What is the software trend in 2023?
In the fast-moving world of software development, having the right development tools can make all the difference. The best software development tools usually have advanced bug and issue-tracking capabilities, excellent sprint management, automation at the core, and seamless collaboration features. Fortunately, there are plenty of software development tools available in the market today. The challenge lies in knowing which ones are the best addition to your team's tech stack. In this guide, we will explore the top software development tools for 2023, highlighting their essential features, pros, and cons.
ClickUp
ClickUp is a software development tool that excels in Agile Project Management and Sprints Management. It allows software development teams to collaborate on various aspects, including product roadmaps, sprints, and backlogs. ClickUp Sprints help teams manage sprints, automate unfinished sprints, and assign priorities. Some key features of ClickUp include:
- Agile Dashboards
- Native integrations with Github, GitLab, and Bitbucket
- No-code database tools
- Chrome extension for developers
- Set sprint dates, assign points, and mark priorities to keep everyone in the loop
- Automate unfinished work into your next sprint
- Burndown and Burnup charts to track your team's progress
- Fully customizable point system to roll up points from subtasks and break them out by assignee
- Intake forms that turn bug submissions into actionable tasks and then assign them to relevant individuals
Pros of ClickUp: - Automation of sprint management prevents missed tasks - Custom statuses to easily manage the bug-tracking backlog - Lots of integration options for development and customer feedback - Plenty of customization options for Agile Dashboards and Sprint Widgets - Multiple views including Gantt, Box, and Kanban - Agile templates to simplify the creation of product briefs, release notes, sprints, and bug queues - Robust free plan with unlimited users
Cons of ClickUp: - Customization options can be overwhelming for first-time users
Pricing: - Free Forever - Unlimited Plan: $7 per month per user - Business Plan: $12 per month per user - Enterprise: Contact for pricing
Customer ratings: - G2: 4.7/5 (5000+ reviews) - Capterra: 4.7/5 (3000+ reviews)
GitHub
GitHub is a cloud-based software development tool that enables developers to share and review code, as well as manage software projects. It has extensive community support and integration with Git's version control functionality. Key features of GitHub include:
- Iteration support to eliminate repetition and mistakes
- Command Palette navigation control for automation and advanced search
- Software development project management tools for coordinating code review
- Easy documentation for any type of software programming project
- Ability to host documents directly from repositories
Pros of GitHub: - Free to host a public code repository - Automated issue tracking - Markdown support - Plenty of starter pack documentation
Cons of GitHub: - Complex learning curve for new users - Roles and permissions are not as advanced or granular
Pricing: - Free plan available - Team Plan: $48 per user per year - Enterprise Plan: $252 per user per year
Customer ratings: - G2: 4.7/5 (1000+ reviews) - Capterra: 4.8/5 (5000+ reviews)
Azure
Azure is a software development tool that developers love for building, deploying, and managing web apps. It supports multiple programming languages, frameworks, and operating systems. Azure is a cloud environment that developers can use to manage applications. Key features of Azure include:
- Support for most programming languages needed for web application development
- Comprehensive SDK library with popular tools like Eclipse, Vs Code, and Visual Studio
- Build, deploy, and manage applications, all from Azure
- Azure cache ensures quick access to data during development
- Powerful integrations with Microsoft BI
Pros of Azure: - Relies on a trusted cloud platform - Scalable, secure, and highly-available - Access to SQL database by default
Cons of Azure: - Requires expert management and maintenance, especially for patching and server monitoring - Complicated pricing - Many features can be overwhelming, even for advanced developers
Pricing: Pricing is available by requesting a quote from the Microsoft team.
Customer ratings: - G2: 4.3/5 (1000+ reviews) - Capterra: 4.6/5 (1000+ reviews)
Atom
Atom is an integrated software development tool, environment, and platform. It offers advanced customization capabilities and supports almost all popular development languages and frameworks. Key features of Atom include:
- Ability to open or browse multiple projects in a single window
- Compare code from multiple files by splitting the Atom interface into panes
- Smart and flexible autocomplete
- Cross-platform compatibility
Pros of Atom: - Fully free text editor - Simple to use with a user-friendly UI - Allows team collaboration by enabling two individuals to work on a single pane - Built-in Git features
Cons of Atom: - Managing plugins can be cumbersome - Limited features compared to other text editors - Slower than most text editors, especially after extending functionality with add-ons
Pricing: Atom is completely free and open-source.
