CodeLobster PHP Edition 5.15

Overview

CodeLobster PHP Edition is a free portable IDE that is designed to simplify and streamline the process of PHP, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript development.

Installation

With a file size of only about 16 MB, this powerful development platform comes in a compact, yet feature-rich package. After following a step-by-step setup guide you should be opening CodeLobster PHP Edition for the first time in just a couple of mouse clicks. Compatible with Windows ME, 2000, XP, Vista, Server 2003, Server 2008, NT 4, and 7.

Interface

The user interface is extremely customizable and easy-to-use to, with all of the important features accessible via neatly categorized menus located along the top of the main window. You can use the class view pane on the left side to pull up different classes, or browse through the help index in the index module frame along the right side. The main benefit of the CodeLobster user interface is how interactive is, providing recommendations and pointing out errors in code as you work on the development process.

Pros

• Drastically simplifies the process of learning how to program using PHP, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS, by providing autocompletion of functions, types, arguments, and their attributes

• Integrated PHP Debugger lets you instantly validate code accuracy without exiting the program

• Adequate help documentation is easily accessible by clicking the F1 key

• Integrated SQL manager makes it easy to incorporate your newly developed code into databases

• Pair highlighting automatically highlights pairs of tax/attributes

• Project manager makes it possible to store projects in folders that can be transferred to other hard disks or a Web server without losing their structure

• Integrated FTP/SFTP support makes it possible to publish project immediately from within the user interface

• Tooltip lets you view variable values that are marked by a mouse cursor

• Instantly preview what code will look like when it is displayed in a browser

• Dynamic Help and Context Help features facilitate the process of learning about programming references and shortcut keys

• Code inspector makes it easy to find and distinguish elements of HTML

• Performs advanced autocompletion

• HTML toolbar makes it easy to create new elements of code on-the-fly using built-in tools and resources

• Code collapsing feature makes it easier to analyze large sections of code

Cons

• Users have to pay to install additional plug-ins that enhance or extend functionality

Alternatives

Similar alternatives to CodeLobster PHP Edition include NetBeans, Visual Studio, Adobe Dreamweaver, Aptana Studio, PSPad. Of these competitors, Adobe Dreamweaver and Visual Studio are the two most popular and feature-rich software, so these would be the ones to consider if you're going to choose a paid application instead of a free one like CodeLobster PHP Edition.

Conclusion

Whether you're a novice programmer who wants to improve your skill set, or an experienced web developer with a professional business to maintain, CodeLobster PHP Edition makes a suitable development platform and is a valuable resource in any developer's toolkit.