
An Ideal IDE is a thing of beauty, easing code development

The reality of using certain IDEs is an incredible rat’s nest
My .NET experience with C++/C# vs. recent Netbeans/Eclipse experience with Scala, Lift, Python, & Google Application Engine
If you’ve used the older microsoft visual c++ IDE or the .NET express editions you’re familiar with how fast you can go from installation to digging into the code. The experience has gradually improved over generations of the IDE and now setting up projects can done in short order. Functionality like “go to definition” and “code completion” are a joy to every programmer.
I foolishly expected my Netbeans and Eclipse installations to be just as smooth. And as long as your only developing in one of their default install languages they aren’t bad. You may have to set some environment path variables in order to get up and running, a mild nuisance but no deal breaker. As soon you go off the beaten path by using something like scala, lift, or the Google App Engine (GAE) you’re in for some hair pulling. (more…)