Pair programming, or code collaboration, is a fairly new concept within the world of development — but it’s quickly catching on! More and more, we’re seeing two programmers work side by side on a single project, with one person writing the code ("the driver") while the other reviews the code ("the navigator").
While you can embrace this approach with any old IDE, finding the best code collaborative code editor for your team will help you be more effective when pair programming.
TeleportHQ
TeleportHQ is a free low-code development platform, meaning you don't have to be a programming aficionado to get started. And for the more experienced developers among us, there's plenty of depth to match your skill level and needs.
With TeleportHQ, you start with a template. You can choose a completely blank template if you like to work from scratch. Or you can go with something a little more robust to instantly add structure to your code and help save time.
TeleportHQ pros and cons
A key advantage to choosing TeleportHQ is that, at any time, you can download your project locally and start using it however you want. You're in control.
You can also export your TeleportHQ in nine different frameworks, giving you plenty of flexibility. And since TeleportHQ is a low-code environment, you can use drag-and-drop features to make your programming work simpler and faster.
Key features and pricing
The core feature of TeleportHQ is its collaboration. You can easily work with other programmers in real-time no matter where they or you are located. This is a staple feature of most of today's cloud-based software, and it's about time that this feature was available in an IDE.
Another key feature of TeleportHQ is the built-in frameworks, templates, and drag-and-drop code segments. This allows you to work much faster while remembering less and making fewer mistakes.
TeleportHQ is free, so anyone can start using it today at no cost. This makes it a great entry point for new programmers as well as confident programmers who are looking for a collaborative solution.
Codeanywhere
As the name implies, Codeanywhere allows you to code anything from anywhere you happen to be located. It's a straightforward tool with great features for those interested in pair programming.
Codeanywhere is a web-based pair programming solution, so you have to use it within an internet browser. This allows it to offer some unique features (while also presenting some challenges) which we'll cover in more detail below.
Codeanywehere pros and cons
Codeanywhere is a highly trusted app, with users like Adobe, Intuit, and Cisco backing it. And it's not hard to see why. With the ability to start using this app from your web browser on nearly any device in any location, it's an extremely flexible solution.
Unfortunately, like any web-based app, the performance can be a bit lackluster at times. And if you don't have an internet connection, you won't be able to use the app at all, let alone collaborate with others.
Key features and pricing
Live pair programming is at the heart of Codeanywhere. It's one of the reasons this app is so popular, and it's solid at providing this feature. It also comes with revision tracking, making it easy to keep track of mistakes, errors, bugs, and versions.
The price of Codeanywhere ranges from $6/month to $40/month for the monthly subscriptions, though you can get discounts by purchasing annual/bi-annual memberships. This is pretty reasonable pricing, especially since it's built for the professional environment.
Replit
Replit is another web-based IDE that is built around collaboration. It's great for pair programming — and with support for more than fifty programming languages, you're sure to be able to complete your project with Replit.
While a little feature-bare, Replit is a trusted web app, especially among classrooms and hobbyists. It's a great tool for beginners, though there is some depth there for the more experienced.
Replit pros and cons
One of the major pros of Replit is its support of fifty programming languages. Most web-based apps tend to be more limited in scope. But Replit provides you with plenty of power for your projects.
That said, you won't find too many features in Replit. It doesn't have more innovative features like drag-and-drop nor does it provide a live preview of your work or anything like that.
Key features and pricing
A perk of Replit is that it is totally free, which is another mark in its favor for the beginner crowd and educational field. You can just go to the website and start coding right away.
When it comes to features, Replit mostly sticks to the basics. Like everything else on this list, it offers collaborative features. It also comes with GitHub integration, learning resources, and customizable team plans.
AWS Cloud9
That brings us to AWS Cloud9. This is Amazon's offering to the world of pair programming, and it's a pretty decent one. It's a complete IDE, so you get an editor, debugger, and terminal to work with. AWS Cloud9 is fully configured as well, so you don't need to do anything to get started.
Unsurprisingly, an important aspect of AWS Cloud9 is that it includes support for AWS. Those familiar with Amazon's AWS will enjoy the support for their existing repositories and implementations.
AWS Cloud9 pros and cons
A key perk for AWS Cloud9 is that it integrates with AWS. Experienced developers are no doubt familiar with AWS, as it provides several free and paid services for developing applications. With native support, you can easily build AWS Cloud9 into your workflow.
The only real drawback of AWS Cloud9 is that it only supports forty programming languages. It's a substantial amount, but not as many as some of the other apps on this list.
Key features and pricing
Of course, a key feature of AWS Cloud9 is its remote pair programming support. It also includes a chat feature, so you can talk to other developers while you collaborate on the same project.
AWS Cloud9 isn't free, but it's still very affordable. It's only about $2/month to use it, which is a nearly negligible price for most users. Again, if you're already a fan of AWS, definitely give AWS Cloud9 a shot.
Choosing the best code collaborative code editor for your team
If you're looking for the best code collaborative code editor for your software team, TeleportHQ has you covered. It's a fully-featured, all-in-one solution with everything you need to succeed.