If you’re looking to build a career as a software or web developer, you must have heard of Replit. It’s an online integrated developed environment (IDE) where you write and test codes.
The software was created in 2016 and has so far evolved to be one of the best IDEs for web and software developers. Interestingly, it is powered by artificial intelligence meaning that it’s now much easier and faster to build, test, and deploy directly from your browser.
You can build your website from zero setup. Thanks to Replit’s intuitive interface. It allows you to instantly start and develop projects in any programming language or framework.
Replit’s collaborative feature is a thing to note. If you’re working with a team, you can easily do so simultaneously. There are inclusive features such as code sharing, commenting, and version control to make your teamwork as seamless as ever.
Why You Should Check Out Replit Alternatives?
As much as Replit is fully built to simplify your coding journey, it’s not entirely free. Of course, there’s a free trial but you’ll not enjoy the editor as much as is necessary. For example, the AI feature can only be unlocked if you subscribe to the Pro version which costs $20 per month.
If you don’t have much money to spare, especially considering that you’re just getting started, there are tons of other code editors to try out. While some of them focus on a specific programming language, others support all kinds of languages.
Some of the best code editors like Replit include PyCharm, Sublime Text, Eclipse, ShiftEdit, Brackets, PythonAnywhere, and Visual Studio Code. However, my best pick is Visual Studio Code because it has powerful features and is also free to use.
In this post, I will review all these alternatives, noting the similarities or differences they share with Replit and the programming language that they cater to.
The goal at the end is to help you choose the right code editor for your work. Now, without much ado, let’s dive right in!
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Replit Alternatives – Best Code Editors
1. Eclipse
Eclipse is a powerful and popular integrated development environment for code editors. It can handle various programming languages.
However, one difference to note is that while Replit is a cloud-based platform that can be accessed through a web browser, Eclipse is typically installed as a desktop application and is free to access.
Interestingly, the platform’s code editor allows you to highlight different elements of your code and gives them distinct colors to make it easier to read.
The code folding features let you collapse and expand sections of your code so that you can seamlessly navigate through large files or focus on specific parts of your code.
In addition to that, the auto-completion feature will help you to write your code faster and you’ll hardly encounter syntax errors. You’ll get context-aware suggestions for variables, methods, and classes.
With Eclipse, be assured that errors or issues will quickly be identified. Thanks to the platform’s editor marker tool. It flags errors and warnings in your code by placing markers in the gutter.
You also have a lot of code templates to play with. These templates help you to generate common code structures and patterns. If you’re working on a lot of codes and want to track them, you can place tags on them. Eclipse will recognize these tags and display them in a task list.
Like Replit, Eclipse supports a wide range of programming languages through extensions and plugins. For instance, Eclipse IDE for Java developers is specifically tailored for Java development while other plugins extend support to languages like Pythons, JavaScript, and more.
The coding platform also allows you to integrate version control systems like Git, SVN, and CVS so that you can manage source code repositories within the IDE.
Eclipse is open source and free to use while Replit requires you to subscribe to the paid plan to enjoy the full features.
2. PyCharm
If you’re working primarily with the Python language, then PyCharm is an excellent choice. First, you’ll enjoy its smart assistance.
It’s interesting how it’s built to know everything about your code such that you can rely on it for intelligent code completion, on-the-fly errors, easy project navigation, checking, and quick fixes.
Since the code editor was designed by programmers, you have all the tools you need for productive Python development. It provides the best code quality and supports web development with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
This integration with popular web development frameworks and libraries makes it stand out. You’ll also appreciate its debugging feature. You can debug within the IDE, breakpoints, variable inspection, and expression evaluation.
Another feature to love about PyCharm is that it is highly customizable. It also comes with a visual designer that helps to create GUI applications using frameworks like PyQt and Tkinter.
Similar to Replit, PyCharm allows for easy navigation through your code with features like “Go to Definition” and “Find Usages.” There is a free trial but you have to download and install it to your computer before usage.
3. ShiftEdit
ShiftEdit is another Replit alternative to consider if you want to write code from the comfort of your browser. Aside from writing, you can also edit and manage your code directly in a web browser which is usually stress-free.
Also, note that ShiftEdit is designed primarily for web development. But that’s not the only catch! It supports different programming languages and includes syntax highlighting which makes your code more readable and error-free.
