An IDE, or Integrated Development Environment, is a software application that helps programmers write and develop software code efficiently. It combines different aspects of writing a computer program, such as editing source code, building executables, and debugging, into a single application. IDEs increase programmer productivity by providing intelligent features for automatically writing or editing the source code, syntax highlighting, intelligent code completion, refactoring support, and more. IDEs also allow developers to automate unit tests, compile or convert the code into a simplified language that the operating system can understand, and execute actions without switching between applications.

IDEs are designed to maximize programmer productivity by providing tight-knit components with similar user interfaces. They present a single program in which all development is done, providing many features for authoring, modifying, compiling, deploying, and debugging software. IDEs parse code as it is being edited, providing instant feedback when syntax errors are introduced, thus allowing developers to debug code much faster and more easily. Some IDEs are dedicated to a specific programming language, allowing a feature set that most closely matches the programming paradigms of the language.

Developers use IDEs to write computer programs in any language, including Python, Java, and many others. IDEs show errors, including the lines where they appear and potential solutions, when running or testing code, making debugging much more straightforward. There are many more reasons why developers use IDEs, such as the ability to easily compile code and more. When choosing an IDE, developers should research their preferred language, operating system, financial capabilities, and customization features.