icon
entorSol
27 Best Software Development Tools Reviewed For 2024-1

27 Best Software Development Tools Reviewed For 2024

Here’s my selection of the best top 10 software development tools from a pool of 27 reviewed options:

 

  1. Visor — Ideal for seamless Jira integration and customizable views.
  2. GitHub — Optimal for automating the build, test, and deployment workflow while ensuring a secure CI/CD process.
  3. Bitbucket — The premier git solution for developers utilizing Jira.
  4. AWS Cloud9 — The top choice for a cloud-based integrated development environment (IDE) with robust code debugging capabilities.
  5. App Builder — A superior development environment facilitating the rapid creation of comprehensive enterprise applications.
  6. Jira — The go-to tool for issue and project tracking, particularly well-suited for agile teams.
  7. Apache NetBeans — A leading development environment and application framework, excelling in code refactoring.
  8. Dreamweaver — The foremost website design tool for the development and management of dynamic websites.
  9. Codenvy — Recognized for offering a secure, zero-configuration cloud-native software development environment.
  10. New Relic One — The preferred choice for data-driven monitoring and optimizing software performance.

 

Choosing the right software development tools can be tricky with so many options available. You want to create, test, debug, and maintain your software, but figuring out the best tool for the job can be overwhelming. There are many software development analytical tools available to assist you in monitoring analytics. In this post, I’ll make your decision easier by sharing my personal experiences using various software development tools across different teams and projects. I’ll highlight the ones I believe are the best.

Table of contents

What Are Software Development Tools?

Software development tools are like handy assistants for creating, testing, debugging, and maintaining software. They come in various forms, such as integrated development environments (IDEs), code editors, compilers, debuggers, version control systems, and testing frameworks. These tools are designed to make programming and project management more efficient.

 

The perks of using software development tools are pretty cool. They boost your efficiency and productivity during software development by helping you write better code, minimizing mistakes, and making team collaboration smoother. These tools also handle repetitive tasks for you and create an organized environment for managing complex projects. They play a crucial role in keeping projects on schedule, improving communication, and ensuring that your software meets the necessary standards and functions as intended.

Visor

Visor

Best for Jira Integration & Custom Views

 

Visor is a standout project management tool known for its exceptional Jira integration and customizable views. With a bi-directional link to Jira, Visor allows the import of over 75 Jira field types, providing comprehensive data management and visualization. This makes Visor an excellent choice for those seeking tailored views and efficient project management within the Jira ecosystem.

 

Why Visor Stands Out: I selected Visor for its unique capability to offer custom views and robust Jira integration. What sets Visor apart is its versatility in connecting with various SaaS applications, creating a unified workspace for diverse project management needs. Visor excels in Jira integration by maintaining data synchronization with nested Jira information and supporting bi-directional integration. This enables teams to effectively manage and share reports reflecting complex Jira hierarchies.

Visor's Key Features & Integrations

Features: API, dashboards, data export/import, data visualization, external integrations, Gantt charts, multi-user support, project management, task scheduling/tracking, resource management, and third-party plugins/add-ons.


Integrations: Jira, Salesforce, HubSpot.

Pricing

Visor starts at $9 per user per month, and a free plan is available.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Free plan offering 2 workbooks & 5 views each.
  • Free unlimited viewer-only accounts.
  • Live support via phone and video call.

 

Cons

  • Additional costs may apply for monthly integration sync credits.
  • Unlimited audit trail locked to the highest plan.

GitHub

GitHub

Best for Automating Build, Test, and Deployment Workflow with Secure CI/CD

 

GitHub is a leading Git repository hosting service that offers web-based coding and collaboration features, empowering developers to build, test, and deploy applications seamlessly.

 

Why GitHub Stands Out: Chosen by millions globally, GitHub is a standout collaboration tool designed to enhance productivity in software development. With unlimited repositories, an open-source community, and robust automation capabilities, GitHub facilitates efficient teamwork and boosts developer velocity. Notably, GitHub’s built-in security features set it apart, allowing users to secure code swiftly and maintain compliance with regulations. The platform’s GitHub Actions feature enables the automation of build, test, and deployment processes, ensuring a highly secure Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) workflow. GitHub Copilot, an AI-powered solution, accelerates development by making it 55% faster.

