An (IDE) Interactive Development Environment/ Integrated Development Environment are software application programs that give wide-ranging services to computer programmers for software expansion in writing programs. They are editing tools that assist the programmer to write and edit code more efficiently and fast.  IDE features normally include building and compiling automation tools, debugger tools and source code editor and management. At times various tools and a version control system may integrate in order to simplify the construction of a GUI. Most Current IDEs have an object browser, a class hierarchy diagram, and a class browser that is used in object oriented software development. There are some IDEs that contain an interpreter, a compiler or both, for instance, Eclipse and Net Beans; while others do not, which include Lazarus and Sharp Develop. An example of IDE used today includes: A PHP driven web application can be created by use of a combined Eclipse and PHP eclipse (Marrer, 2002).

Advantages of Using an IDE

Using an IDE saves one when writing a program. The following are the advantages of using an IDE.

Project management: This can be dual. First, most IDEs have documentation
tools that developers write in various areas or force to computerize the access of developer comments.  Second by simply having an illustration presentation of resources, the application should be laid easily as different from navigating the file system for hidden files in the file system.

Less effort and time: The main reason of using an IDE is to create development easier and faster. IDE features and tools are hypothetical to help one prevent mistakes, provide short cuts and systematize resources (Brunette, 2005).

Enforce company standards: the group of programmers tends to adhere to certain standards while working on the same environment. These standards may be enforced when the IDE presents predefined templates and also when the library codes are shared between different team members.

Disadvantages of Using an IDE

One should be very careful while using an IDE since it may not be ideal and suitable in everyone’s situation.

An IDE cannot fix bad code, practices and design: One has to be careful and skilled since   An IDE cannot remove effectiveness s in your application

A complicated IDE may not be the best tool for programmer beginners: when one
throws IDEs learning curve over learning on how to program, it can be pretty
difficult. Moreover, shortcuts and features for skilled programmers normally hide
ordinary but vital details of a language. One should not overlook details when learning language since using an IDE could hinder it. Learning curve: Maximizing IDEs benefits requires one to be patient and give time since they are complicated

Reference

Brunette, E. (2005). Eclipse IDE pocket guide. (1st ed.). United States of America: O’

Reilly media.

Marrer, G. (2002). Fundamentals of programming: With object oriented programming.

United States of America: Gary marrer.