BS1IN English Rix BW1 Writing code: the IDE - what is it?
In theory, you could use a word processing program to write a computer application. However, this would not be practical and an integrated development environment (IDE) is a better tool. An example of such an environment is Eclipse. It is open source and may be used free of charge. By using Eclipse you can write code in many languages such as Java, C++ or PHP. An IDE contains several features and modules that make it easier to create software applications. The source code editor automatically colours key words to make it easier to read the code. The editor also checks for the correct syntax of the code. It can also detect and underline commonly made syntax mistakes.
Once the code has been written, it is transformed into something a processor can understand. This transformation process is called compilation. The compiler is part of the IDE. It goes through every line of code, and transforms and optimizes it. The IDE also helps with a process called debugging. After the source code has been compiled, the IDE starts the new application in debug mode. While it is running in this mode, the programmer can tell the IDE to pause the execution of the program. This allows him or her to look at what is currently stored in the memory area the program is using. This makes it easier to find and fix errors, hence the term “debug”.
Outline some major advantages of an IDE like Eclipse! What do you use it for? Major Advantages:
Syntax Highlighting and Error Checking: The source code editor automatically colors keywords to make code easier to read. It also checks for correct syntax and underlines common mistakes.
Integrated Compiler: An IDE includes a compiler that transforms and optimizes every line of source code into something a processor can understand.
Debugging Tools: It assists with debugging by allowing a programmer to run an application in debug mode. You can pause the program’s execution to examine what is stored in memory , which makes it easier to find and fix errors.
Accessibility: Tools like Eclipse are open source and can be used free of charge.
Versatility: It allows you to write code in many different languages, such as Java, C++, or PHP.
What you use it for:
To write source code for software applications.
To compile the written code.
To debug the application to find and fix errors.