icon
entorSol
20 Best Coding Software For Windows In 2024-1

20 Best Coding Software For Windows In 2024

I’ve checked out a bunch of coding software for Windows using my experience in quality assurance (QA). I wanted to share the top 10 tools that I think are great for writing, editing, debugging, and managing code efficiently on Windows.

 

Discover the list of the 20 best coding software for Windows, including top-notch options that are not only powerful but also come with the added benefit of being coding software free.

 

  1. Komodo Edit: Best free programming software for supporting multiple programming languages.
  2. Visual Studio Code: The best choice if you want built-in Git commands.
  3. Sublime Text: Ideal for auto-complete that understands your code context.
  4. Geany: Great for built-in support for lots of programming languages.
  5. BlueGriffon: Excellent for What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG) authoring.
  6. Apache NetBeans: Best for improving and restructuring your code (code refactoring).
  7. gedit: Best code software for editing files located in faraway places.
  8. WeBuilder: Perfect for highlighting syntax and providing code intelligence.
  9. Notepad++: Speedy and small, great for quick code execution.
  10. VIM: Known for its extensive plugin system, making it highly customizable.

 

Choosing the right coding software for Windows can be challenging with so many options available. If you’re looking to streamline software development on Windows, I’ve got you covered! In this post, I’ll share my personal experiences working with numerous coding tools for Windows across different teams and projects. I’ll help you make an informed decision by highlighting the best coding software for Windows.

Table of contents

What is Coding Software for Windows?

Coding software for Windows includes applications that enable the creation, editing, and management of computer code on Windows operating systems. These tools range from simple text editors to advanced integrated development environments (IDEs), supporting various programming languages. They provide a user-friendly interface where developers can write, test, and debug code tailored specifically for Windows-based projects.

Benefits of Using Coding Software for Windows

Using coding software for Windows comes with several advantages, enhancing productivity and efficiency in software development. These tools offer features such as syntax highlighting, auto-completion, and debugging, streamlining the coding process and reducing errors. They cater to a broad spectrum of programming needs, from simple scripting to complex application development. Moreover, their integration with version control systems promotes collaboration among development teams, making it easier to manage large-scale projects and maintain code consistency.

Overviews Of The 10 Best Coding Software For Windows

Komodo Edit

Best for multi-language support

Komodo Edit

Komodo Edit is the most popular code editor designed for efficient coding and management. It provides standard text editing features that make coding in multiple languages a breeze.

Why I picked Komodo Edit

I chose Komodo Edit for its excellent support for multiple languages. Unlike some other coding tools that limit you to specific programming languages, Komodo Edit offers flexibility. It allows you to work with the language that best fits your project.

Standout Features and Integrations

  • Auto-complete Feature: Enhances coding efficiency by suggesting code, making programming faster.
  • Change Tracking: Keeps you informed about source code changes.
  • Multiple Selections: Allows you to work on multiple parts of your code simultaneously.
  • Projects and Places Manager: Helps you organize and manage your projects efficiently.
  • Skins and Icon Sets: Customize the appearance of Komodo Edit according to your preferences.
  • Minimap: Provides a visual overview of your code for easy navigation.

Integrations

Komodo Edit is a versatile coding tool that caters to a wide range of programming needs, ensuring a smooth and flexible coding experience.

Pros

  • Get started for free: Komodo Edit offers a free plan, allowing users to explore and use the software without initial costs.

 

  • Smart code suggestions: The software provides intelligent code suggestions, enhancing coding efficiency by offering helpful recommendations.

 

  • Support for many languages: Komodo Edit supports a wide range of programming languages, providing flexibility for users working on diverse projects.

Cons

  • More customization features required: Users may find the software lacking in terms of customization features. Additional options for tailoring the environment to individual preferences could be beneficial.

 

  • The product website needs more content: The website for the product could benefit from more information. A more detailed and comprehensive website would help users better understand the features and capabilities of Komodo Edit.

Visual Studio Code

Best for built-in Git commands

Visual Studio Code

Visual Studio Code is a versatile free code editor designed for creating and debugging modern web and cloud applications. It’s a free, extensible, and highly customizable tool with industry-leading features.

Why I picked Visual Studio Code

I chose Visual Studio Code for its seamless source code management, especially with its built-in Git commands. This coding software simplifies working with Git and other source code management (SCM) providers. Reviewing differences, staging files, and making commits can be done directly within the editor, making source code management more efficient. Visual Studio Code also enables you to push and pull from any hosted SCM service.

Standout Features and Integrations

  • IntelliSense: Offers intelligent completions based on variable types, function definitions, and imported modules, going beyond conventional syntax highlighting and autocompletion.

