How to Learn Code Editors

A code editor is a program designed to make writing code smooth and error-free. Code editors are a critical tool for any Developer today. The number of options for learning code editors might be overwhelming at first glance. There are books, video tutorials, classes, and more to choose from; it all depends on your learning style and personal preferences. 

Here, we’ll discuss the various methods of learning code editors so you can make an informed decision about how you’d like to get started.

What are Code Editors?

A code editor is a type of developer tool, widely used by programmers to facilitate their writing process. It’s a standalone program that developers will write their code in before entering it where it will ultimately be executed. Code editors provide features that make coding more efficient and give the programmer more clarity about how their code functions. Code editors have been in use since 1985, when IBM developed the first one. 

Prior to the invention of code editors, coders generally wrote in a word processing program before transferring their code to be executed. The importance of code editors is that they are specifically designed for writing programs efficiently. Unlike a word processing program, the creators of a code editor build all of its features with this purpose in mind. Standard features of a code editor include live parsing, syntax highlighting, automatic indentation, auto-completion, and expandable code snippets.

One of a code editor’s most important features is color-coded syntax highlighting. The code editor parses the code in real-time to identify its key elements—such as variables, commands, and functions—and highlights them in different colors to help the programmer see the code’s structure more clearly. Another aspect of code editors that clarifies structure is the automatic indentation of code that runs inside functions or loops, so the coder can see that this code is subordinate to the larger structure of the program.

Code editors typically include built-in error-checking, which allows coders to avoid tedious debugging by hand. Like search engines, code editors also have an auto-complete feature, which saves time by anticipating and suggesting what you might want to write next. Another time-saving element of most code editors is the ability to use built-in code snippets to execute the same code repeatedly. Some editors let you create custom code snippets for your specific projects. Many of them can also work with plug-ins that increase their functionality. 

On a higher level, code editors make it easier for a Developer to navigate code files and resources as they work. Today, almost every Developer uses a code editor. For beginners, the most popular code editor is Visual Studio Code. Other beginner-friendly code editors include Atom, Notepad++, and Sublime.

Read more about what code editors areand why you should learn them.

What Can You Do with Code Editors?

Code editors allow a Developer to write error-free code more efficiently. They come equipped with features that facilitate the coding process. These features include syntax highlighting, automatic indentation, error-checking, autocomplete, and code snippets. That’s why their use is practically universal among developers today.

Color-coded syntax highlighting allows the coder to see the structure of their code. The code editor identifies in real-time what type of coding element the programmer is using, and uses color highlighting to mark variables, commands, and functions in the code. The live parsing that makes syntax highlighting possible also allows code editors to provide automatic indentation. Sections of code that are subordinate to the overall program, like those within functions or loops, are indented to show the relationship they bear to the rest of the code.

Another aspect of code editors that increases developer efficiency is the error-checking function, which allows the coder to avoid hours of tedious debugging. Many code editors have an autocomplete function, just as search engines do. This saves you time by anticipating and suggesting what you may want to write next. Code snippets also speed up your process by allowing you to avoid typing the same lengthy bit of code over and over again.

In-Person Code Editors Training

Learning in-person is certainly the most traditional method of picking up a new skill—and, for most of human history, was the only option. Many people still prefer to study this way. Being on-site with an expert instructor and working alongside fellow students as you learn new skills can be a vital support structure for your learning process. If you find external structure helpful in staying on track as you study, the set class schedules and firm deadlines of in-person instruction could be helpful as well.

Another advantage of taking an in-person class is that many schools provide in-person students with access to up-to-date equipment and industry-standard programs. In terms of technology, being on-site means that technical difficulties can’t prevent you from attending class. However, you do have a commute when you take a class in person, which is an investment in time and energy. Some students may also find in-person learning distracting because of temptations to socialize instead of focusing on their studies.

Noble offers in-person training in code editors as part of several certificate programs. Those looking to learn code editors for web development may be interested in a certificate in JavaScript development, front end web development certificate, or certificate in full stack development. For data science, students can look into the Python Developer certificate program. In all these programs, you will learn to use Visual Studio Code for code editing. You can also learn to use code editors by doing a certificate program or bootcamp through providers including Coding Dojo and Full Stack Academy. Most individual in-person coding classes also include training in the use of code editors.

