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Am i missing out if I dont use an IDE? (self.programming)

submitted 1 year ago by Ministar to c/[email protected]

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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?

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[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago (2 children)

There's a learning experience to it though. When coding in intellij I'm just using writing some java without deep understanding how the build system works ans what's done underneath. Setting up some nvim with lsp forces you to focus more on the whole process so I'd say it can be beneficial

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Yes but people should also factor OP's experience into recommendations. They are not a regular developer, self-taught programmer who uses C++ for work. They are probably not familiar with many build-chain internals, command line debuggers, and compiler search paths. So while everyone in this thread can probably agree that something like code completion is better than not having code completion, I think it’s also fair to get op started with something quick and easy like VSCode and then once they are comfortable they can go figure out how to install cool plugins for neovim

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

Yup that's also true, I've hit the wall multiple times when trying to use vim/emacs. Now I'm in neovim and feel like I get a better understanding of buildsystems but I won't say it's something that everyone should start with. I don't know what the C/C++ intellij is though. On windows it's probably visual studio. On Linux maybe vscode but I'd say if op wants to try some morw serious ide then clion may be a better choice

[–] reversebananimals 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

For beginners you're right, but once you've done that one time and understand how it works, it no longer provides value and often results in slower productivity.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

Yea I put it into the same category with manual arch/gentoo installation. It's definitely worth to do one time and understand the process. Then it's up to you whether you want to have stuff that just works out of the box or you find pleasure in tinkering and customizing the environment along with trying to get things done