GitHub's Key Features & Integrations

Features: Collaboration capabilities, built-in security, complete development environment, code scanning, workflow automation, unlimited repositories, and version control.

 

Integrations: Slack, GitKraken, Atom, Disbug, Jira, Azure Boards, Codetree, Nessus, and GitHub Scanner.

Pricing

GitHub starts at $3.67 per user per month, and there is a free plan available for individuals and organizations.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Excellent documentation.
  • Strong collaboration features.
  • Reliable backup.
  • Wide range of integrations.
  • Large open-source community.

 

Cons

  • Steep learning curve.
  • Subscription fees can accumulate quickly.
  • Security risks may be a concern.

Bitbucket

Bitbucket

Best Git Solution for Developers Using Jira

 

Bitbucket, a git-based code and CI/CD tool, is tailored for teams utilizing Jira. As the native Git tool in Atlassian’s Open DevOps solution, Bitbucket Cloud provides exceptional Jira integration and built-in CI/CD capabilities.

 

Why Bitbucket Stands Out: Widely adopted by developers, Bitbucket excels in facilitating collaboration across multiple teams. This potent Git solution seamlessly integrates with Jira, allowing users to manage Jira issues directly through the built-in Jira interface, reducing context-switching.

 

Bitbucket boasts code review features, aiding in the identification and resolution of issues before software deployment. The inclusion of Bitbucket Pipelines for CI/CD automation enhances developer velocity by streamlining workflows.

Bitbucket's Key Features & Integrations

Features: Built-in Jira interface, code review capabilities, automated deployments, automatic security scans, automated issue tracking, and collaboration features.

 

Integrations: Jira, IronGit, Makerflow, Mergetastic, Fleep, Atlas Bot, Bucket Board, CircleCI, CloudCannon, Code Dog.

Pricing

Bitbucket offers a freemium plan with limited features. The paid plan starts at $3 per user per month, and for 1-5 users, it costs $15 per month.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Seamless collaboration across multiple teams.
  • Ensures delivery of high-quality code.
  • Flexible pricing options.
  • Teams integrating Jira release faster.

 

Cons

  • Lacks some features found in top alternatives.
  • Users may encounter configuration challenges at times.
  • Improvement needed in support platform response time.

AWS Cloud9

AWS Cloud9

Best Cloud IDE for Code Debugging

 

AWS Cloud9 stands out as a top-notch cloud-based integrated development environment (IDE), providing a complete set of tools for coding, running, and debugging applications—all within a browser.

 

Why AWS Cloud9 Stands Out: Chosen for its comprehensive development environment, AWS Cloud9 offers a code editor, debugger, and terminal. Supporting various coding languages, it eliminates the need for file installations or extra configurations, allowing users to initiate projects effortlessly.

 

Being cloud-based, AWS Cloud9 removes the necessity for a local IDE, enabling team members to work from anywhere. This enhances collaboration by allowing real-time teamwork. With easy sharing of the development environment, teams can communicate in real-time through a messaging feature.

 

AWS Cloud9 accelerates development with time-saving features like code hinting, step-through debugging, and code completion.

AWS Cloud9's Key Features & Integrations

Features: Code editor, debugger, support for multiple programming languages, and real-time collaboration.

 

Integrations: DronaHQ, SaaS customer intelligence 360, NewGenEducationApp, Ataccama ONE, Privitar, VidPowr, TouchBase, AWS, Python, and CSS.

Pricing

AWS Cloud9 offers customized pricing, and users can get started for free.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Free AWS training.
  • Comprehensive development environment.
  • Code with browsers like Google Chrome.
  • Autocomplete feature.
  • Simplifies application development.

 

Cons

  • Takes time to get used to the interface.
  • Documentation may be challenging to understand.
  • Requires a constant internet connection.

App Builder

App Builder

Best Dev Environment for Fast Development of Complete Enterprise Apps

 

App Builder stands out as a leading low-code platform, empowering software teams to rapidly build enterprise applications using pre-built templates and intuitive drag-and-drop features.

 

Why I Picked App Builder: App Builder simplifies the often complex UI design process, streamlining the entire software development journey. With advanced tools, including 60+ UI controls, this platform facilitates swift app development. Leveraging customizable templates and responsive screen layouts, App Builder enables an impressive 80% faster app delivery. Compatible with popular design tools like Sketch, Figma, and Adobe XD, the platform allows easy importation of designs, converting them into HTML code with just a few clicks.

