Top 20 Software Development Tools in 2024
The software development tools market is packed with countless options that streamline and optimize creation processes. Choosing the proper instrument and evaluating projects’ needs are daunting tasks, even for skilled developers. This article will explore the convenience of using pre-made solutions, covering numerous features, from prototyping to debugging.
Software development teams use such tools for multiple functions, which helps them deliver full-fledged products in the shortest term while preserving top-tier quality. Software risks and challenges must be faced when using cutting-edge technologies in this fast-changing industry. Therefore, comprehending how to choose and implement them accurately is the point.
Limeup specialists have listed the 20 most in-demand tools, providing them with detailed features, benefits, and price descriptions. Keep reading this blog post, and uncover what a software development tool is, its purpose, and how to choose among numerous options.
What are software development tools?
Before moving to the actual list, let’s define the term. To put it simply, software development tools are programs that help tech specialists build various products. For example, you need to receive a prototype of your future solutions and present it to your investors. The path of least resistance is to use an AI-powered program, download the required data, and get the results.
It’s essential to understand that the proper software development tool isn’t a magic pill; it’s equipment for developers to straightforward a part of the building process. There are countless tools by type, for example:
- Automated testing,
- IDEs (Integrated Development Environment),
- Source control,
- Frameworks,
- Debugging,
- Coding and editing, etc.
With a well-thought-out development operation and helpful tools for software development, building and managing multiple projects becomes a streamlined process. As one of the leading software development companies in London, Limeup experts leveraged their experience to outline superior tools and clarify the functions they cover. Let’s define each of the 20 options and reveal their functionality according to your possible requests.
20 Best software development tools
As a skilled developer, you would like to benefit your projects with development tools for straightforward coding, editing, and debugging processes. We have come through the multiple instruments popular among software development companies in the UK and globally to select the most appropriate ones.
1.GitHub
GitHub is a software development tool based on the cloud solution that represents a programming community with numerous pre-made frameworks, project management programs, etc.
Programmers can implement pre-made solutions and also share their projects and communicate. According to Statista, GitHub is one of the most widely used collaborative tools.
Leading features:
- Collaborative coding,
- Automation & CI/CD,
- Security,
- Client Apps,
- Project Management,
- Team Administration,
- Community.
Pricing:
GitHub has a free plan and a trial period, after which you choose the subscription model: $4 per month for the Team plan and $21 per month for Enterprise.
2.Linx
This iPaaS development tool enables team members to connect various systems and manage the project within one platform. Linx was designed for seamless integrations, building and hosting APIs, and other features that allow companies to automate business processes.
Software development teams implement this tool for middleware, data migration, and numerous use cases to facilitate the creating strategy. Users can apply for customer support and will be guided through the whole process with experienced Linx experts.
Leading features:
- Application Integration,
- APIs & Microservice Development,
- Process Automation,
- Data Integration.
Pricing:
For cloud-based solutions, the platform charges monthly $149 for Starter, $299 for Business, and $599 for Enterprise plans. Also, you can pay for the number of solutions from 3 to 40 productions.
3.Axure
It’s one of the best software development tools that focuses on UX design and prototyping. Axure is a partner trusted by global brands like Salesforce, Amazon, etc. With the possibilities of dynamic content, multi-platform adaptive views, and data-driven interfaces, this program offers the opportunity to create, share, and edit prototypes.
Leading features:
- Build prototypes,
- Interactive possibilities,
- Dynamic content,
- No-code creation, etc.
Pricing:
Axure offers a free trial and three subscription models: $25 per month if billed annually, or $29 month-to-month, $42 and $49 equally, and a custom Enterprise plan.
4.Bootstrap
Bootstrap is a tool for a front-end that covers experts’ needs in prototyping and production. It’s an easy-to-use solution that works within HTML. CSS and JavaScript via CDN. The toolkit simplifies building apps and websites with various templates and custom icons.
Leading features:
- Building and designing with Sass (Syntactically Awesome Style Sheets),
- Various sets of plugins,
- Themes, utilities, icons,
- Utility API, etc.
Pricing:
Bootstrap is available for everyone; you only need to visit their website and download the software.
5.AWS Cloud9
AWS Cloud9 is a built-in browser that allows team members to process code in real-time. The solution offers multiple features for writing, editing, and debugging code within a terminal in the browser.
Leading features:
- Serverless development,
- Prepackaged tools (40+ programming languages),
- Real-time collaboration, etc.
Pricing:
You can start using this software development tool with a free trial and request a quote for calculating the price. Amazon EC2 users pay only for storage and computing resources.
6.UltraEdit
It’s an outstanding tool compatible with Linux, Microsoft, and Mac platforms. UltraEdit suits over 10 programming languages and provides an opportunity to handle a vast quantity of data. The editor serves developers, technical writers, database managers, system administrators, etc.
Leading features:
- Three licenses,
- Cloud synchronization,
- Debugging, etc.
Pricing:
The price depends on the type of software: UltraEdit, UltraCompare, UltraStudio, UltraFinder, and UltraFTP.
