Alexis Kestler
Hey there! As a fellow coding geek, I wanted to share my thoughts on some awesome online code editors and IDEs that can really improve your development workflow. I‘ve been coding for over 15 years, and while I still use traditional desktop IDEs for large projects, these new cloud-based tools have some cool advantages.
In this post, we‘ll dive into 12 of the top online code editors, when you might want to use them, and how they can make coding and collaborating more seamless. I‘ll also sprinkle in some of my own experiences and opinions as a professional developer and data nerd. Let‘s get started!
Why Consider an Online Code Editor?
First, what exactly are the benefits of an online code editor or IDE?
Accessibility – You can code from any device, anytime, anywhere – no need to install anything locally. I love being able to code on my laptop, tablet, or even phone when inspiration strikes!
Quick Set Up – There‘s no need to spend time configuring development environments and tools – just open your browser and start coding in seconds. As an impatient geek, I really appreciate this.
Collaboration – Online editors make collaborating on code real-time and seamless. You and your teammates can simultaneously edit code and see changes instantly.
Data Safety – Your code is stored in the cloud, protecting you from losing data if your local machine goes up in smoke. Believe me, we‘ve all been there!
Consistent Environments – Cloud IDEs give you pre-configured tools and dependencies for each project. No need to mess around with local environment setup.
Of course, traditional desktop IDEs still have their place for large, sophisticated projects. But for smaller coding sessions, proofs of concept, and collaborating across devices, online editors have some tangible advantages.
Now let‘s look at 12 specific online code editors I recommend checking out!
1. Repl.it – Playground for All Languages
Repl.it is one of my favorite online code sandboxes. It‘s great for quickly testing snippets and ideas in over 50 languages including Python, JavaScript, C++, Java, and more.
Some killer features:
- No setup – just start coding in the browser immediately
- Terminal access to run commands
- Multi-cursor editing and shortcuts to maximize productivity
- Built-in debugger and instant hosting
- Collaboration – share links and code in real-time with others
- Import projects from GitHub to work on existing code
I use Repl.it at least weekly for things like testing new JavaScript libraries, doing code interviews, and teaching my son how to code in Python. The quick start and multi-language support are so useful.
Repl.it has a blend of free and paid plans, but the free version is quite full-featured. This is a top choice for coding playgrounds and quick prototyping.
2. CodeSandbox – Killer for Web Development
As a full-time web developer, CodeSandbox has become one of my daily tools. It provides a complete IDE optimized for building modern JavaScript apps and websites.
The highlights:
- It mimics a real project setup with folders, modules, npm packages, etc. This lets you build full apps, not just snippets.
- Instant preview of web projects – see changes as you code!
- Integrated terminal, debugger, linting, code testing tools
- Real-time collaboration and code reviews built-in
- 1-click deployment of web projects
- Fork projects and pull in updates from GitHub
I‘ve used CodeSandbox for quickly mocking up React site concepts, building product prototypes, and even hosting some simple static pages. Being able to quickly import code from GitHub and share running app previews is so useful.
For web developers, CodeSandbox provides a top-notch coding and collaboration environment. Well worth checking out.
3. AWS Cloud9 – Ideal for Cloud Development
As a longtime Amazon Web Services (AWS) user, AWS Cloud9 has become my go-to tool for coding AWS serverless apps and Lambda functions.
It‘s a full IDE that provides:
- A great code editor with syntax highlighting, autocomplete, etc.
- Integrated terminal access right in the browser
- Built-in Git support and tools like a debugger
- Real-time collaboration features for pair programming
- Pre-configured runtimes for JavaScript, Python, Go, and more
- 1-click integration with AWS services like Lambda and API Gateway
Being able to quickly test my Lambda functions inside Cloud9 and deploy changes with a click is awesome. And for new AWS users, Cloud9 provides a fast on-ramp to cloud development.
My only gripe is that Cloud9 is not currently offered under the AWS free tier – you need an existing AWS account to use it. But it‘s free for 12 months for new AWS signups.
