Compilers – IDEs

While learning any Programming Language, its very important to use the right tools (Compiler/IDE) to make the learning process as smooth and productive as possible. However, many books like to impress upon the idea that one should use only a text-editor like Notepad in the initial stages.

I totally disagree with the idea to having to type on a silly text-editor without any programming aids like IntelliSense and syntax highlighting. These two are the bare essential features which in my opinion are bread and butter for any programmer. Life Savers!

Here, I’ll share some of the Compilers/Interpreters/IDEs that I have used and recommend for a given language (In order of preference) . Most of the times Free or Open Source are good enough and paid solutions can be avoided.

C/C++

• Turbo C++ v3.0 (DOS) – FREE
• Borland C++ v4.5 – FREE
  
• DevC++ – FREE
  
• Intel C++ Compiler (DOS) – PAID

As C & C++ are relatively old languages, some compilers which have been written using 16Bit native code, specially – Turbo C++ v3.0 (DOS) are not properly supported on the current Windows platform i.e beyond WinXP 32Bit, running the Turbo C++ becomes difficult as fullscreen mode is not supported and for 64Bit versions of Windows. It doesn’t work at all.

Therefore, its better to use other compilers although the best ones remains Turbo C++. If you are running WinXP 32Bit, it shouldn’t be a botheration for you.

Java

• JCreator – FREE & PAID
• Oracle JDeveloper - FREE
  
• Sun Netbeans - FREE
  
• IntelliJ - PAID
  

.Net

• Microsoft Visual Studio – PAID
  
• Microsoft Visual Studio Express - FREE
  
• SharpDevelop – FREE

SQL

SQL can be used either through command line tools or GUI based tools. The following are NOT compilers/IDEs but Database Management Systems which are all you need. Additionally, there are various pseudo-IDEs like Toad which can connect with various proprietary databases and are used for working with SQL.

• MySQL - FREE
• Microsoft SQL Server – PAID
• Microsoft SQL Server Express – FREE
• Oracle - PAID
• Oracle Express – FREE

Others

Languages like ASP, JSP, PHP, Shell Scripting etc are not very much IDE/Compiler inclined. You can do without an external application. A “text-editor” would be just fine, though, you can still find various tools. It depends on personal preference and availability of the application as most are fairly similar and do a good job. Moreover, The above said languages are incorporated by most popular IDEs and you wont require a separate solution. Adobe Dreamweaver can be used for all of them in my opinion and is the preferred choice.