 

  • Integrated Debugger: Allows debugging code directly from the editor with features like breakpoints, call stacks, and an interactive console.

Integrations

  • GitHub
  • Crowdin
  • Deque
  • Codeanywhere
  • SwaggerHub
  • SpiraPlan
  • CodeSandbox
  • SonarLint
  • Flowace
  • Coverity

Pros

  • Customizable and extensible: Visual Studio Code can be tailored to suit individual preferences and extended with various plugins.

 

  • Seamless integrations: The software integrates seamlessly with popular tools and platforms, enhancing the development workflow.

 

  • Streamlined source code management: Built-in Git commands make source code management straightforward and efficient.

Cons

  • It gets heavy while installing extensions for each language: Installing multiple extensions for different languages may lead to a heavier performance load.

 

  • Complex configurations for beginners: Beginners might find the software’s configurations a bit complex, especially when dealing with multiple extensions.

Sublime Text

Best for context-aware auto-complete

Sublime Text

Sublime Text is an advanced text editor designed for coding, markup, and prose. It offers sophisticated editing features, maximizing coding efficiency and speed, along with easy code navigation and a user-friendly interface.

Why I picked Sublime Text

I recommend Sublime Text for its appealing and flexible user interface, coupled with context-aware auto-complete. The user interface includes default and adaptive themes with new tab styles and inactive pane dimming. The themes and color schemes support auto-mode switching, allowing you to customize the UI to your preferred look and feel.

 

Sublime Text features an auto-complete engine providing intelligent suggestions based on existing code in your project. It goes further by offering additional information and links to definitions.

Standout Features and Integrations

  • Support for new programming languages: Sublime Text supports emerging languages like TYPSCRIPT, JSX, and TSX.

 

  • Smart Syntax-Based Features: Enables faster coding with smart syntax-based features.

 

  • Outstanding Syntax Highlighting Engine: Handles non-deterministic grammars, multi-line constructs, lazy embeds, and syntax inheritance.

 

  • Exceptional Features: Very short load times, updated Python API, Tab Multi-Select, and GPU rendering.

Integrations

  • Kite
  • Git
  • MATLAB
  • Python
  • Bootstrap Studio
  • Sublime Merge
  • Sourcetrail
  • CSS
  • Golang
  • Copado
  • Ruby on Rails

Pros

  • Enables faster coding with auto-complete: The auto-complete feature enhances coding speed and efficiency.

 

  • Flexible pricing: Sublime Text offers pricing options that cater to different user needs.

 

  • Free trial available: Users can explore the software with a free trial before committing to a purchase.

Cons

  • Difficulty in installing plugins: Users may find the process of installing plugins challenging.

 

  • More responsive customer support required: Improved customer support responsiveness could enhance the overall user experience.

Geany

Best for built-in support for many programming languages

Geany

Geany is a compact and lightweight Integrated Development Environment (IDE) that empowers you to code and edit using standard text editing features. It boasts powerful code editing capabilities, including syntax highlighting, code folding, and auto-completion.

Why I picked Geany

I selected Geany for its cross-platform compatibility (Windows, Linux, and macOS) and multilingual support (translated into over 40 languages). This makes it an easy-to-use tool for programmers who may not be proficient in English or other widely used languages. Geany’s built-in support for over 50 programming languages offers flexibility for developers to choose their preferred coding language. Additionally, its easy customization through settings allows users to tailor features to their needs and preferences.

Standout Features and Integrations

  • Support for Many File Types: Geany supports various file types, including prominent programming languages like PHP, Java, HTML, Python, and JavaScript. It also handles other file types such as Diff output, SQL files, and ini-style config files.

 

  • Flexibility and Customization: Geany features a plugin system, allowing users to expand its capabilities according to their requirements. New features can be easily added or existing ones improved by integrating with third-party tools.

Integrations

  • GitHub
  • MATLAB
  • Python
  • PowerShell
  • CSS
  • Kotlin
  • Ruby
  • Fortran
  • Clojure
  • Swift

Pros

  • You can add new features with plugins: The plugin system allows users to extend Geany’s features to meet specific needs.

 

  • Support for multiple coding languages: Geany’s built-in support for over 50 programming languages provides versatility for developers.

 

  • Very easy to use: Geany’s is a user-friendly code editor software interface that makes it accessible to users of varying expertise levels.

Cons

  • Faster customer support required: Improved customer support response times could enhance the overall user experience.

 

  • Some complex plugin settings: Users may find certain plugin settings to be complex and may require more intuitive configurations.

