Top 3 Browser-Based IDEs for Cloud Coding

Understanding Browser-Based Integrated Development Environments

An Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is, fundamentally, an application designed for writing code. These environments often include features such as compilers, interpreters, debugging tools, and automation capabilities.

Locating suitable freeware for code writing, or even a complete IDE, can sometimes be challenging. Certain operating systems present greater difficulties than others. If you frequently switch between systems or work while traveling, coding can become problematic.

The Advantages of Cloud-Based Coding

Coding in the cloud offers a solution to these challenges. Moving your coding platform online eliminates operating system dependencies and even hardware limitations.

Regardless of your location, you can consistently access your files and utilize the same IDE, ensuring a seamless coding experience.

Why Choose an Online IDE?

Beyond increased portability and accessibility, online IDEs offer further benefits.

A cloud-based IDE facilitates collaborative programming. Code directories become accessible to multiple users, enabling real-time collaboration through the web. Some platforms even provide an experience similar to Google Wave, allowing simultaneous editing of a single file.

Many of these IDEs can be self-hosted, removing the need for intermediaries. Web hosting providers can integrate them into their control panels, offering enhanced functionality to their customers.

Bespin from Mozilla Labs

Mozilla, the creator of Firefox and Thunderbird, also developed Bespin, a browser-based IDE. This editor leverages the HTML5 standard, meaning older versions of Internet Explorer are not supported.

Bespin is downloadable for self-hosting or integration into web applications. Kodingen, discussed below, is an example of an application built upon Bespin.

Its minimalistic design contributes to a remarkably fast code editor, though it may require some adjustment for new users. Interaction resembles a command-line interface. Standard features like syntax highlighting and text manipulation are readily available, accessible through a command bar and file history.

Multiple users can simultaneously work on the same file, with automatic updates displayed in all browsers. This feature also enables seamless code editing across different computers without constant saving and refreshing.

Coderun Studio

Coderun Studio is another robust browser-based IDE with extensive collaboration features. Code can be easily shared via social networks or unique links, allowing recipients to view and optionally edit a copy.

Due to its compatibility, Coderun Studio functions in virtually all browsers, including older versions of Internet Explorer.

However, certain advanced features, such as compiling and deploying web scripts, are exclusive to Coderun Cloud's premium subscription plans, which range from $10 to $169 per month.

Kodingen

Kodingen, a browser-based IDE, was originally built on Bespin. Is it appropriate to include it in a top three list alongside Bespin? Absolutely. Kodingen enhances the minimalistic interface of Bespin with a more graphical user interface, similar to Coderun Studio, while retaining the Bespin core. It effectively combines the strengths of both platforms.

Although currently in sign-up beta, Kodingen is nearing its full launch. The sign-up limitations will be removed, and additional features will be introduced.

The question of whether we truly need IDEs in the cloud remains a topic of discussion. Share your thoughts in the comments section below!