App Builder's Key Features & Integrations

Features: WYSIWYG drag-and-drop capabilities, pre-built templates and starter layouts, 60+ UI controls, high-speed RAD development, integrations, and real-time source code preview.

Integrations: Fitter, Stacker, GoodBarber, AppSheet, Interfaces by Zapier, Softr, Tadabase, Typebot, Amazon Honeycode, Kaspr.

Pricing

App Builder’s pricing starts from $1,095 per developer.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Rapid development.
  • Production-ready code.
  • Low-code features.
  • WYSIWYG functionality.

 

Cons

  • Relatively expensive subscription.
  • Not suitable for users looking to enhance their coding skills.

Jira

Jira

Best Issue and Project Tracking Tool for Agile Teams

 

Jira stands out as a premier project management tool widely utilized by developers for planning, automating, and tracking software development processes.

 

Why I Picked Jira: Jira offers robust project management features that enhance organization, speed, and collaboration for developers. Its project planning capabilities enable the efficient breakdown of ideas into manageable tasks across teams.

 

Jira Software’s Open DevOps takes care of essential automation and integrations, allowing teams to focus on developing, deploying, and managing applications. This comprehensive solution establishes a solid foundation for DevOps practices, enabling teams to concentrate on essential tasks.

Jira's Key Features & Integrations

Features: Customizable templates, complete visibility in the DevOps process, no-code automation, issue management, tracking and reporting, and reliable security.

 

Integrations: ScriptRunner, Jira Misk Custom Fields (JMCF), Deep Clone, BigPicture, Zephyr Scale, Xporter, Worklogs, Asset Management for Jira, and Calendar for Jira.

Pricing

Jira costs $7.75 per user per month, and a 7-day free trial is available.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Extensive integrations.
  • Easy bug tracking.
  • Highly customizable.
  • Strong security measures.

 

Cons

  • May not be as intuitive as some top alternatives.
  • Steep learning curve for certain features.

Apache NetBeans

Apache NetBeans

Best Development Environment and App Framework for Refactoring Code

 

Apache NetBeans stands out as a versatile development platform, equipped with a fast and intelligent code editor, providing a conducive environment and smart tools for building applications in multiple languages.

 

Why I Picked Apache NetBeans: Apache NetBeans impressed me with its exceptional features that simplify code refactoring and offer syntactic and semantic highlighting of source code. The platform’s inclusion of wizards, templates, and editors accelerates development while supporting multiple programming languages.

 

Apache NetBeans is cross-platform, compatible with operating systems like BSD, Mac OSX, Windows, and Linux. The Write Once, Run Anywhere concept applies to this development environment, allowing consistent execution across diverse platforms.

Apache NetBeans's Key Features & Integrations

Features: Cross-platform tools, code refactoring, editors, wizards, and templates.

 

Integrations: DataMelt, CSS, JRebel, Zulu Enterprise, Java, PHP, Payara Enterprise, JavaScript, C++, and XRebel.

Pricing

Apache NetBeans offers customized pricing upon request.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Easy to install.
  • Lightweight runtime.
  • Simple user interface.
  • Strong community support.
  • Cross-platform compatibility.

 

Cons

  • Occasional slow loading times.
  • Learning some features may require time and effort.

Dreamweaver

Dreamweaver

Best Website Design Tool for Developing and Managing Dynamic Websites

 

Dreamweaver, an Adobe product, stands out as a powerful web design software, providing developers with the tools to build websites compatible with any browser or device.

 

Why I Picked Dreamweaver: Dreamweaver supports multiple programming languages, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, enabling the creation of web services for various browsers and devices. Its robust coding engine allows for fast and flexible coding of dynamic pages.

 

The code hints feature and visual aids in Dreamweaver contribute to error reduction and accelerate the development process. Customizable starter templates, catering to needs like e-commerce pages, HTML emails, About pages, and blogs, expedite web page creation.

 

Being part of Creative Cloud, Dreamweaver allows seamless importing of resources from Creative Cloud Libraries and Adobe Stock.

Dreamweaver's Key Features & Integrations

Features: Multiple programming languages, flexible and speedy coding, simplified coding engine, code debugging, customizable templates, multi-monitor support for Windows, integrations, and tutorials.