BlueGriffon

Best for WYSIWYG authoring

BlueGriffon

BlueGriffon is an advanced web and EPUB editor built on the rendering engine of Firefox. Trusted by users globally, it provides a robust HTML editor that is intuitive, modern, and powerful.

Why I picked BlueGriffon

I included BlueGriffon in my list because of its project manager, facilitating effective work tracking, task management, productivity boost, and project monitoring. The software’s user-friendly interface, available in 20 languages, broadens its user base, making it accessible to individuals overcoming language barriers.

Standout Features and Integrations

  • WYSIWYG Authoring: BlueGriffon excels in What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG) authoring, providing an intuitive visual editing experience.

 

  • CSS Editor Pro: Features Media Queries, CSS Variables, and a visual CSS Selector editor for advanced styling.

 

  • Code Snippets Panel: Offers quick access to commonly used code snippets.

 

  • Up to 2,500 Free Templates: Provides a wide range of templates for various projects.

 

  • Mobile Viewer: Allows you to preview and optimize your content for mobile devices.

Integrations

  • CSS
  • Markdown
  • MathML Kit
  • HTML

Pros

  • It’s cross-platform: BlueGriffon works seamlessly across different operating systems.

 

  • Intuitive user interface: The software offers a user-friendly interface that is accessible to users with varying levels of expertise.

 

  • Free version available: Users can explore BlueGriffon with a free version before opting for a paid license.

Cons

  • Steep learning curve: Some users may find it challenging to learn and master BlueGriffon due to its complexity.

 

  • Documentation needs improvement: Enhancements in documentation could improve user understanding and experience.

Apache NetBeans

Best for code refactoring

Apache NetBeans

Apache NetBeans provides a comprehensive development environment, tooling platform, and application framework. It features a fast and intelligent text editor, allowing you to code software for Windows with a range of powerful code editing capabilities.

Why I picked NetBeans

I selected Apache NetBeans for its feature-rich text editor, providing industry-standard editing capabilities. The syntactic and semantic highlighting of source code ensures the seamless creation of clean and organized code. The NetBeans IDE Java Editor includes the Inspect and Transform feature, facilitating easy code refactoring along with code formatting, folding, generation, and more.

Standout Features and Integrations

Smart Suggestions: NetBeans uses intelligent suggestions to enhance coding speed and efficiency.

 

Support for Multiple Languages: Offers editors, wizards, and templates for building applications in PHP, Java, and other programming languages.


Cross-Platform Compatibility: Supports Write Once, Run Anywhere (WORA) and can be installed on all operating systems that support Java.

Integrations

  • VINYL
  • DataMelt
  • CSS
  • XRebel
  • JRebel
  • Java
  • PHP
  • JavaScript
  • TagMyCode
  • HTML
  • Apache Tomcat

Pros

  • Available for free: Apache NetBeans can be used without any cost.

 

  • Support for many languages: The software supports a variety of programming languages, catering to diverse development needs.

 

  • Write once, run anywhere: NetBeans follows the Write Once, Run Anywhere principle, making it compatible with different operating systems.

Cons

  • Steep learning curve: Users may find it challenging to learn and navigate NetBeans due to its complexity.

 

  • More information needed on the product website: Enhancements in product website information could improve user understanding and experience.

gedit

Best for editing files from remote locations

gedit

gedit is a versatile text editor designed for various purposes, from simple note-taking to advanced software development when its advanced features are activated.

Why I picked gedit

I chose gedit for its excellent collaborative features, particularly its ability to edit files from remote locations. This makes it a valuable tool for boosting collaboration among teams working from different places. gedit enhances coding and text editing efficiency, allowing teams to share and update files seamlessly, regardless of their physical locations or time zones. The software’s flexible plugin system enables users to dynamically add new advanced features, making its capabilities virtually unlimited.

Standout Features and Integrations

  • Syntax Highlighting: Supports syntax highlighting for various programming languages, including Shell, XML, C, C++, and Markdown.

 

  • Auto-Indentation, Text Wrapping, and Spell-Checking: Enhances the overall writing and editing experience.

 

  • Integrated File Browser, Search and Replace: Streamlines file organization and searching tasks.

 

  • Configurable Fonts and Colors: Allows users to personalize their editing environment.

 

  • Backup Feature: Safeguards files to prevent data loss in case of unforeseen issues.

Integrations

  • Python
  • CSS
  • Java
  • Perl
  • XML
  • Markdown
  • JavaScript
  • C++
  • C
  • HTML

Pros

  • Free code editor: gedit is available for use without any cost.

 

  • Good user manual: The software comes with a helpful user manual, aiding users in navigating its features.

 

  • Very flexible: gedit’s flexibility, coupled with its plugin system, allows users to customize the editor according to their specific needs.

