If the skills of a professional are what define them, then their toolkit is what enables them to confirm their identity. Software engineer tools are central to this class of engineers’ responsibilities as they facilitate the development of software products and technical solutions.
Whether you are a beginner or expert, you must be proficient with specific tools as a software engineer. If you’re finding it hard navigating through your career, it’s high time you explored the tools that will chart a course for you in software engineering.
This article has organized a list of software engineer tools detailing their use, cost, and availability. By considering their application, you will realize their significance in the industry and discover the companies that best utilize them for modern software development.
The 10 Best Software Engineer Tools
- Adobe Dreamweaver
- Git
- GitHub
- Gnu Debugger
- IntelliJ IDEA
- Jira
- Notepad++
- Sentry
- Stack Overflow
- Visual Studio
What Are Software Engineer Tools?
Software engineer tools are technical instruments that allow for the development, deployment, management, and maintenance of software on computers and other devices. The success of any software project is dependent on the practical application of these tools. With them, engineers can bolster the efficiency of programs and provide tangible software solutions.
Software engineer tools are critical in version control systems, language processing, code review, bug tracking, and the entire process of software development. Engineers can design products that cater to both customer and industry needs. But to qualify as a software engineer, your skills and technical know-how in applying these tools are paramount.
What Are the Main Types of Software Engineer Tools?
There are a variety of technical tools that software engineers and development teams use for their work. We can group these tools into different categories based on their functions. However, some have fantastic features that qualify them under multiple categories. The following are the major types of tools for software engineers.
Version Control Systems
Version Control Systems are a class of tools that allow for comprehensive software development process documentation. These tools monitor and manage changes to program codes. These tools provide a web-based hosting service that will enable you to save and upload different versions of codes for multiple projects.
Examples of Version Control System Tools
- Git
- GitHub
Integrated Development Environment
An Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is an application that allows developers to work with multiple tools and create software programs with convenience. IDEs have incorporated drivers, tools, and utilities that support various languages. Essentially, they provide an environment that facilitates faster software development and ensures code quality.
Examples of Integrated Development Environment Tools
- IntelliJ IDEA
- Visual Studio
Text Editors
Text Editors enable software engineers to make changes to text files. Most editors provide immediate visual feedback through this intuitive interface that allows users to monitor edits and corrections. It is also possible to write codes to conceptualize project ideas if you are familiar with the language syntax.
Examples of Text Editor Tools
- Notepad++
- Adobe Dreamweaver
Debuggers
Debuggers are programs that allow developers to identify and correct the errors in a code. Usually, when codes don’t run as expected or don’t run entirely, it is likely caused by bugs. But to ensure quality code and detect the malfunctioning sites, debuggers are your go-to. They are relevant throughout the entire software development process.
Examples of Debugger Tools
- Gnu Debugger
- Sentry
Collaboration tools
Collaboration tools are software or groupware that enable people to work together remotely to achieve everyday tasks. Software engineers use these tools for massive projects and remote development. It also allows for seamless team communication, team management, and effective project management.