 

Integrations: Adobe Creative Cloud, Adobe Photoshop, Arlo for Training Providers, SalesCart, CSS, Diib, POS2Net, Adobe Comp, Adobe Stock, OpenText xPression.

Pricing

Dreamweaver’s pricing starts from $22.56 per month, with a 30-day free trial of Adobe Stock.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Seamless integrations.
  • Code suggestions.
  • Easy debugging.
  • Flexible pricing.

 

Cons

  • Learning the interface takes time.
  • WYSIWYG experience is not always consistent.
  • Some users face challenges with global styling.

Codenvy

Codenvy

Best for Providing a Secure and Zero-Configuration Cloud-Native Software Development Environment

 

Codenvy stands out as a cloud-based application development software that enables developers to build solutions and collaborate on projects from anywhere without the need for software installations.

 

Why I Picked Codenvy: Codenvy offers a complete, Kubernetes-native development environment, encompassing a code editor, debugger, profiler, and building manager. It provides all the necessary tools for building and delivering high-quality applications, making it a forward-looking coding platform.

 

Codenvy integrates a set of tools for managing builds, source code repositories, deployments, and testing. Utilizing cloud technologies such as Kubernetes and containers, Codenvy ensures a consistent, highly secure, and zero-configuration software development space.

Codenvy's Key Features & Integrations

Features: One-click developer workspaces, near-instant onboarding, enterprise integration, and collaboration capabilities.

 

Integrations: GitHub, Jira, Microsoft Visual Studio, Microsoft Azure, BitBucket.

Pricing

Codenvy offers customized pricing upon request.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Collaborative Kubernetes-native tool.
  • Speedy software development.
  • Team members can contribute code from remote locations.
  • Easy management and monitoring of workspaces.

 

Cons

  • Developers may experience occasional lagging.
  • Premium support is only available for the paid plan.

New Relic One

New Relic

Best for Data-Driven Monitoring and Software Performance Optimization

 

New Relic One is an all-in-one platform designed to provide engineers with the capabilities needed to monitor, debug, and enhance their software or entire tech stack.

 

Why I Picked New Relic: This comprehensive tool combines over 30 capabilities to empower users to monitor their stack effectively. With 530+ integrations, New Relic extends its functionalities, offering a data-driven approach to monitor and address software performance issues.

 

New Relic’s flexible pricing model allows users to pay only for what they use, providing 100 GB of free data ingest per month. The platform delivers insights crucial for planning, development, and deployment. With multiple tools integrated into one platform, New Relic facilitates faster issue resolution through a connected experience.

New Relic One's Key Features & Integrations

Features: Backend monitoring, Kubernetes monitoring, mobile monitoring, model performance monitoring, infrastructure monitoring, log management, error tracking, network monitoring, vulnerability management, and browser monitoring.


Integrations: Guided install, Java, WordPress, MySQL, Tomcat, PHP, Django, .NET, Kafka, ActiveRecord.

Pricing

New Relic offers an “only pay for what you use” pricing model, allowing users to get started for free.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Rapid issue resolution.
  • Comprehensive observability tool.
  • Wide range of capabilities.
  • 530+ integrations.

 

Cons

  • Complex pricing model.
  • Difficulty in predicting spending amounts.

Other Software Development Tools

Here’s some more examples of software development tools mentioned:

 

11. Microsoft Visual Studio: Best IDE for .NET and C++ developers on Windows

12. Azure: Best for providing the latest AI models and complete dev tools

13. Linx: Best low-code software development environment

14. TestRail: Test case management, test planning, test execution, and reporting & analytics solutions for QA teams.

15. Zoho Creator: A low-code application development tool that enables developers to design, build, and deploy business solutions. 

16. DHTMLX: Helps developers to boost development speed with JavaScript UI libraries.

17. GeneXus: Streamlines how developers build, maintain, and evolve software systems with deterministic code generators and AI-powered tools.

18. Studio Creatio: A no-code tool that uses workflow automation, integrations, and AI/ML models to help developers build applications with just a few clicks.

19. Quixy: Drag-and-drop no-code app development and business process management capabilities for users across industries. 

20. GW Apps: A no-code platform that helps citizen developers and IT teams to build web applications faster and manage their data & business processes properly.

21. Bootstrap: Provides developers with a feature-rich front-end toolkit for developing fast, responsive websites and web apps.