You can also connect your projects to version control systems like Git. That way, you can collaborate with your team members, assuming it’s a big project. Everyone can work on the same codebase simultaneously.
Another advantage of using ShiftEdit is that it comes with FTP/SFTP clients which makes it easy for you to transfer files to and from your web server. It saves you the stress of deploying and managing your web applications.
Additionally, it’s exciting that it’s a cloud-based platform. This gives you access to your projects and coding environment no matter where you are as long as you have an internet connection. You’ll enjoy this if you’re working remotely or collaborating with a team.
Also Read: Best Scratch Alternatives
4. CodeSandbox
CodeSandbox is the code development platform you need if you want to write and manage codes right from your browser. You can prototype apps and grow them into full-scale projects simply by staying online.
Like Replit, you can collaborate with your team members and ship projects of any size from any device in record time. This collaboration feature ensures that multiple users can work on the same project simultaneously.
Another interesting feature of CodeSandbox is that it offers an interactive live preview of your web application. Hence, any changes you make to the code as you’re working online are immediately reflected in the preview.
Additionally, the platform comes with preconfigured templates for popular web frameworks and libraries like React, Vue.js, Angular, and Node.js. It also offers code autocompletion and suggestions to enhance your coding productivity.
You can even create and edit multiple files within a project! It’s such an amazing way to organize your code effectively.
Finally, CodeSandbox stands out because of its user-friendliness and visually appealing interface. You’ll need it if you are working on web-based projects and prototypes. Its strength lies in front-end web development.
5. Sublime Text
The first feature that stands out with Sublime Text is its flexibility and extensibility meaning that you can adapt it to work with many programming languages and file formats. How incredible!
For web development, it supports HTML, CSS, JavaScript, TypeScript, Python, PHP, ASP.NET and many more. You can use it for both frontend and backend development including mobile app development and data science and analysis.
Sublime Text is also known for its speed and responsiveness, giving it an edge over Replit. No matter how large your project file is, your editing will be smooth.
The platform also supports multiple selections so that you can seamlessly make changes to different parts of your project.
You’ll enjoy the “Goto Anything” feature that allows you to quickly navigate and find any file, or symbol of your choice using a keyboard shortcut.
Another interesting feature of this code editor is that it is highly customizable. If you don’t want any of the built-in themes, you can always create yours and also configure keybindings to suit your preference.
Most of all, your work will be auto-saved and backed up to prevent data loss. Unlike Replit, you need to download Sublime Text to work with it. It works on both Windows, Linux, and macOS.
6. Apache NetBeans
This is the best integrated development environment for different programming languages like Java, PHP, and JavaScript. You’ll enjoy its clean and user-friendly interface.
It’s also great that it works on multiple devices including Windows, macOS, and Linux. Interestingly, the code editor comes with features like code completion, syntax highlighting, and code templates so that you can write your code more efficiently.
There is also a set of code refactoring tools that make it easy to improve the structure of your code without any errors.
Another advantage of using Apache NetBeans is that it enables you to seamlessly create and manage projects whether they are Java, web, or mobile.
If you’re a developer working with JavaSwing and JavaFX applications, you can easily design visually appealing interfaces. Thanks to NetBeans’s GUI builder.
Aside from that, you have access to a profiler tool that will help you analyze the performance of your applications and identify errors if any. You can also extend the platform’s functionality by installing additional plugins from the NetBeans Plugin Portal.
Programming beginners are in great luck as they will be part of an active community of developers and also have access to tutorials and guides that will help them get started.
7. Xcode
If you need a code editor to create and test apps for Apple platforms, Xcode is your best bet. That’s one major difference it shares with Replit – you can only build apps for iOS devices. It’s faster and more efficient this way.
This code editor comes with Git staging that allows you to craft your next commit without leaving your code. Another feature to like is that it is powered by the new Swift macros.
This means that you can easily preview your works. There is also a new interactive timeline that allows you to develop and design your widgets.
The interface builder improvement is another impressive feature of this platform. It ensures that you easily design user interfaces for different Apple platforms.
Aside from that, Xcode comes with performance analysis tools and debuggers to help you identify and resolve issues while building your app.
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8. Visual Studio Code (VS Code)
This code editor has both web and desktop versions, meaning that you can access it with any device whether Windows, macOS, Linux, or directly from your browser. This is unlike Replit which can only be accessed through a web browser.