Examples of Collaboration Tools
- GitHub
- Jira
- Stack Overflow
Software Engineer Cheat Sheet: A Tabular List of Software Engineer Tools
| Tool | Uses | Companies That Use It | Cost | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe Dreamweaver | Code writing, text and code editing, website development | UnitedHealth Group Inc, Zendesk Inc, Lovern Technologies, Design Concepts LLC | $20.99, $52.99, $19.99, $33.99 |
Commercial |
| Git | Code upload, Code-edit tracking, collaboration, source code development | Google, Facebook, Netflix, Twitter, Microsoft | Free, $4.00, $21.00 |
Open source, commercial |
| GitHub | Project upload, collaboration, version control | Airbnb, Shopify, Udemy, Reddit, Instacart | Free, $4.00, $21.00 |
Open source, commercial |
| Gnu Debugger (GDB) | Debugging, code examination, | Accenture, Intercontinental Exchange, Bespoke Technologies Inc, Fairfield Systems |
Free | Open source |
| IntelliJ IDEA | Source code organization, library management, Instruction building, web development | Udemy, Lyft, Asana, Square, Revolut | $499.00, $649,00, $149.00, $249.00 |
Commercial |
| Jira | Issue tracking, project management, collaboration, report generation | Pfizer, Zendesk, Okta, Walmart, Toyota | Free, $750.00, $1,450.00 |
Open source, commercial |
| Notepad++ | Code editing | Walmart, Angry Ventures, Capgemini, Ericsson, Locatrics | Free | Open source |
| Sentry | Performance monitoring, debugging, track release | Uber, Airbnb, Robinhood, Nubuck, StackShare | Free, $26.00 $80.00 |
Open source, commercial |
| Stack Overflow | Help forum, collaboration | Microsoft, eBay, Expensify, Bloomberg, Goldman Sachs | Free, $6, $12 |
Open source, commercial |
| Visual Studio | Code editing, debugging, compiling source code organization, web development | Alaska Airlines, Black Marble, Columbia Sportswear Company, Dominion Enterprises | Free, $45, $250 |
Open source, commercial |
The Best Software Engineer Tools, Explained
This section discusses the top software engineer tools, highlighting the significant roles in software development. From version control repository hosting systems to IDEs to collaboration tools, engineers use these instruments to provide technical and creative solutions to real-world problems.
Adobe Dreamweaver
- Type: Text Editor
- Companies That Use Adobe Dreamweaver: UnitedHealth Group Inc, Zendesk Inc, Design Concepts LLC
- Adobe Dreamweaver Cost and Availability: $20.99 for single app monthly, $52.99 for extra Creative Cloud monthly, $19.99 for teachers and students monthly, $33.99 for businesses monthly
Software engineers and developers employ Adobe Dreamweaver for web development. It contains various features that facilitate a faster development process, comprising unique capabilities such as multi-monitor support, dynamic code editor, code and design view, and code introspection. Dreamweaver also allows for collaboration using Git support.
Git
- Type: Version Control System
- Companies That Use Git: Twitter, Google, Facebook
- Git Cost and Availability: Free for individual users and companies, $4 for teams monthly, $21 for enterprises monthly
Git is a version control system that allows developers to create software and deliver projects with greater efficiency. Git is responsible for software documentation and saving various code versions as changes occur. With this tool, a software engineering team can collaborate on projects, and organizations can manage their codebase.
GitHub
- Type: Version Control System
- Companies That Use GitHub: Airbnb, Shopify, Reddit
- GitHub Cost and Availability: Free for individual users and companies, $4.00 for teams monthly, $21.00 for enterprises monthly
Github provides a control repository hosting service and allows multiple developers and engineers to work collectively to complete an objective. The primary difference between Git and GitHub is that the former has backend functions while the latter is front end based. It has a friendly web interface with integrated control and management tools for software development.
Gnu Debugger
- Type: Debugger
- Companies That Use Gnu Debugger: Accenture, Intercontinental Exchange, Bespoke Technologies Inc
- Gnu Debugger Cost and Availability: Free and open source
Gnu Debugger is a bug management tool for various programming languages. Its error and issue tracking capabilities are essential to software development. Even when there is a crash, GDB plays a critical role in identifying the fault and tracking the program’s activities during its execution.
IntelliJ IDEA
- Type: Integrated Development Environment
- Companies That Use IntelliJ IDEA: Udemy, Lyft, Asana
- IntelliJ IDEA Cost and Availability: $499.00 to $649,00 for organizations, $149.00 to $249.00 for individual users
IntelliJ IDEA is an integrated development environment comprising various tools to enhance the productivity and efficiency of developers. This programming environment supports the development of software applications in multiple languages, including Java, Kotlin, Scala, and Groovy.
