So, I have been mostly self thaught programmer (C++), as its a big part of my job (not a regular developer). But so far I have been using a simple text editor like Geany to code and I compile stuff either in terminal (linux) or produce my own make file.

I am starting to wonder if I should switch to a full IDE, as I am on linux, I was thinking of trying KDevelop. But I am simply not sure if its worth, do I even need it?

I have never used an IDE, it seems kind of complicated for the start with “projects” and I havent really found any good introductions to how this workflow is supposed to work.

Do you think using and IDE is something everyone should use? Or do you think a text editor with producing your own make files should be enough?

  • @IndependentRanger
    5•2 years ago

    Interesting question. Personally, I started with a text editor transitioned to vim, then to VSCode and now I’ve settled on a customised neovim install.

    I’m a believer of PDE, that is personal development environment. It’s a concept one of the Devs of Neovim TJDeVries talks about.

    In essence it’s the idea of building your development environment how you want it. Personally, Neovim allows me to do this. For example, I have a VSCode style debugger, incredibly fast searching with ripgrep, vim keyboard shortcuts and uses the same language servers as jetbrains products.

    Here’s a link to his full conversation on the topic: https://youtu.be/QMVIJhC9Veg

    Stay awesome!

    • @gears
      1•2 years ago

      Can you elaborate on your debugger?

      I’ve been trying to switch to neovim, and I’ve got a pretty decent setup with treesitter and also lspconfig. My search and debugger are still non-existent and I’m not sure what is best.

      I write python and c/c++ (for MCUs) at work, and I’m curious what the state of integration with potential debuggers is.

        • @gears
          2•2 years ago

          Hey thanks for letting me know about this btw! I’ve been using it at work and it’s great, I love it. I’ve been using it for my Python repo, but I still need to set up the cortex-debug stuff and whatnot for my MCU crap.

          • @IndependentRanger
            2•2 years ago

            I don’t know about cortex-debug I’m afraid, but I’m glad the python stuff is working out 🙂