Aside from its accessibility, VS Code also has robust code editing features like syntax highlighting, code folding, and automatic indentation for different programming languages.
There is also a built-in terminal that allows you to run command-line tools and scripts directly within the editor. This helps you to streamline your development workflows.
For a faster coding experience, VS Code comes with intelligent code suggestions and auto-completion features. It will always give you prompts on the code you’re writing, variable names, and imported libraries.
Another amazing feature of this code editor is that it has a rich extension marketplace. This is particularly useful if you are using the web version. There are thousands of extensions that you can easily download for different programming languages, tools, and frameworks.
You certainly can’t overlook its task automation features that let you define your tasks and automate common development activities with task runners like Grunt, Gulp, or npm scripts.
More so, you can customize the editor’s appearance with any theme or color that suits your preference. For larger projects where you need to collaborate with other developers, VS Code’s Live Share feature will come in handy.
It allows you to collaborate in real time with your team members. They can see and edit your code during a live session. How amazing!
For a coding platform as powerful as it, it’s a wonder that it’s free to use.
9. AWS Cloud9
Developed by Amazon, AWS Cloud9 is a lot like Replit. Both platforms are cloud-based meaning that you can write, run, and debug your code with just a browser.
With AWS Cloud9, your code-developing experience is as easy as pie as it provides essential tools for different programming languages like JavaScript, Python, and PHP. You don’t need to worry yourself with complex installations or configurations on your local development machine.
Also, the fact that it operates in the cloud means that you are free to work on your projects from anywhere, whether you’re at home, at the office, or any location with internet access.
Most of all, the code editor enables you to collaborate effectively with the other developers in your team. You can all code in real time as well as track each other’s inputs.
You can access the code editor as long as you have an AWS account.
10. Brackets
This text editor is specifically designed for web designers and front-end developers. Like Replit, it is web-based, meaning that you can easily design from your browser.
One feature to love about this editor is that it seamlessly incorporates visual tools right into the workspace. This makes it easy for you to access visual aids and assistance whenever you need them without disrupting your creative process.
Though lightweight, this editor is super powerful as it packs a punch in terms of features and capability. You’ll love its live preview features that help to establish a real-time connection between your code and your web browser.
This way, as you make changes to your CSS and HTML code, you can see the alterations reflected on your computer screen. Also, you don’t need to keep switching between different file tabs assuming you’re working on different projects.
With Bracket’s inline editors, you can open a separate window for the specific part of the code you’re actively working on. This makes it easier for you to focus on and edit the code that matters the most.
Overall, Brackets is free to use, unlike Replit which comes with paid plans.
Also Read: GitLab vs GitHub
11. PythonAnywhere
From the name alone, it’s easy to tell that this code editor is specifically designed for the Python programming language. Like Replit, it is cloud-based and requires no installation hassles to function.
The best part is that the editor has a large storage space on the server. So, you can save your work there and access it from anywhere you are as long as there is an internet connection.
You don’t need to pay or configure your server. If you are working on your laptop and take a break midway, you can always pick up from where you left off by accessing the same session from your laptop.
I love that you can code on the go with PythonAnywhere. Ideas can hit it anywhere but with this code editor, you can quickly play with ideas from your iPad, phone, or smart TV just as you can with your computer.
Another interesting benefit of using this code editor is that it allows you to easily upload and download files from its web UI or input a command line to your work with Git. Overall, it provides the best learning environment for students and teachers and it’s free to use.
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12. WebStorm
WebStorm prides itself in being the smartest integrated development environment for JavaScript and other programming languages including HTML, CSS, and XML.
If you’re a beginner developer, rest assured that this software is built to understand your project structure so that it can assist you while you’re writing your code. Not only will it autocomplete your code but can also detect and suggest fixes for errors or redundancies.
Another feature to like about WebStorm is that it ensures that all of your primary working tools are available in one place. It’s also easy to move through your code faster no matter how large your projects are.
Finally, you can collaborate with other developers and code together in real time.
Conclusion
As you have seen, there are a lot of Replit alternatives that you can explore. While some are web-based like Replit, others require you to download the desktop version.
However, my best pick is Visual Studio Code (VS) because it is a combination of both cloud-based and desktop versions. It also has powerful features and is free to use.
But that’s just my choice. Feel free to explore other alternatives to find which one works for you. Don’t forget to ensure that your choice supports the programming language you’re working with.