Live Online Code Editors Training

Though in-person training remains the most common learning method, virtual training has grown in popularity over the last several years. Taking a course in a live online format allows the student to avoid the drawbacks of a commute to class, while also keeping the advantage of working directly with an expert instructor. If you take a course live online, you’ll still get the benefit of real-time clarification, feedback, and guidance on your work. Some students may also find it easier to focus in their own homes than in a classroom. At home, you can set up your study space however you like it, and learning from home also helps you avoid potential distractions that might arise from being in the same space as your classmates.

If you find social interaction motivating, however, you may miss that element of learning in-person. Technical issues can be a problem with live online training as well, as a crashing computer or shaky internet connection can interrupt your access to instruction. Also, the quality of your equipment may not be as high as that of the resources you’d have access to when training in person.

To study coding and code editors live online, you could do a certificate program through Noble Desktop. If you’re looking to become a Data Scientist, the Python Developer certificate program might be a good option for you. An aspiring Web Developer could look into the certificate in full stack development, front end web development certificate, or certificate in JavaScript development. You can also learn code editors live online through live online coding classes and bootcamps from Noble, or other providers including Digital Crafts, Ironhack, or Tech Elevator.

Free Online Courses & Tutorials

Perhaps, as you read about code editors, you’re thinking that this sounds like an interesting skill, but you’re not quite ready to start a full coding course. If so, you may simply want an overview of code editors, which you can generally acquire for free online. Noble has a free tutorial on the Visual Studio Code editor to get you started with that program. If you want to learn more about code editors in general, there are some courses available at Udemy that will take you through how code editors work and what you can do with them. Udemy, Coursera, and Skillshare all have courses on the use of specific code editors.

Read about more free videos and online tutorials on how to use code editors.

On-Demand Code Editors Classes

Depending on your own situation, self-paced on-demand training in code editors could be the best choice for you. This is typically the most cost-effective learning method. If you’re studying the basics, you can often find free materials such as video tutorials or explainers.

To take your studies in-depth, however, you’ll probably want access to some paid on-demand materials. Skillsoft, Udacity, and Treehouse are among the providers that offer self-paced coding courses. The other advantage of choosing to learn from paid materials is that you can be confident they will be high-quality and up-to-date, which avoids the difficulty of filtering the available free materials to determine what is actually useful. And even though you will make some investment, paid on-demand materials are still substantially cheaper than live instruction.

On-demand training is also a particularly good fit for those with a busy schedule. Not only do you avoid a commute, but you have even greater flexibility because you can learn at any time, whenever you find a moment.

A drawback of choosing on-demand training over live instruction is that you won’t have access to an expert instructor who can answer questions or provide feedback on the work you’re doing. You’ll also need more self-discipline if you choose this route, as you’ll have to keep yourself on track without the external structure of schedules and deadlines that live instruction offers. Confident that you can stay focused and fit your studies into that busy schedule? In that case, a self-paced course might be perfect for you.

Which Learning Method is Right for Me?

With so many different resources available to help beginners learn code editors, you might be unsure about which one is best for you. Everyone has different learning styles and preferences, and you can experiment with multiple tools to see which one feels right for you. One of the great things about directing your own learning is that you get to pick which combination of tools you prefer; you don’t have to stick with what a teacher chooses.

A critical element in your decision of how to learn to code and use code editors is the nature of your goal in studying these skills. If you don’t have significant experience with coding, and you’re trying to change careers to become a developer, an in-person or live online course could be helpful because of its set schedule and deadlines. However, if you are pursuing coding on a casual basis, you might find a self-paced course is a better fit, especially if you already have some experience with it.

It’s important, too, to think about how you personally learn best. Does learning along with others motivate you because of the social bonds you form? Then you’re probably best suited for an in-person class. However, if you tend to find social interaction more distracting than productive, doing the course from home in a live online format might be a better fit. Considering a self-paced course? Be sure to assess whether you have the self-discipline and motivation to stay on track without the concrete schedule and firm deadlines of a live class.