Cons

  • Product info isn’t detailed: The information about the product could be more detailed for a better understanding of its features.

 

  • Sophisticated configurations: Some users may find the configurations a bit complex, especially when dealing with advanced settings.

WeBuilder

Best for syntax highlighting and code intelligence

WeBuilder

WeBuilder is a smart code editor specifically designed for building web pages. It aids in creating and editing web page code efficiently with its clean interface, robust code intelligence, and maximum flexibility.

Why I picked WeBuilder

I chose WeBuilder for its powerful syntax highlighting and broad language support, encompassing ASP, ASP Net, Perl, Ruby, and Apache. The software excels in code intelligence, offering features like code completion and suggestions. WeBuilder stands out as an all-in-one editor, allowing users to create, edit, and validate code within a single solution. Its customization options ensure adaptability to individual and team needs, promoting faster startup, a streamlined user interface, and speedy development.

Standout Features and Integrations

  • Integrated Tools: WeBuilder includes a variety of integrated tools such as syntax checkers, validators, debuggers, beautifiers, CSS prefixer, and HTML Tidy, consolidating essential functionalities for code writing and editing.

 

  • Smart Code Reuse: Supports smart code reuse with a code snippet library and code templates featuring assignable shortcuts.

 

  • Advanced Search and Replace: The software provides advanced search and replace features for quick, detailed, and file-specific searches.

Integrations

  • HTML
  • CSS
  • JavaScript
  • PHP
  • Ruby
  • JavaScript

Pros

  • Loads quickly: WeBuilder ensures a fast startup for efficient use.

 

  • An all-in-one editor: It functions as a comprehensive solution, combining various tools needed for code creation and editing.

 

  • Clean user interface: The software offers a user-friendly interface, contributing to a pleasant user experience.

Cons

  • Slow customer service: Users may experience delays in customer service responses.

 

  • Limited customizations: Customization options are somewhat limited, restricting certain adjustments to the editor’s environment.

Notepad++

Best for high execution speed and small program size

Notepad++

Notepad++ is a source code editor and Notepad replacement that supports various programming languages.

Why I picked Notepad++

I selected Notepad++ for its customizable features, allowing users to tailor the toolbar icons according to their preferences. The software provides excellent online help, including a user manual and an active user community. The user manual facilitates a quick start, providing insights into how the tool works. The user community offers access to experienced users who can assist in understanding the software better.

Standout Features and Integrations

High Execution Speed and Small Program Size: Notepad++ stands out with its faster execution speed and compact program size. Being written in C++ and utilizing pure Win32 API and STL contributes to its efficiency, allowing faster operations with minimal power consumption.

Integrations

  • MATLAB
  • Python
  • PowerShell
  • Fortran
  • Java
  • Visual Basic
  • Swift
  • Scheme
  • Haskell
  • Rust

Pros

  • Customizable features: Notepad++ offers customizable toolbar icons, allowing users to personalize their editing environment.

 

  • High execution speed: The software boasts a faster execution speed, enhancing overall performance.

 

  • Get started for free: Notepad++ is available for use without any initial costs.

 

Cons

  • Hard to master by beginners: Beginners may find Notepad++ challenging to master due to its extensive features.

 

  • Limited to Windows: Notepad++ is limited to the Windows operating system.

VIM

Best for providing an extensive plugin system

VIM

VIM is an advanced text editor that’s highly configurable. It’s designed to enable efficient text editing. The software is an improved version of vi editor, which is distributed with most UNIX systems.

Why I picked VIM

It has an extensive plugin system, which allows you to use the software according to your needs. You can connect it with extensions that enable you to perform a wide range of advanced operations, such as enabling IDE behavior, syntax highlighting, and colorization. There is an active community and great documentation. Through the user community, you can connect with more experienced users and get help quickly. And the documentation provides the resources you need to learn how to use VIM.

VIM Standout Features and Integrations

  • Standout features: VIM supports hundreds of programming languages and file formats. As a result, many programmers can use the tool for their projects. It has a powerful search and replace feature, which makes finding things and effecting changes very easy. Other interesting features include a multi-level undo tree and integration with many tools.

 

Integrations are available with Codeium, OpenAI, ChatGPT, Tabnine, Gitpod, Kite, Sourcetrail, Coder, Termius, and Code Intelligence.

