Toolsets, Libraries, Repositories, and Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) - Integrated Development Environments (IDEs)

Toolsets, Libraries, Repositories, and Integrated Development Environments (IDES): Integrated Development Environments (IDEs)

Integrated development environments (IDEs) go several steps further than the use of libraries and toolsets by themselves. IDEs combine the features of many tools and capabilities into one environment for use by the developer and other stakeholders. Integrated development environments are designed to maximize developer productivity by providing re-usable components with similar user interfaces.

Integrated development environments also present a single architecture in which all development may be done. The environment typically consists of a source code editor, build automation tools, and debuggers. They may also have a class browser, an object browser, and a class hierarchy diagram for use in objectoriented software development. Sometimes, version control is also included as part of the environment to help organizations manage the development of a graphical user interface (GUI).

An IDE for OOP usually features a class browser, tools to produce class hierarchy diagrams, and an object inspector. By using such a comprehensive toolset, developers can realize many benefits, including more efficient access and use of system resources. From a security perspective, more efficient use of security controls can also be a benefit.