You’ll also want to evaluate how much of a financial investment you are willing to make in this learning process. In-person and live online courses are typically more expensive, so their costs can seem large to someone starting their study of coding. This is especially the case with in-person classes because you’re also spending time and money on a commute. However, the financial advantage of in-person classes is that schools often provide up-to-date equipment and software for in-person students. 

It’s also essential to consider your current schedule before selecting a learning method. If you have many responsibilities, like a full-time job or family commitments, you may not be able to devote time to a structured course that requires you to attend at the same time every day. In this case, a self-paced class or video tutorials may be better since you can access them when your schedule allows. On the other hand, those with a more flexible schedule may prefer a structured course offered in-person or live online. 

Why Learn Code Editors?

It’s important to learn code editors because they are an industry-standard skill. They have become nearly universal among developers because they make the coding process more efficient. The error-checking feature allows you to avoid a long and tedious process of debugging your code by hand. As with a search engine, auto-complete anticipates the code you will want to write next so that you don’t have to type the whole thing out. Code snippets also save you time by providing a shorthand that you can employ when using the same module of code over and over again, which is particularly relevant if you’re working in an object-oriented programming language.

Using a code editor can also help you understand your own code more clearly. The syntax highlighting function of a code editor identifies elements of your code in real-time and marks variables, commands, and functions in different colors. This feature, along with the automatic indentation that clarifies relationships between sections of code, allows a developer a clearer perspective on the structure of their programs.

Read more about why you should learn code editors.

Level of Difficulty, Prerequisites, & Cost 

The difficulty of learning code editors can vary. Your particular experience will depend in part on the code editor you choose. When you’re getting started, especially if you are also new to coding, you’ll want to make sure you choose a beginner-friendly program like Visual Studio Code. If you choose the right code editor, the challenges you encounter while learning it will be more the challenges of learning to code than challenges specific to the code editor. For example, the color-coded syntax highlighting in a code editor won’t tell you anything until you are familiar with coding concepts like variables, commands, and functions.

Before you learn how to use code editors, you will need basic computer skills, an understanding of basic coding concepts, and at least some knowledge of a programming language. The computer skills you will need include the ability to save a file in multiple versions. In addition to the basic coding concepts mentioned above, you’ll want to learn about loops, so that you can make sense (and use) of the automatic indentation feature in a code editor.

Most code editors are free to download. The cost of coding-focused training can range from $0 for introductory video tutorials through $3500-17,000 for a bootcamp. Opting for more traditional study through a four-year college degree can cost up to an average of $54,501 yearly for tuition at a private university.

Read about how difficult it is to learn code editors.

Learn Coding with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

When you study coding at Noble Desktop, the expert instructors and small class sizes will expedite and enhance your learning process. Noble’s varied training formats allow you to choose the type of training that will work best for you, whether that’s in-person or live online. Once you’ve finished a Noble course, you can retake that class for free, which can be helpful if you’d like to learn even more about coding. Coding courses at Noble include the use of code editors and other vital developer tools.

Noble has several certificate programs in coding. Your choice of program will depend on why you want to learn the skill. If you’re interested in becoming a Web Developer, you might want to enroll in a certificate in full stack development, unless you’re exclusively interested in front end work. In that case, the front end web development certificate program might be for you. Noble’s certificate in JavaScript development is also a good option for aspiring Web Developers. Students looking to become Data Scientists may want to check out the Python Developer certificate program.

If you’d prefer to start with an individual class before leaping into a certificate program, you can study coding in-person or take live online coding classes.

Key Insights

• Aspects to consider when choosing how to learn coding and code editors include:
• Your goal in learning to code
• Your level of experience with coding
• How you personally learn best, including your relationship with social interaction and your ability to set on track without external reinforcement
• The degree of financial investment you are willing and able to make in your learning process
• Your current schedule and responsibilities
• You can receive comprehensive training in how to use code editors through an in-person or live online course with Noble Desktop