Customer ratings: - G2: 4.4/5 (700+ reviews) - Capterra: 4.4/5 (20+ reviews)
Jira
Jira is a work management tool that supports Agile methodology. It has a suite of features for DevOps, including project backlog tracking, bug resolution and patching, agile release statuses, and more. Key features of Jira include:
- Requirement and test case management
- Integration with CI/CD tools
- Sprint completion reports and visualization
- Drag and drop kanban boards for updating project statuses
- Commenting on tickets
- Scrum boards for agile teams
Pros of Jira: - Advanced reporting capabilities - Modern and easy-to-use UI - Ticket filtering system for quickly finding issues - Reliable customer support - Ability to add subtasks to a product roadmap
Cons of Jira: - Many customization capabilities can make Jira overwhelming - Does not allow adding more than 2 assignees to a task/ticket - Expensive compared to other software development tools
Pricing: - Free version for up to 10 members - Standard Plan: $7.75 per user per month - Premium Plan: $15.25 per user per month - Enterprise Plan: Billed annually, pricing available on request
Customer ratings: - G2: 4.2/5 (4000+ reviews) - Capterra: 4.4/5 (12000+ reviews)
SendBird
SendBird is a software development tool that enables developers to add chat, video, and voice capabilities to their apps. It provides native chat SDKs, APIs, and a managed chat platform on the backend. Key features of SendBird include:
- In-built chat APIs for offline messaging, delivery receipts, translation, and chat analytics
- SendBird UIKit for accessing pre-built UI components
- Voice and Video APIs
- Intuitive live agent interface for managing support tickets
Pros of SendBird: - Intuitive UI - Comprehensive documentation - Advanced search and preview settings - Data exporting and reporting capabilities
Cons of SendBird: - Occasional performance issues with the SDKs - Slow customer support
Pricing: - Developer Plan: Free - Starter 5K Plan: $399 per month - Pro 5K Plan: $599 per month
Customer ratings: - G2: 4.3/5 (10+ reviews) - Capterra: 4.3/5 (30+ reviews)
Linx
Linx is a low-code developer platform that helps organizations reduce development time and costs. It offers the ability to create or host APIs, automation, and integrations. Linx has both on-prem and cloud solutions for software development teams. Key features of Linx include:
- Product lifecycle management capabilities
- Document management and sharing
- Automatic notifications
- Pre-built plugins for mobile and website development
- Script and database services (RabbitMQ, MSMQ, Cron, RESTful & SOAP)
Pros of Linx: - Drag and drop interface with thousands of ready-made functions - Automated backend processes - Seamless deployment with Linx IDE and Linx Server - Offline functionality
Cons of Linx: - Somewhat difficult to configure - More expensive than most software development tools on this list
Pricing: - Starter Plan: $49 per month - Business 1 Plan: $99 per month - Business 2 Plan: $199 per month - High-availability Plan: Pricing available on request - On-prem Plan: Pricing available on request
Customer ratings: - G2: 4.2/5 (10+ reviews) - Capterra: 4.3/5 (20+ reviews)
Cloud 9
Cloud 9 IDE is a browser-based code editor that allows developers to write, run, and debug code directly from their browsers. It supports both local and remote execution of serverless applications. Cloud 9 includes collaboration functionality for sharing projects, tracking changes, and pair programming in real-time. Key features of Cloud 9 include:
- Essential software development tools for popular programming languages
- Easy switching between local and remote execution of serverless applications
- Collaboration functionality for sharing projects and real-time editing
- Pre-authenticated command line interface
Pros of Cloud 9: - A browser is all you need, as Cloud 9 does not require a local IDE - Code hinting, completion, and step-through debugging for saving time - Direct access to AWS services - Plenty of SDKs, libraries, and plugins to support serverless development
Cons of Cloud 9: - Multiple tools can make Cloud 9 challenging for beginners - UI can be difficult to navigate - Limited add-on support
Pricing: Pricing is based on the storage resources used to run and store code. Contact Amazon for a quote.
Customer ratings: - G2: 4.4/5 (100+ reviews) - Capterra: 4.5/5 (10+ reviews)
Codenvy
Codenvy is a workplace development platform and cloud IDE that allows users to edit, run, and debug code. It has both on-prem and cloud deployment options. Key features of Codenvy include:
- Virtual workspace with collaboration capabilities
- Eclipse Che browser-integrated development environment (IDE)
- Basic permission and roles settings
- Integrations with Jenkins and Jira
Pros of Codenvy: - One-click project onboarding - Containerized workspace - Supports most popular programming languages - Offline support with CLI sync
Cons of Codenvy: - Limited support resources - Can lag on a low internet connection - UI can appear cluttered on a smaller screen
Pricing: Contact sales support for pricing information.
Customer ratings: - G2: 4.2/5 (60+ reviews) - Capterra: 4.4/5 (400+ reviews)
Crimson
Crimson is a programming platform owned and managed by Red Lion. It features powerful drag-and-drop configuration, display, and data tools for development on Red Lion products. Key features of Crimson include:
- Comprehensive library of 5000+ graphics in over 60 categories
- Direct access to Red Lion's features
- C-type syntax programming environment
- Multilingual capabilities
Pros of Crimson: - In-built emulator - Easy integration with other Red Lion products - Free as it's included with most Red Lion products
Cons of Crimson: - Limited documentation - UI is not beginner-friendly
Pricing: Crimson is included free of charge with Red Lion products.
