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Aprogramming tool orsoftware development tool is acomputer program that is used todevelop another computer program, usually by helping the developer managecomputer files. For example, aprogrammer may use a tool called asource code editor to editsource code files, and then acompiler to convert the source code intomachine code files. They may also usebuild tools that automatically package executable program and data files into shareablepackages orinstall kits.
A set of tools that are run one after another, with each tool feeding its output to the next one, is called atoolchain. Anintegrated development environment (IDE) integrates the function of several tools into a single program. Usually, an IDE provides a source code editor as well as other built-in orplug-in tools that help withcompiling,debugging, andtesting.
Whether a program is considered a development tool can be subjective. Some programs, such as theGNU compiler collection, are used exclusively for software development while others, such asNotepad, are not meant specifically for development but are nevertheless often used for programming.
Notable categories of development tools:
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