Jira
- Type: Collaboration
- Companies That Use Jira: Walmart, Toyota, Pfizer
- Jira Cost and Availability: Free for small teams, $750 a year for large teams, $1,450 a year for organizations, and enterprise pricing options
Jira facilitates basic task management and enables agile teams to develop software. With Jira, software engineers have access to instant project visibility and customized workflow. It comprises many features like coding roadmap sharing, agile project management, report generation, and release planning.
Notepad++
- Type: Text Editor
- Companies That Use Notepad++: Walmart, Angry Ventures, Locatrics
- Notepad++ Cost and Availability: It’s free and open source
Notepad++ is a text or code editor that enhances software development and enables engineers to edit codes according to preference. Since it is free, the General Public Licence manages how developers use this program. With Notepad++, developers can run, share, and modify software applications.
Sentry
- Type: Debugger
- Companies That Use Sentry: Uber, Airbnb, Robinhood
- Sentry Cost and Availability: Free for single developers, $26 per month for teams, $80 per month for businesses, and enterprise pricing options
Sentry is a debugger application that enables error monitoring and quicker problem-solving. A software development team can create projects according to coding standards while using Sentry. An exciting feature of this tool is that it organizes the problems that arise while your software is in use. This way, you can quickly identify flaws and make appropriate corrections.
Stack Overflow
- Type: Collaboration
- Companies That Use Stack Overflow: Microsoft, eBay, Expensify
- Stack Overflow Cost and Availability: Free for up to 50 people in a team, $6 per month for up to 250 people in a team, $12 per month for unlimited people in a team, and enterprise pricing options
Sentry is a debugger application that enables error monitoring and quicker problem-solving. A software development team can create projects according to coding standards while using Sentry. An exciting feature of this tool is that it organizes the problems that arise while your software is in use. This way, you can easily identify flaws and make appropriate corrections.
Visual Studio
- Type: Integrated Development Environment
- Companies That Use Visual Studio: Alaska Airlines, Black Marble, Columbia Sportswear Company
- Visual Studio Cost and Availability: Free for individual users, $45 per month for a professional subscription, $250 per month for an enterprise subscription
Visual Studio is an IDE designed by Microsoft to enable software engineers, developers, and programmers to create various types of programs. The features incorporated include code editors, compilers, debuggers, and other software development tools. Integrating this tool into your toolkit will help you transform project ideas into realistic solutions.
Why Software Engineer Tools Are Important
As we discussed earlier, these tools enable software engineers to affirm who they are through a practical approach. Employers can measure your technical skills as they are applicable in every industry. It suggests many offers open to these engineers in the corporate world.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 189,200 job opportunities will be available annually within a decade and projects a 22 percent job employment growth for software engineers. ZipRecruiter details the average annual salary of software engineers to be $99,729, indicating that these jobs come with impressive rewards.
But truth be told, securing one of these jobs won’t come easy if you lack proficiency with the technical tools. It only makes sense to explore the broad scope of software engineering with intentionality. By discovering the critical tools in this field and gaining mastery of them, you will be ready to begin a successful career in software engineering with a defined career goal.
Software Engineer Tools FAQ
Software Engineers use multiple tools, including compilers, source code generators, debuggers, text editors, and IDEs. Specifically, they use Git, GitHub, IntelliJ IDEA, Stack Overflow, Jira, and a host of technical tools with attractive features.
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Yes. These tools are essential to the career of any software engineer. They assist in project and backlog management and enable engineers to provide technical solutions to real-world problems. Your proficiency with these tools facilitates the success of any software project.
Research the best tools in the field and create a list. You can gain mastery of these tools and sharpen your skills with practice. If you need professional training, ensure to attend a bootcamp and reach out to experts in the field to put you through. Find a solid community to answer your questions and gear you towards a successful career. If you need help with programming languages, SoloLearn and Mimo are some of the best coding apps for beginners.
Software engineers must have technical skills, including programming, software development, testing, and debugging skills. Furthermore, a sound software engineer must be a critical thinker, problem-solver, team player, and excellent communicator. Combining these skills alongside relevant technical tools will place you in high demand in the market.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