Bootstrap
Bootstrap is a responsive framework widely used by developers working with HTML, Java, and CSS. It offers ready-made code blocks and an extensive list of components, making front-end development easier. Key features of Bootstrap include:
- Ready-made code blocks for faster development
- Extensive list of components
- Base styling for HTML
- Drag and drop functionality
Pros of Bootstrap: - Powerful JavaScript plugins - Mobile-first approach for easy mobile usage - Pre-built components for time-saving - Widely used, with plenty of support and community resources - Lots of free plugins and templates
Cons of Bootstrap: - Limited third-party integrations - Supports only 3 programming languages - Limited customization options - Can be heavy and lacks a lightweight version
Pricing: Bootstrap is free to download and use.
Customer ratings: - G2: 4.5/5 (100+ reviews) - Capterra: 4.7/5 (less than 10 reviews)
UltraEdit
UltraEdit is a powerful code editor for Mac, Linux, and Windows. It supports almost all programming languages and can handle large files up to 10 GB. UltraEdit offers project management, text editing, data sorting, and programming capabilities. Key features of UltraEdit include:
- Powerful performance and file load
- Native FTP
- Customizable themes
- Special XML and JSON support
- Advanced search, replacement, and find features
- Syntax highlighting for all popular languages
Pros of UltraEdit: - Understands and supports nearly every programming language - Works seamlessly with large data files - Plenty of features for project management and development - Flexibility, scalability, and customization options
Cons of UltraEdit: - Launching UltraEdit can take some time - Pricing is on the higher side compared to other software development tools
Pricing: - UltraEdit Subscription: $79.95 per year - IDM All Access Subscription: $99.95 per year
Customer ratings: - G2: 4.7/5 (1000+ reviews) - Capterra: 4.6/5 (30+ reviews)
Vim
Vim is a simple text editor included in most UNIX systems and available on Apple OS X. It can be used as an extension for VS Code for smart code editing. Vim does not have a GUI, so all interactions happen through keyboard navigation. Key features of Vim include:
- Advanced search and replace functionality
- Debugging mode for code review
- Supports hundreds of programming languages and file formats
Pros of Vim: - Plugins for extending functionality - Quick and responsive - Lightweight
Cons of Vim: - Buggy syntax highlighting - UI is not beginner-friendly - Lacks optimized auto-complete feature - Commands can be difficult to run
Pricing: Vim is a free and open-source tool.
Customer ratings: - G2: 4.4/5 (200+ reviews)
Docker
Docker is a platform that helps developers build, share, and run applications. It features powerful UIs, CLIs, APIs, and security applications to simplify the software development cycle. Key features of Docker include:
- Docker Compose for building unique applications and code review
- Integrations with tools like Vs Code and GitHub
- Docker Hub Repository for sharing container images
- Docker Compose CLI for deploying applications locally or on the cloud
Pros of Docker: - Large community support - Flexibility and scalability - Integration with other critical developer apps - Huge database of base images
Cons of Docker: - Complex learning curve - Memory-intensive - Requires a high-configuration system for seamless operation
Pricing: - Personal Plan: Free forever - Pro Plan: $5 per month - Team Plan: $9 per month per user - Business Plan: $24 per month per user
Customer ratings: - G2: 4.6/5 (100+ reviews) - Capterra: 4.6/5 (400+ reviews)
Axure
Axure is a software development tool that helps with planning, prototyping, and handoff to developers. It offers powerful prototyping tools and drag-and-drop functions for building prototypes. Axure has integrations with Azure Cloud for sharing and collaboration. Key features of Axure include:
- Powerful prototyping tools
- Drag and drop functions for building prototypes
- Integration with Azure Cloud for sharing and collaboration
- No-code browser-based prototypes
- Mobile device viewing
Pros of Axure: - Built-in widgets for wireframing and prototyping - Offline prototype viewing - Custom widget library - Extensive plugins and integrations
Cons of Axure: - Limited collaboration functions - Limited image processing tools - UI can be slow and unresponsive at times - Steep learning curve
Pricing: - Axure RP Pro: $25 per month per user - Axure RP Team: $42 per month per user - Axure for Enterprise: Contact sales for pricing
Customer ratings: - G2: 4.2/5 (200+ reviews) - Capterra: 4.4/5 (100+ reviews)
In conclusion, choosing the right software development tools can greatly enhance your team's productivity and efficiency. Consider the features, pros, and cons of each tool to find the best fit for your team's needs. Whether you're looking for project management, code editing, collaboration, or prototyping capabilities, there are plenty of options available. Start exploring these top software development tools in 2023 and take your team's productivity to the next level.