22. AngularJS: A structural framework for dynamic web apps that lets software engineers extend HTML vocabulary for their applications. 

23. CodeLobster: Offers free cross-platform IDE that streamlines and simplifies the development process for PHP/HTML/CSS/JavaScript developers.

24. Embold: Code review & quality monitoring, refactoring support, and security & compliance solutions for developers and QA teams.

25. Delphi: A cross-platform software development environment that provides developers with the tools to design, develop, debug, and deploy native apps 5X faster.

26. UltraEdit: Highly configurable text editor designed for customers ranging from individual programmers and startups to large enterprises.

27. PTC Implementer: Change management and development process management tool for developers and IT managers.

 

These tools cater to various needs in the software development landscape, offering a diverse range of features and capabilities for developers and teams.

How I Selected The Best Software Development Tools

The best software development tools were selected based on the outlined criteria:

User Interface

Each tool selected boasts a responsive, simple, and intuitive user interface. The interfaces are well-designed, making them user-friendly for both new and experienced users. Navigational buttons are strategically positioned for ease of use, and the overall aesthetics of the interfaces are appealing.

Usability

Emphasis was placed on tools that not only offer powerful features but are also user-friendly. The selected programming tools prioritize simplicity, ensuring that developers can easily navigate and apply the features without facing unnecessary complexity. The goal is to streamline coding and make the development process less cumbersome.

Software Integrations

Recognizing the vastness of software development, the selected tools stand out by offering extensive software integrations. Integration capabilities allow developers to access their toolset from a unified platform, eliminating the need to switch between multiple tools. The tools on the list can be seamlessly integrated with various software development programs and productivity tools.

Pricing

The pricing aspect considered three key factors: affordability, flexibility, and transparency. The selected software development tools cater to a range of budgets and project requirements. The pricing models are designed to be flexible, ensuring that users can choose plans that suit their needs. Transparency in pricing is also emphasized, providing clarity for users as they explore the options.

 

The overall goal of the selection process was to identify easy tools software that not only excel in technical capabilities but also prioritize the user experience, integration possibilities, and fair pricing structures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the selection of software developing tools is a critical factor in the success of building high-performing software. The chosen tools directly impact the quality of the software, the speed of delivery, and the overall cost of development.

 

Choosing a software development tool with the right capabilities for your project is paramount. An ideal tool should offer a comprehensive development environment, incorporate future-ready technologies, be compatible with multiple operating systems, support integrations, and more. It is essential to thoroughly explore the tools mentioned above to find the one that aligns with your specific needs and fits within your budget.

 

Selecting the right tools empowers developers, streamlines workflows, and ultimately contributes to the successful and efficient development of software applications.


MentorSol is your all-in-one destination for SQA services, catering to all your testing requirements with expertise and efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the major features of software development tools:

 

Code Editor

  • Use for code editing.
  • A code editor is a fundamental feature that allows developers to create, modify, and manage code. It provides a text-based interface for writing and editing source code.

Collaboration & Communication

  • Enables users to get notifications, communicate, and work on projects together in real-time.
  • Collaboration and communication features facilitate teamwork among developers. Users can receive notifications, engage in real-time communication, and collaborate on projects seamlessly.

Debugger

  • Helps developers or QA teams review code, get rid of errors, and improve the quality of applications.
  • The debugger is a crucial tool for identifying and fixing errors in code. It aids developers and QA teams in reviewing code, ensuring its correctness, and enhancing the overall quality of applications.

Code Completion

  • Helps developers build faster by automatically completing or suggesting what can be typed in a specific place and context.
  • Code completion is a productivity feature that assists developers in writing code more efficiently. It automatically suggests or completes code snippets, reducing the need for manual typing and speeding up the development process.

Workflow Automation

  • Automates software development processes.
  • Workflow automation is a feature that streamlines and automates various aspects of the software development process. It helps in automating repetitive tasks, improving efficiency, and ensuring a smoother development workflow.

 

These features collectively contribute to enhancing the development experience, promoting collaboration among team members, improving code quality, and optimizing overall productivity in the software development lifecycle.

Software development tools are important because they help developers streamline their workflow, increase productivity, and ensure the quality and reliability of their code.

Software development tools improve collaboration by providing features for communication, project management, and code sharing. Tools like Slack, Jira, and GitHub enable team members to collaborate effectively, share ideas, and track progress in real-time.