Overall, Cloud9 is my top pick for developing AWS-centric apps and services. The integration and convenience can‘t be beat!
4. GitPod – Dev Environments on Autopilot
As a chronic opener of way too many GitHub issues and projects, GitPod has helped keep my environments organized.
GitPod auto-spins up fresh, consistent dev environments for each of your GitHub projects and repositories in a browser-based IDE.
Some killer features:
- Automatically runs your project‘s build scripts on environment start
- Auto-installs dependencies referenced in code
- Saves snapshots of environments to easily re-open workspaces
- Built-in VS Code-like interface
- Tight integration with GitHub issues and pull requests
I‘ve found GitPod to be an easy way to keep multiple projects and branches organized without juggling local environment setup. Being able to quickly reopen snapshotted project environments is really nice.
GitPod offers free plans for open source work, and paid plans start around $10/month. There‘s also a generous free usage tier.
For GitHub-centric workflows, GitPod can help streamline your dev environment workflow.
5. StackBlitz -Specialized for Angular & React
As a longtime React developer, StackBlitz has become one of my favorite online IDEs.
It‘s specifically optimized for React and Angular development. The features really show this focus:
- Instant template-based setup for React and Angular apps
- Build component libraries and share them via npm
- Live preview pane – see React code changes as you type
- VS Code-powered editor with extensions available
- Import projects from GitHub repos
- Deploy apps and sites instantly with a click
I‘ve used StackBlitz for mocking up quick React site concepts, building complex component demos, and even hosting some simple static pages.
The ability to quickly share running app prototypes is invaluable when discussing ideas with teammates. I wish more online editors made deployment this seamless!
StackBlitz is free for public development, with paid plans starting at $12/month for private repos. Well worth checking out for any React dev.
6. Codeanywhere – Container-Based Dev Environments
For full-stack development using both front-end and back-end languages, Codeanywhere is one of my top choices for an online IDE.
It offers some great features:
- Container-based dev environments for 72+ programming languages
- Pre-built environment images help you start coding faster
- SSH into remote dev servers and code directly on the server
- Real-time collaborative editing and terminal sharing
- Sync code from repositories like GitHub, BitBucket, etc.
- 250+ extensions available including Git, Docker, and databases
Codeanywhere really excels at replicating a local full-stack coding environment in the cloud. The ability to sync with external repositories or SSH into live servers is very handy.
I suggest Codeanywhere for more complex web and mobile apps using both front-end and back-end languages and services. It provides a lot of flexibility.
Free public plans are available, with paid plans starting at around $6 per month. Enterprise options are also available.
7. Microsoft Visual Studio Online – Cloud-Powered IDE
I‘ve recently been experimenting with .NET development in C#, and Visual Studio Online has been an awesome companion.
It provides browser-based access to Microsoft‘s powerful (but heavy) Visual Studio IDEs.
Some great features:
- Pre-configured .NET and C# development environments
- Cloud-powered IntelliSense and autocompletion
- Integrated debugger and Git support
- Access to Visual Studio Marketplace extensions
- Tight integration with Azure services
- Flexible pricing plans including a free tier
As someone used to setting up complex .NET development environments locally, it‘s been wonderful having a pre-configured, cloud-powered IDE through Visual Studio Online.
The .NET and C# experience is very robust – a great choice for Microsoft developers.
8. Eclipse Che – Open Source Cloud IDE
As an open source fan, I‘m always on the lookout for quality community-driven developer tools. Eclipse Che fits the bill nicely.
It offers a free, open-source cloud IDE with some excellent features:
- Browser-based workspaces and IDE for Java, Python, Go, C++, Node.js, etc.
- Pre-configured Docker-based dev environments
- Terminals with Linux shell access
- Extensible through a marketplace of extensions
- Kubernetes integration
- Community-driven development model
For open source developers looking for a cloud IDE alternative, Eclipse Che is definitely worth checking out.
The open source model means you can even host it yourself on a server or locally if desired. It provides a lot of flexibility.
