detection, advanced code analysis, and a lot more! It is possible for developers to identify and fix issues at a very early stage. Nothing can stop us from developing stable and high-performance apps. So yes, JetBrains does assist in maintaining clean and manageable codebases.
Faster Time-to-market - Jet Brains tools are meant to streamline the overall development process, which means you get to launch the software product way before your competitors do. Here, unified coding, debugging, and testing are available, which ensures enhanced efficiency, enabling developers to deliver features as soon as possible.
Innovative Bunch of Features - JetBrains successfully incorporates an innovative bunch of features that assist well, especially in regard to enhancing software functionality and user experience.
All you need is direct integration with unit testing frameworks to promote test-driven development and make sure the new code does not incorporate any hidden bugs or issues. Conducting code reviews can assist professionals in maintaining high standards of code quality and ensuring all concerns are vetted. What’s more, powerful debugging tools assist professionals in resolving issues quickly, ensuring better performance and user satisfaction.
Effective Collaboration - JetBrains IDEs ensure better teamwork, it doesn’t matter if the environment is remote or distributed. A collaborative approach means software projects are developed in a more effective manner and have successfully met desired quality standards.
Cost Effectiveness - Here you will find flexible licensing models and pricing options, which are definitely a cost-effective option. The subscription-based pricing is quite an economical solution.
Eclipse IDE
Eclipse IDE is an open-source integrated development environment mainly considered for conducting Java development. The software development tool incorporates a wide range of tools and plugins, ensuring developers to feel at ease while working on complex and multi-language projects. Some of the common benefits offered by Eclipse IDE include:
Open Source and Free - This software development tool works wonders, especially if you are looking for a tool which can be used freely without any licensing costs.
Extensibility and Customisation - Since the architecture is highly extensible, it becomes seamless for developers to customise well in terms of functionality, all thanks to a variety of plugins available in the Eclipse marketplace.
Multi-Language Support - Eclipse is one such development tool which is known for conducting successful Java development. Eclipse works wonders with C/C++, Python, PHP, and JavaScript.
Robust Development Tools - Here you will find a comprehensive range of tools which can assist in conducting the entire development cycle pretty seamlessly. Some of its core features include auto-completion, syntax highlighting, and error detection. Moreover, you will come across tools which can be considered for code refactoring to improve code quality and maintainability.
Large Community Support - Here you will find a large and active community of developers who are happy to assist whenever in need. Also, the tool works wonders on several operating systems: Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Git
If you are looking for an open-source version control system, then this is it! Git is mainly designed to track relevant changes within the developed code and collaborate well with developers in the most seamless manner. Right from small to large projects with speed, Git does it all! Let’s say a developer is working on something, and they need to keep on making regular changes unless the latest or perfect version is created. During these crucial times, Git plays a significant role.
So what exactly this version control system does is it saves a plethora of time and enables others to successfully collaborate. Fret not, a copy of the code will be found among every developer’s work. Some of the core benefits of Git are:
Efficient Collaboration - Git facilitates seamless collaboration among numerous developers, especially those who are working on the same page. Some of its branching and merging capabilities enable individuals to work on an independent basis as well as on features or bug fixes. What’s more interesting here is, changes can be integrated without any kind of conflicts.
Speed and Performance - Most Git operations are performed in a local manner. This is what results in fast execution and lessens the reliance on a central server. No wonder productivity is increased, and delays are minimised.
Disaster Recovery - Another amazing aspect is disaster recovery. It may be quite interesting to you to know that a developer's local repository successfully acts as a complete backup, so even if the central server fails or has some kind of data loss, it is possible to restore the project from any local copies. This results in increased resilience and minimises downtime.
Offline Work Capability - It is now possible for developers to work on their local copies, and it's fine if they don’t have an active internet connection, committing changes and managing versions locally. After a while, it is possible to synchronise these changes and manage versions locally.
Security - Last but certainly not least is security. Git offers cryptographic mechanisms, which means all the data stored within the repository is highly secured. There is no scope for tampering, and the authenticity of the project remains intact.
GitHub
The next interesting software development tool is a web-based platform is GitHub. This one is in the following list purely because of its version control and collaboration. GitHub is built around the Git version control system. Can you guess the owner here? It’s Microsoft. So this one has to be on the list anyhow. Here you will find a wide range of tools and technologies to manage repositories, keep tabs on code, and coordinate projects. No wonder GitHub is highly recommended for open-source projects and enterprise-level development alike. Some of the core benefits offered by GitHub include:
Version Control - Here, tracking and managing code over a specific span of time is possible. Moreover, professionals can develop branches for isolated development as well.
Easy Collaboration - The software development tool works wonders with others on projects by offering proper solutions or changes to the code and vice versa.
Project Management - the next benefit in line is that the software development tool assists in organising and tracking work for a longer period of time.
Jira
The next one in line is a project management and issue-tracking tool which is developed by Atlassian. The tool is meant to assist development teams to plan, track and even deploy software projects most efficiently. Now you must be wondering what makes Jira’s robust features and customizable workflows widely used?
Customizable Workflows - Jira enables teams to develop as well as customise workflows to specific project needs as well as procedures, leading to enhanced productivity and alignment.
Advanced Issue Tracking and Reporting - Development teams can now track issues in real time and generate detailed reports.
Seamless Integration with Atlassian Tools - What if I say, Jira integrates seamlessly with Confluence, Bitbucket, and other Atlassian products?
If your development team is following agile methodologies or you need detailed tracking and reporting, and of course, the high use of Atlassian’s ecosystem, then this is it!
Conclusion
And we are done for now! Well, I am not saying this is it since there are many other software development tools such as Docker, Kubernetes, Azure, CloudZero, SmartDraw, IntelliJ IDEA, Jenkins, Slack, Spacelift, Firebase, Bootstrap, MySQL Workbench, and the list goes on.
Each one of the available software development tools is of a kind, so it is very important to choose the right software development tool and focus on which one will support your project’s unique demands and team workflow. Making the right choice means you won’t be conducting accurate development, but ensuring your teammates work in a more efficient manner, adapt to ever-evolving changes and maintain high standards with each and every release.
I hope you did find the following post worth taking into account. In case you have any further doubts and queries, feel free to mention them in the comment section below. Also, it would be great if you could share the following post among your peers and help us spread the word. What’s more to ask for, time to make the move and ensure things work out as expected.
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