7.Azure
Azure from Microsoft lets users build and manage various applications, coveting modernization, quantum computing, etc. Powered by AI, the editor offers advanced features for coding, testing, and more solutions.
Leading features:
- AI (Artificial Intelligence),
- Cloud migration,
- Data and analytics,
- Hybrid Cloud.
Pricing:
You can start a free trial and calculate the final price according to your needs. Within a website, apply for a call to learn more about offers.
8.Apache NetBeans
This tool is focusing on Java, PHP, HTML5, and other popular languages. Being a cross-platform solution, Apache NetBeans works with Linux, Mac, Windows, and BSD.
Leading features:
- Smart Editing,
- Robust community,
- Numerous plugins,
- Code Assistance.
Pricing:
A team can use it for free by downloading it from the official website.
9.Visual Studio
Powered by Microsoft, this program presents the fastest way to build, edit, and debug code. Moreover, plenty of robust graphics, compilers, and other features streamline the development process. Visual Studio is an all-in-one solution offering a toolkit for web and app development, testing and diagnostics, and pre-made add-ons from the marketplace.
Leading features:
- GitHub co-pilot,
- Full-fledged IDE,
- Working in real-time mode, etc.
Pricing:
As for the pricing, you can download software for free and choose the subscription model among the eight presented options.
10.Adobe Dreamweaver
Dreamweaver is a part of Adobe Creative Cloud that helps software development teams code websites. Within one tool, programmers can develop robust web solutions based on the most popular languages like HTML, JavaScript, etc. Its leading benefit is integrating assets from Adobe Stock and libraries to cover software development services.
Leading features:
- Live View editing,
- Git collaboration,
- Workspace customization, etc.
Pricing:
There are a few subscription models, from Adobe Dreamweaver Single App, which costs $20.99 monthly, to Creative Clouds All Apps for $54.99 monthly. Also, there is 60% off for students and teachers (works only for the first year).
11.Slack
This agile software development tool is widely used for effective business collaboration and communication. Above all, Slack enables team and private channels and group calls for team members to stay updated with news. Even the messages in the direct chats can be segmented into threads so that no one will lose the point of discussed topics.
Leading features:
- Huddles,
- Slack Connect,
- Apps and Integrations,
- Workflow Builder, etc.
Pricing:
There are four available subscriptions: a Free one, and, if you pay yearly, $7.29 per month for the Pro version, $12.50 per month for the Business+, and a custom Enterprise.
12.ClickUp
If you are looking for a task management tool, Clickup is one of the most popular agile software development tools with multiple additional features. Within an agile methodology, this app brings together all the departments, manages their tasks, sets goals, shares files, and more.
Leading features:
- Dashboards,
- Mind Maps,
- Automation,
- Notepad,
- Kanban Board, etc.
Pricing:
ClickUp is free for personal use, and for a small team, the price will be $7 per user monthly, mid-sized teams will be charged $12 per user monthly, and the Enterprise subscription will be defined after contacting sales.
13.IntelliJ IDEA
IntelliJ IDEA is the best software development tool for coding in Java and Kotlin if you want to facilitate the development process with advanced features. One of the newest benefits—AI Assistant—can create documentation, suggest options’ names, etc. IntelliJ IDEA is more than a code editor, representing a robust toolkit with built-in features, templates, frameworks, and more.
Leading features:
- Cloud and deployment,
- Built-in integrations,
- Editor,
- Version control systems, etc.
Pricing:
After a 90-day free trial, you are able to choose among three subscriptions: for organizations, individual use, and special offers like students or open-source projects.
14.Sublime Text
Sublime Text is one of the development tools compatible with Windows, Linux, and Mac systems. It’s a simple and robust code editor with advanced plugins and syntax highlighting. Choosing the Dark mode and integrating third-party plugins within the newest version is optional.
Leading features:
- Updated Python AI,
- Multi-select tabs,
- Files integration, etc.
Pricing:
Sublime Text is free to use; however, the license costs $99 for a user.
15.SQL Prompt
It’s a premium tool that enables you to fine-tune the SQL code effortlessly. With advanced analytics, fixing bugs is easier since the error lines are highlighted, and the auto-fixing mechanism helps streamline the debugging process. SQL Prompt is perfect for working with a large amount of data. It also has cutting-edge features for SSMS, like SQL History and tab coloring.
Leading features:
- Code formatting & navigation,
- Code analysis,
- Outstanding customization, etc.
Pricing:
The price for this service depends on the number of team members: 1-4 costs €183, 5-9 users €156, and 10+ users—€147 per one user. You have to call sales to receive a solution for over 20 specialists.
16.JUnit
It’s one of the most popular free software development tools tuned for Java and JVM. The latest version of JUnit focuses on Java 8 and above, providing code debugging and testing frameworks. Combining the JUnit Platform with Jupiter and Vintage, it offers robust top-tier features for writing and running tests.
Leading features:
- Easy integrations,
- IDE support,
- Reporting and analytics,
- Testing and debugging, etc.
Pricing:
The tool is available for all software developers on an official website and is cost-free.
17.DBSchema
DBSchema is a multi-platform database tool that helps manage, design, and explore data, build reports, and modify schemas. Users can reach various databases within one license, like SQL or cloud-based solutions.
