Lightweight IDE for Linux [closed]

Question

Even though I have a robust and fast computer (Pentium Dual Core 2.0 with 2Gb RAM), I'm always searching for lightweight software to have on it, so it runs fast even when many apps are up and running simultaneously.

On the last few weeks I've been migrating gradually to Linux and want to install a free lightweight yet useful IDE to program on C++ and PHP. Sintax highlighting and code completition tips are must-haves.

So, I'd like to receive some suggestions from you, guys.

Answer 1

emacs has been used by linux programmers for decades. It features syntax highlighting, it's fast, and there are a million tutorials out there you can find.

Answer 2

I bounce about between Mac, Windows and Ubuntu and while Emacs used to be my editor of choice, I'm finding that in my old age I prefer to something GUI-based (using command-line for the shell is still fine by me). My preferred editor is Komodo Edit, which the advantages of:

• Being free (as in beer)
• Available for Mac, Windows and Linux
• Syntax highlighting for a boatload of languages, including C++ and PHP (I'm using it for Ruby, Python and PHP myself)
• Code completion, even for classes I defined myself
• Ability to "remote save" via FTP, SFTP or SCP
• Support for organizing your files into projects
• Tabs and other interface niceties

I'm not sure how lightweight it is, but it certainly feels snappier than Eclipse!

Answer 3

Vim (or Emacs varying on religion) will always be my first answer to this question, over any point-and-click IDE. As they write in The Pragmatic Programmer

Choose an editor, know it thoroughly, and use it for all editing tasks. [...] The editor will be an extension of your hand; the keys will sing as they slice their way through text and thought. That's our goal.

Make sure that the editor you choose is available on all platforms you use.

Vim is configurable, extensible, programmable and can be turned into an IDE with all the regular features. Lately I've been using Eclim to "bring Eclipse functionality to the Vim editor" (projects, better java support etc.) making it a complete platform with advanced IDE features.

Answer 4

Nobody mentioned Kate. It's easier than vi for start (and has nice vi-mode for those, who want to migrate to vi), has more options than gedit (And better syntax highlighting). It also has kioslaves support (nice for remote server PHP development) and it's only a little bit more CPU-demanding than gedit. It can also have built-in console (extremely helpful if you want to quick grep through files or compile the project).

There are also features like:

• basic code completion
• advanced indentation and block selection operations
• good and very clean (to read) find/replace with regexp
• comment-out on ctrl+d (it comments out one line or one function if used on function header)

and a lot more...

Answer 5

any of the popular editors can be turned into an ide.

I use Vi on the console and have used various gui editors over the years. This doesn't just go for linux I use Crimson Editor on windows as a C/python/z80asm ide.

Answer 6

gedit

• Syntax highlighting
• Fast, lightweight
• Tabs
• GUI