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Am i missing out if I dont use an IDE? (lemmy.world)

submitted 1 year ago by Ministar@lemmy.world to c/programming@beehaw.org

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So, I have been mostly self thaught programmer (C++), as its a big part of my job (not a regular developer). But so far I have been using a simple text editor like Geany to code and I compile stuff either in terminal (linux) or produce my own make file.

I am starting to wonder if I should switch to a full IDE, as I am on linux, I was thinking of trying KDevelop. But I am simply not sure if its worth, do I even need it?

I have never used an IDE, it seems kind of complicated for the start with "projects" and I havent really found any good introductions to how this workflow is supposed to work.

Do you think using and IDE is something everyone should use? Or do you think a text editor with producing your own make files should be enough?

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[–] souperk@lemmy.fmhy.ml 2 points 1 year ago

A good IDE takes the basics and supercharges them.

Navigation along with block expand/collapse, make reading code much easier, they allow you to focus on what really matters.

Syntax highlighting, inspections, and formatting allow you to focus on what you write and not if you missed a semicolon.

Visual debugging is so much better that you just have to try it once, no debate.

Run configurations, especially for tests, are a nice treat if you running multiple apps/different configurations.

While there are many benefits to using an IDE, you have to keep in mind that they are not an one for all solution. Sometimes it's better to open a terminal.

Also, they are great as long as they assist your flow and not disturb it, you will need to spend time to figure out the configuration that works for you. I have been changing IDE configurationd since 2012 when I first used eclipse.