Leading features:
- Document the database,
- Design schemas,
- Test data creation,
- Technical support, etc.
Pricing:
You can access the tool for organization, personal use, or students and universities. Perpetual license costs $196 + taxes, monthly—$19.6. The one-time price for organizations is $294 + taxes, and if you are a student or represent a university, you will be charged $98 + taxes yearly or $9.8 + taxes monthly.
18.Notepad++
This free tool is aimed to help developers write and edit their codes within a simple and intuitive platform. Being open-source and free to use, Notepad++ strives to remain a straightforward, rich-in-feature tool. It’s easy to launch and start using, ensuring the high speed of code processing.
Leading features:
- Code writing, editing, and navigation,
- Code validation,
- Numerous additional plugins,
- Syntax highlighting, etc.
Pricing:
Notepad++ is open-source and free to use.
19.Docker
With Docker, a software development team can build and run applications and provide integrations of VS Code, CircleCi, or GitHub solutions. It’s available for almost all popular programming languages, for example, Java, C#, Python, etc. Moreover, with a broad community, you will not be abandoned with your issues, having an opportunity to join meetups or chat with other developers.
Leading features:
- Existing Tools Integration,
- Automation,
- Developer Tools,
- Secure Software Supply Chain, etc.
Pricing:
You can choose among four subscription models: personal, free with limited features, $5 for Pro, $9 for the Team version, and $24 for the Business plan if you pay annually.
20.Datadog
Datadog is used to deeply observe cloud-based applications and protect them from downtime or bugs. It’s an all-in-one solution that combines metrics, specialists, databases, and more. Thereby, you receive a clear view of an app’s performance, users’ interactions, and all the problems that appear.
Leading features:
- Metrics and events,
- App performance monitoring and optimization,
- Logs search, filtering and analyzing,
- User experience monitoring, etc.
Pricing:
The pricing models are presented widely, with 21 possible plans, from the Infrastructure to Workflow Automation.
Key benefits of tools for software development
In a nutshell, such tools assist developers, making the daunting and time-consuming building process more straightforward. Whether building a program from scratch or rebuilding it, the proper software development tools will positively affect your KPIs and outcomes.
You may ask, “Why do I need a software toolkit?” The need for helpful instruments may come when your project gets harder to manage. The more processes, software development services, and people are involved, the more challenging it becomes to communicate effectively, track tasks, and debug numerous code lines. Thus, tools for software development provide the following:
- Advanced analytics. This feature aims to enhance the quality of your code and enables the opportunity to receive insights about its performance continuously. By integrating analytics tools, you also can have a clear view of team dynamics, test results, etc.
- Flexibility and scalability. As an essential part of development, high performance defines if your solution can face technical challenges and if you can effortlessly implement cutting-edge technologies.
- Higher security. Cybersecurity is critical for the whole software development life cycle; implementing the best practices allows developers to prevent and fix data loss.
- Better productivity. It’s more about automating tasks and app integrations for better software KPIs, which will enable templates, etc. Such software development tools allow developers to reduce the time spent on a manual or repetitive job.
- Improved communication. The development process involves numerous team members, and some agile programs enable efficient cooperation between them. You can use a simple Kanban or create and manage multiple projects within one program.
- Progressive documentation. The crucial point of documentation is to keep tracking the creation process and evaluate possible challenges. Nowadays, AI-powered tools can create user manuals, organize and format data, and offer other related features.
- Cost-effectiveness. Along with previous benefits, extensive tools can reduce time and financial spending with automation, AI solutions, etc. For example, you can save money for testing by applying robust QA instruments within a multi-feature toolkit.
Hence, software developers can facilitate the product development lifecycle, enhance productivity, and reduce costs.
5 tips on choosing a software development tool
- Set up your requirements. It’s the first step for you to evaluate project needs and the type of tools. Also, consider the team’s point of view and if they are familiar with programs or need additional training. Your choice will depend on the software methodologies you implement as well.
- Evaluate the project’s complexity. This point will determine how powerful a tool you need to create a product or finish a particular part. Take into account how many people are involved in the software development team and the number of stages within SDLC, and try to predict what complications will arise. For example, you know that the documentation will take most of the time, so it’s better to implement some AI-based tools.
- Budget. Most listed products have subscription models and may be costly according to your budget. Calculate the amount you are willing to pay, as well as possible discounters for students, organizations, etc. The payment may also be charged additionally for licenses or customer support.
- Community. Pay attention to the possibility of discussion with other users, for example, within a forum. Open-source tools are free and have numerous pre-made solutions that programmers download within a community, which may be helpful when you get stuck with coding.
- Interoperability. Ensure that the chosen program is compatible with your operating system. Since many tools are available for at least the leading OS, like Linux, Microsoft, and Mac, there is the possibility that the program for a specific operating system will not be suitable for you.
Conclusion about software development tools
Among various particular tools on the market, choosing the best one requires a clear definition of the project’s needs, uniqueness, and specific points, etc. After reading this blog post, we hope you can select a software development tool that helps you create a full-fledged product using our list and tips based on 10+ years of experience in this industry.