9. Koding – Team-Oriented Development Platform
As someone who collaborates with remote team members daily, I‘m always looking for tools to improve our coordination and workflows.
Koding provides full cloud dev environments tailored for remote team collaboration.
Some interesting capabilities:
- Cloud-powered dev environments accessible through the browser
- Built-in text editor like Visual Studio Code
- Terminal access from any device
- Share entire environments between team members
- Built-in web server and database configuration
- Custom domains and HTTPS encryption available
- Team management and access controls
Koding seems like a great fit for remote teams looking to standardize cloud-based dev environments between members.
Being able to spin up integrated, collaborative environments with databases and custom domains is pretty cool!
Pricing starts at $18/month per user. Enterprise and custom plans available.
10. CodeTasty – AI-Powered Autocomplete
As a lifelong learner, I‘m always trying out new online code editors to improve my workflow.
CodeTasty caught my eye recently with its emphasis on intelligent coding assistance.
Some interesting features:
- AI-powered autocomplete and error-checking
- Support for 40+ languages including Go, Python, C#, JavaScript
- Integrated terminal and debugger
- Real-time collaboration for pair programming
- One-click deployment of web projects
- Extensible with community-built plugins
- 14-day free trial
CodeTasty seems to leverage AI to provide intuitive coding assistance as you type. I‘m very curious to try the smart autocomplete features paired with error detection.
Pricing starts at $8/month after the free trial.
For coders seeking more automation during the editing process itself, CodeTasty seems very promising. The AI-hints could save a lot of keystrokes!
11. PaizaCloud – Optimized for Web Development
As a web developer, I‘m always setting up custom LEMP and LAMP stacks for new PHP and MySQL projects.
PaizaCloud simplifies this by providing pre-configured cloud dev environments tailored for web development.
Here are some highlights:
- Ready-made environments for Node.js, Django, Laravel, PHP, Java, and more
- Launch environments in seconds without setup
- Terminal access, file management, databases, and more
- Built-in collaboration features
- Deploy apps with one click
- Plans starting at $4 per month
PaizaCloud seems great for eliminating wasted time configuring web development stacks from scratch.
Being able to instantly spin up pre-built environments for PHP/MySQL, Node/Express, Python/Django, etc. would speed up my workflow tremendously.
For web developers looking to simplify project configuration and deployment, PaizaCloud seems like a handy option!
12. IDE One – Minimal Code Snippet Editor
Sometimes I just need a barebones editor to quickly test snippets and share running code examples.
IDE One is a long-running stalwart in this area. It‘s a simple cloud scrubber for code snippets.
Some helpful features:
- 60+ language support including C++, Python, Java, JavaScript
- Submit code snippets to instantly compile and run them
- View runtime errors and logs
- Share code samples via URL
- Completely free
Don‘t expect an advanced IDE experience – IDE One is intentionally simple. But for testing one-off code snippets, it‘s perfect.
The minimal nature and quick compiler runs make it great for code interviews too.
When I just need to quickly validate a snippet, IDE One is one of my top picks for simplicity.
Which Online Editor is Right For You?
With so many options for cloud coding today, it can be hard to decide where to start. Here are a few closing recommendations:
- For front-end web coding, try CodeSandbox, StackBlitz, or CodeTasty
- For full-stack development, look at Codeanywhere or PaizaCloud
- If you use AWS, go with AWS Cloud9
- For Microsoft development, check out Visual Studio Online
- For remote team collaboration, explore Koding or Eclipse Che
- To organize GitHub projects, take GitPod for a spin
- For quick code snippets, turn to Repl.it or IDE One
The awesome thing is you can try most online code editors for free! I suggest starting with one appealing option and then expanding out as needed.
Cloud coding tools have really matured lately. While I still use desktop IDEs for larger apps, these online editors excel at quick iteration and collaborative development. They remove so much friction compared to local setup.
I hope this post has provided some helpful insight into available options, key features, and realistic use cases. Please feel free to reach out if you have any other questions!
Happy cloud coding!
