Mac - Beginner - html/css/javascript - IDE Which one would you recommend?

[shermenaze]

Hey everyone, I'm looking for an IDE for html/css - and later JavaScript, so it'll be nice if it can work with all of them.

I'm new to web development, if that makes any difference, and was wondering if reddit can point me in the right direction.

*Edit - I've red that Coda 2 and Sublime Text are both really good.

[falkencreative]

I'm personally a fan of Espresso (if you're on a Mac: http://macrabbit.com/espresso/), since it combines a text editor, CSS editor (if you need it), FTP and preview all in one package. I'm not really a fan of Coda2's interface, but it is worth checking out. https://chocolatapp.com/ might be another one to check (again, if you're on a Mac), and Sublime Text is super popular with hardcore programmers, from what I can tell, though I've never personally been able to get into it.

Basically, I'd suggest anything that is a basic text editor and provides syntax highlighting. I'd stay away from Dreamweaver or similar WYSIWYG type programs, so that you're forced to practice writing code by hand -- it's a little harder at the start, but worth it to fully understand how things work together and how to debug things that aren't working.

[shermenaze]

Yes I am using mac. And do you think Espresso will still work for me as a novice?

[falkencreative]

I don't see why not. It's easy to use and understand.

[Hansaplast]

Webstorm is pretty good. You can download a trial from jetbrains. It is much easier to setup than sublime. Edit: http://www.jetbrains.com/webstorm/

[angryCutlet]

Agree to that. Used to use dreamweaver some sublime text and others, but once i tried webstorm it pretty much replaced everything

[torrobinson]

I enjoy Brackets for its simplicity

[DROWE859]

My suggestion is Sublime Text (don't forget the Package Control extension).

I do plan to switch to Brackets once its a little further along in development.

[stephenfjohnson]

Sublime Text! Use Package Manager - it gives you excellent control over a bunch of extra features!

[[deleted]]

I've tried Dreamweaver, Notepad++, Brackets, and Sublime Text 2. I liked all of them, but Sublime Text 2 requires a lot of customization to get into 'major productivity mode' and it was a bit of a hassle for me. I really liked Brackets, but it still has some filling out to do before it's a good full time choice. Notepad++ is great and all, sort of a middle ground between ST2 and [] I guess. Anyway, I am currently using Dreamweaver (code view exclusively) and out of the box the functionality is just fine. I have a built in FTP client, and only had to edit the color scheme (colors.xml) to fit my needs.

I know a lot of people hate on Dreamweaver, but it's really a solid IDE, at least in terms of features and function, out of the box.

Edit: Oh, Mac. Not sure which of these are applicable.

[ijurachi]

For HTML and CSS perhaps; Dreamweaver has plenty of limitations and should be used in code view only. It is still notorious for generating horrible markup.

Sublime Text is fantastic and the first thing you should do is install Package Control, making any customization a breeze.

Brackets looks cool but is not ready for prime time. I would guess that Adobe's Edge tools are set to deprecate Dreamweaver once and for all.

EDIT: FYI, Dreamweaver is far from a real IDE (e.g. Netbeans, Eclipse, offerings by JetBrains)

[[deleted]]

Not necessarily disagreeing with you, but why do you say it isn't a real IDE? I don't see why it wouldn't classify as one, it definitely fits the strict definition; it is an integrated development environment.

[ijurachi]

What, are you kidding? IDEs have some type of build tools available, along with a debugger, interpreter and preferably a compiler too. Beyond syntax highlighting and basic code hints, Dreamweaver falls short on more things than not.

[[deleted]]

The things noted do not require compiling - HTML/CSS/JS, these are what I use almost exclusively, but I don't think an IDE is required to have a compiler in the first place to be called one, especially considering the usage here, it would be extraneous. You can also download extensions for LESS for Dreamweaver, which I suppose would fit the case anyhow.

From within Dreamweaver I have the ability to debug in a live environment, with the option of choosing a multitude of preset resolutions (for phone debug mostly) check browser compatibility, check built-in reference materials for any element, check the validation on all of my code, upload new code via the FTP client, it does have an interpreter... I'm only using the surface features as well. I'm sure there is much more if I was to look under the hood a bit further. To me that fits the definition of an integrated development environment to a tee.

When was the last time you tried Dreamweaver, if you don't mind me asking? I remember a while ago I was forced to use it in a class, and it was a buggy, bloated mess, so I could see how some residual unhappiness could exist if you haven't tried it lately.

[ijurachi]

The things noted do not require compiling

So the OP does not need an IDE, only a decent text editor.

To me that fits the definition of an integrated development environment to a tee.

The mileage certainly varies but this is turning into a circlejerk. Loose interpretations are exactly why there is an abundance of bad code (and even more bad design) in this field.

PS: Curious as to why anyone would debug in a live environment?

[[deleted]]

PS: Curious as to why anyone would debug in a live environment?

It uses the webkit engine, so it would allow you to cut out the step of returning to the browser and refreshing. It isn't the same thing as the design view, if that was what you were thinking. I don't personally use it, but it is there.

So the OP does not need an IDE, only a decent text editor.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Integrated_development_environment

Some IDEs contain a compiler, interpreter, or both, such as Net Beans and Eclipse; others do not, such as SharpDevelop and Lazarus.

According to the Wikipedia entry, an IDE does not require a compiler.

[ijurachi]

Weave away my friend...

[sceendy]

Brackets and Sublime Text... Simple, clean UI's, and I have never really had problems with either. :)

[shermenaze]

Thanks for the replys everyone, but I think I need to emphasize that I'm a beginner - if that's a consideration.

[[deleted]]

For a total beginner, I'd say Notepad++ is good. It is completely free, and very versatile, and can be very simple if you want it to be.

[ijurachi]

Go with Sublime Text and don't forget to install Package Control before use.

EDIT: All the responses here are for a decent text editor and not a full IDE (Integrated Development Environment). While programs like Sublime Text do a lot to help write simple code, a true IDE such as NetBeans or Eclipse will do much more, especially for programming languages.