Difference between Compilers and Interpreters/Code Editors:
Compilers and interpreters are software used to convert source code into machine code that computers can understand. Interpreters convert one line at a time while the compilers translate the entire source code simultaneously.
Compilers are used by programming languages such as C, C++, Java, etc., while interpreters use programming languages such as JavaScript, Ruby, and Python.
In this post, we will discuss the top five code editors/ interpreters for JavaScript available online. So let’s begin:
1. StackBlitz
This IDE is quite similar to the VSCode editor, so if you are familiar with VSCode, you should go for StackBlitz when using an online code editor. It is fast, secure, and has IntelliSense.
StackBlitz allows you to import any NPM package. The code editor takes care of dependencies, hot reloading, and compiling automatically while you type. This editor also gives you the option to do offline editing. Moreover, you can Drag & Drop files and folders into the editor.
All applications on StackBlitz get automatically deployed on their server. While using StackBlitz, you can share your projects with just one click. It has support for five different workspaces:
- JavaScript
- React
- AngularJS
- Ignite UI
- KendoReact
2. CodePen
CodePen is an open-source online code editor which is used to test and showcase user-created front-end code. CodePen allows you to see other people’s projects and understand how the code is actually working.
CodePen gives you all the tools that are required for collaboration, experimentation, and sharing your code. You can just start coding without any setup.
3. JS Fiddle
JS Fiddle is super easy to use and has a very user-friendly and intuitive UI. JS FIddle wasn’t made to be a full-fledged web development environment. This code editor is only for prototyping, making demos, live code collaborations, bug reporting for GitHub issues, and presenting code answers on Stack Overflow.
4. Code Sandbox
Code sandbox is optimized for frameworks such as Vue, React, Angular, and so many more. It is integrated with Github, which enables you to export or import repos from Github directly. Like StackBlitz, Code Sandbox also allows you to use any public npm packages.
Code Sandbox features live collaboration along with VSCode integration.
5. AWS Cloud9
Cloud9 is a cloud-based IDE built by Amazon Web Services, which supports multiple programming languages such as JavaScript with Node.js, C, C++, PHP, Ruby, Python, etc.
Cloud9 provides all the tools that are necessary to develop large-scale software. It is very straightforward and can be easily integrated into the AWS ecosystem. It allows you to work from anywhere, which increases productivity.
Conclusion
That concludes our list of the top 5 online code editors. Online IDEs and code editors are easy to use and offer accessibility. You do not need to spend any time setting up your IDE. You can just go to the web-based IDE and start coding from anywhere on any device. In this write-up, we have listed the top 5 online code editors. There are many other web-based code editors available there, but these are the best of the best.
