Using tools is essential to the web and software development process. These technological tools can help beginners beginners learn and practice coding in programming languages like JavaScript.
Luckily, you can choose from various types of development tools to make tasks easier for you, including running JavaScript online. This article focuses on online JavaScript compilers and will help you decide which ones to use as a Java developer.
What Is JavaScript?
JavaScript is a text-based, object oriented programming language used on both the client-side and server-side of web pages or browsers. It’s a dynamic language mainly used to create interactive web pages. Along with HTML and CSS, JavaScript is the core of the world wide web. JavaScript is also the most used language among software developers in 2021.
JavaScript is used in every industry and is one of the most popular programming languages today for many reasons. Some top applications written in JavaScript are Netflix, Candy Crush Saga, Facebook, Uber, LinkedIn, and PayPal. JavaScript is also known as a scripting language for web pages and was initially created by Brendan Eich at Netscape.
What Is an Online JavaScript Compiler?
An online JavaScript compiler is a web-based tool used to write, run, and share codes. It converts high-level programming language to machine code before executing the program.
A JavaScript compiler is ideal for beginner developers as they learn and practice coding. It also helps professionals write efficient code and improve productivity. A compiler can come as a standalone or as part of an integrated development environment (IDE).
How to Run JavaScript Online: Compilers, Interpreters, Code Editors, and IDE
There are different software development tools that help to ease coding, enhance code quality, and increase developer productivity. They come in online and desktop formats and include compilers, editors, interpreters, and integrated development environments (IDE). While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they each have unique characteristics. Let’s take a closer look below.
Online JavaScript Compiler vs Online JavaScript Interpreter
An online compiler converts high-level programming language into a low-level language when the program is run through a browser. An interpreter is similar to a compiler where it translates a program to a comprehensible language, but there’s a slight difference.
An interpreter converts code into one statement at a time, whereas a compiler scans and translates the entire program at once. It’s slower and uses more memory. An interpreter is a less preferred option because it takes longer to execute than a compiler. In addition, the compiler does not require source code for later execution, whereas the interpreter does.
Online JavaScript Compiler vs Online JavaScript Editor
Compared to an online compiler, which basically compiles a program to machine-readable code, an online code editor is used to write and edit source codes online. It could come as a standalone tool or as part of an IDE. An online editor is a good tool to help beginners familiarize themselves with writing and editing codes.
An online editor’s features, such as syntax highlighting, autocomplete, and code formatting, make the coding process easier. These features that come with a code editor are unique to each code editing app. Some examples of online JavaScript code editors are JSFiddle, JSBin, Codepen.io, Codeanywhere, Koding, CodeEnvy, and Rendera.
Online JavaScript Compiler vs Online JavaScript IDE
An online integrated development environment (IDE) is a software program that has multiple development tools that make programming and coding easier. In comparison, a compiler translates a high-level programming language to a machine-readable language. A compiler can come as a standalone tool, but it can also be part of an IDE.
The developer tools that typically come with an IDE are compiler, interpreter, debugger, translator, build automation, library, autocompletion, syntax highlighting, and code formatting. Some examples of online JavaScript IDE are OneCompiler, myCompiler, JSBin, JSFiddle, and Replit.
Top 5 Online JavaScript Compilers
| Online JavaScript Compiler | Price | Functionality |
|---|---|---|
| JSFiddle | Free | IDE with compiler |
| OneCompiler | Free | Compiler |
| Playcode | Free, $4 to $14 monthly | Editor and compiler |
| Programiz | Free | Compiler |
| Replit | Free, $7 per month for the Hacker package | IDE with compiler |
The table shows the list of top five online JavaScript compilers. They are either a standalone tool or a part of an IDE. They’re the most widely used and best known among Java developers in the industry. You can find below more detailed information about them and their features below.
JSFiddle
JSFiddle is a free online IDE that allows you to test, run, and share your code. You can use this online compiler to collaborate on JavaScript, HTML, and CSS languages. After you run a code, the last frame will display the result. Code snippets on JSFiddle are called ‘fiddles.’
JSFiddle Features
- Minimalist user interface that’s split into frames
- Supports multiple languages, such as JavaScript, HTML, and CSS
- Offers single-page code editor, which allows simulated AJAX calls
- Supports code snippet, auto-save code, and code validation highlight
OneCompiler
OneCompiler is a tool that supports over 60 programming languages. It allows a user to write, run, and share code online for free. It also has learning resources and challenges on the platform.
OneCompiler Features
- Supports over 60 languages
- Simple interface that’s easy to navigate
- Offers reference programs to aid learning
- Includes sample boilerplate code
Playcode
Playcode is an online tool that consists of an IDE, a powerful code editor, and a compiler. It allows users to use its libraries for its supported programming languages, including HTML, JavaScript, and CSS. It also has a feature that lets you see results in real-time and has cool editing features.
Playcode Features
- Straightforward and quick to use
- Supports code sharing
- Flexible layout
- Supports other languages, including Typescript, JSX, TSX, CoffeeScript, and Sass
- Real-time result view and a console
Programiz
Programiz is an online platform built by programmers to help beginners and professionals learn and practice programming. It offers many learning resources that students can maximize like tutorials, coding challenges, and code samples. It also has an online compiler that can be used to write and run code via web browsers.
Programiz Features
- Supports multiple programming languages
- Offers learning resources
- Beginner-friendly compiler features
Replit IDE
Replit is a cloud-based development environment that allows you to code and collaborate with others. It consists of an IDE, a compiler, an editor, an interpreter, and an REPL (Read, Evaluate, Print, Loop). Replit is a good tool for teacher-student collaboration and for team collaboration on projects as well. It’s also beginner-friendly.
Replit Features
- Supports real-time code collaboration
- Easy, fast, and beginner-friendly
- Includes a code editor, interpreter, REPL
- Supports over 50 programming languages
Which Online JavaScript Compiler Should I Choose?
You should choose the online JavaScript compiler that best aligns with your software development goals. Each compiler has unique features, strengths, and weaknesses. Thus, it’s your duty as a developer to assess these qualities and decide which best meets your needs. Some compilers can be ideal for simple code, while others are best for complex code.
As a beginner, you only have to ensure that your compiler of choice is easy to use, has basic features, and has a minimalist interface. Your compiler must also be fast and support other programming languages. You should also ensure that it sends prompts for coding errors to help you learn and correct your mistakes.
Being an experienced programmer or JavaScript coding bootcamp graduate, you may be more particular in your search as you already have experience working with development tools. However, it’s recommended that you go for a compiler that is part of an IDE or offers other features to make your coding process seamless.
Online JavaScript Compiler FAQ
Yes. JavaScript is one of the most popular programming languages used today. Adding it to your toolkit can lead to higher pay and more job opportunities. According to PayScale, JavaScript developers have an average salary of $82,772 per year.
You can run your JavaScript code online using JSFiddle, OneCompiler, Playcode, myCompiler, Replit, or Programiz. These are online compilers that allow you to write, compile, execute, and share your code online.
Yes, JSFiddle is a free and open-source online tool used to write, run, and share codes through a web browser. It is widely used by developers in the industry.
There are different compilers that can be used for JavaScript, including OneCompiler, JSFiddle, Replit, Atom, Brackets, Netbeans, Visual Studio Code, Komodo Edit, WebStorm, and Babel.
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