Pros

  • Support for many languages
  • Open-source with an active community
  • Seamless integrations

Cons

  • The GUI needs to be updated
  • Setting up plugins can be time consuming

Other Coding Software For Windows

In addition to the top 10 coding software for Windows reviewed, here are some additional solutions worth exploring:

 

  1. Emacs- Best for syntax coloring and full Unicode support
  2. Dreamweaver – Best for building responsive web pages
  3. IntelliJ IDEA – Best for remote development teams
  4. Brackets – Best open-source code editor with inline editors and live preview capability
  5. jEdit – Best for providing auto-indent and syntax highlighting for more than 200 languages
  6. UltraEdit – Best text editor for large files
  7. SnipAway – Best for running code folding and multiline selection
  8. Eclipse – Best for multiple language support and unlimited customization
  9. Microsoft Visual Studio – Best IDE for .NET and C++ developers on Windows
  10. Light Table – Best for embedding anything you want, from graphs and games to running visualizations

Selection Criteria For Coding Software For Windows

In compiling the list of the top code editors for Windows, I considered the following criteria: selecting the best source code editor for Windows to ensure seamless development experiences.

Core Functionality

  • Support for Multiple Programming Languages: Ensures versatility and accommodates a wide range of coding needs.
  • Cross-Platform Capabilities: Allows users to work seamlessly across different operating systems, enhancing flexibility.
  • Debugging: Includes tools with robust debugging features to identify and resolve code issues efficiently.
  • Customizability: Recognizes the importance of customizable interfaces to suit individual preferences and team requirements.

Key Features

  • Collaboration: Prioritizes collaboration features for efficient teamwork, enabling real-time collaboration, file sharing, and effective communication among remote teams.
  • Syntax Highlight: Emphasizes the ability to display source code in diverse colors and fonts, enhancing code readability and providing context.
  • Auto-Completion: Looks for tools that predict and complete the current word or code being typed, improving coding speed. Advanced editors utilize contextual information for accurate predictions.
  • Code Folding: Values the inclusion of code folding features, allowing selective hiding or displaying of document parts to manage large volumes of text and enhance readability.

Usability

Recommends tools that are user-friendly and easy to start with, offering training resources, responsive customer service, intuitive user interfaces, and additional support through webinars, ongoing learning opportunities, and blogs.

Software Integrations

Prioritizes tools that seamlessly integrate with third-party applications, streamlining development processes and allowing users to manage source code directly within the editor. Integration with SCM providers is highlighted for efficient source code management.

Pricing

Favors solutions with fair, scalable, and transparent pricing structures. Considerations include the availability of freemium plans, free trials, or free demos to facilitate easy adoption and exploration of the software’s capabilities.

 

MentorSol is your comprehensive solution for all software testing requirements, serving as your one-stop-shop. Elevate your testing standards by hiring a QA engineer through MentorSol today. Streamline your testing processes and ensure the quality of your software products with our expert QA services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Coding software for Windows offers several advantages, including accelerated development, seamless integration with other development tools, optimized workflows, enhanced collaboration, and prompt identification and resolution of code errors.

Coding software for Windows is utilized by a diverse range of professionals, including web development engineers, web designers, and developers across various domains. Additionally, some text editors cater to non-technical users for creating regular texts. When equipped with debugging and testing capabilities, these tools are also valuable for Quality Assurance (QA) professionals.

To engage in coding, you may require the following software tools:

 

  • Text Editor: Basic text editors like Notepad (for Windows) or TextEdit (for macOS) come pre-installed but lack advanced coding features. Specialized coding text editors offer enhanced functionality.
  • Integrated Development Environment (IDE): IDEs provide a comprehensive suite of tools for software development, including a code editor, compiler, interpreter, debugger, and more.
  • Compiler: Compilers translate code from one programming language to another, usually into machine code, enabling the creation of executable files.
  • Version Control System: Version control systems track code changes over time, facilitating collaboration, version management, and code history retrieval.
  • Debugging Tools: Debugging tools assist in identifying and fixing errors by allowing developers to step through code, set breakpoints, and inspect variables.
  • Libraries and Frameworks: Pre-written code libraries and frameworks expedite development by providing common functionalities that can be integrated into your own code.

 

It’s crucial to note that the specific tools required vary based on the chosen programming language and the nature of the coding tasks. However, a proficient text editor and a version control system serve as fundamental tools for any programmer.

Beginner — IDLE (or Online Python Editors) is the perfect choice for the first steps in python language. PyCharm is also good but takes the help of some experienced person while using this. Intermediate — PyCharm, Sublime, Atom, Vs Code. Advanced — PyCharm, Vim, Emacs, Sublime, Atom, Vs Code.

The Visual Studio Code is the way to go! The tool works seamlessly on Windows, Linux, and Mac, so it’s excellent for developers who write code for different operating systems. Visual Studio Code also lets you debug code directly from the editor and use built-in Git commands.