The 20 best software development tools for 2025

Choosing the right software development tools can make or break your project’s success. These tools are the pillars of efficient coding, seamless collaboration, and swift deployment, enabling agile teams to accelerate innovation, minimize errors, and deliver stellar software products that keep pace with market demands.

As we dive into 2024’s top software development tools, you’ll discover solutions that cater to various aspects of the development lifecycle — from planning and coding to testing and deployment. Among these, platforms like monday dev are revolutionizing how software development teams manage their entire product development process, offering a unified space for ideation, sprint management, and release coordination.

Let’s explore the tools shaping the future of software development and how they can propel your team to new heights of productivity and innovation.

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What are software development tools?

Software development tools are specialized software applications, platforms, or services designed to assist software developers in creating, debugging, maintaining, and deploying software.

These tools encompass a wide range of functionalities, including:

• Code editors and integrated development environments (IDEs)
• Version control systems
• Project management and collaboration platforms
• Debugging and testing frameworks
• Deployment and continuous integration tools

The primary purpose of these tools is to streamline the software development process, enhance code quality, and improve team productivity. They provide developers with powerful features that automate repetitive tasks, facilitate code organization, and enable seamless collaboration among team members.

Learn more about software development lifecycle and agile development here.

Why use a software development tool?

Software development tools support developers through every phase of software creation — from coding and debugging to maintenance and deployment. Here’s why they’re critical:

• Enhanced efficiency: By automating routine tasks and refining complex workflows, these tools let developers focus on core coding and problem-solving, speeding up development cycles.
• Improved code quality: Features like syntax highlighting, code completion, and integrated testing ensure high standards are maintained, catching errors early.
• Seamless collaboration: With tools that support real-time collaboration and version control, teams can seamlessly work together, irrespective of their physical locations.
• Scalability support: As your software projects grow, the right tools adapt with you. They offer features like microservices architecture support, load testing, and scalable cloud deployments, ensuring your development process remains smooth regardless of project size.
• Innovation enablement: With AI-powered coding assistants, advanced analytics, and cutting-edge frameworks at your disposal, you can focus on pushing boundaries. These tools open up new possibilities, allowing you to concentrate on innovative solutions rather than routine tasks.
• Efficient deployment: Continuous integration and deployment tools help smooth the transition of code changes to production, ensuring reliability and reducing downtime.
• Insightful analytics: Advanced reporting tools help track progress, identify bottlenecks, and optimize development processes, ensuring decisions are data-driven.

As we explore the top software development tools of 2024, you’ll discover how each is uniquely poised to address these critical areas, empowering your team to excel.

Top 20 software development tools for 2024

Ready to supercharge your development process? Let’s dive into the cream of the crop — the top 20 software development tools making waves in 2024. From streamlining development workflows to boosting collaboration, these developer tools are designed to take your projects from good to great.

1. monday dev

Imagine a world where your entire product development cycle flows seamlessly from ideation to launch. That’s the reality monday dev brings to the table. This powerhouse platform connects tech teams, leadership, and client-facing departments in one intuitive space with intuitive features, ensuring everyone’s on the same page — and loving every minute of it.

Best for: Full product lifecycle management

Key features of monday dev

• Seamless integrations with GitHub, GitLab, and Figma
• AI-powered sprint management and automations
• Advanced Kanban boards and burndown charts
• Customizable workflows to fit any development methodology
• Real-time bug and issue tracking software to spot the errors quickly

Pros of monday dev

• Accelerates time to market by streamlining the entire development process
• Boosts product quality through improved bug tracking and feedback loops
• Fosters innovation by connecting ideas with execution
• Enhances team alignment with clear, visual project and product roadmaps
• Increases visibility across departments, from dev to C-suite

monday dev pricing

monday dev cost depends on the plan you choose and your team size. Plans start from 3 users.

• $9/seat/month for Basic dev
• $12/seat/month for Standard dev
• $20/seat/month for Advanced dev
• Custom pricing available for enterprises to scale with your needs
• Free trial available to test-drive the platform

Want to see how monday dev can transform your development process? Check out our detailed pricing page and find the perfect plan for your team.

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2. ClickUp

ClickUp positions itself as the all-in-one productivity platform, aiming to replace multiple tools with a single, versatile solution. It’s designed to help teams manage projects, tasks, and docs in one place.

Best for: Task management and team collaboration

Key features of ClickUp

• Customizable views (List, Board, Calendar, Gantt, etc.)
• Time tracking and reporting
• Document collaboration
• Goal tracking and OKRs
• Automation capabilities

Pros of ClickUp

• Highly customizable to fit various workflows
• Comprehensive feature set for project management
• Integrates with many popular tools
• Regular updates and new feature releases

Cons of ClickUp

• Can be overwhelming due to the sheer number of features
• Some users report a steeper learning curve
• Mobile app functionality can be limited compared to desktop

ClickUp pricing

• Free: basic features for personal use
• Unlimited: $5/member/month (billed annually)
• Business: $12/member/month (billed annually)
• Enterprise: Custom pricing for large organizations

3. GitHub

GitHub is the go-to platform for version control and collaboration, hosting millions of developers and projects. It’s an essential tool for teams looking to manage their code repositories efficiently.

Best for: Version control and open-source collaboration

Key features of GitHub:

• Git repository hosting
• Pull requests and code review tools
• Issue tracking and project boards
• GitHub Actions for CI/CD
• Extensive API for integrations

Pros of GitHub:

• Industry standard for open-source projects
• Robust collaboration features
• Large community and ecosystem
• Continuous improvement and feature updates

Cons of GitHub:

• Learning curve for Git novices
• Can be costly for larger teams or private repositories
• Some advanced features require paid plans

GitHub pricing:

• Free: For public repositories and small teams
• Team: $4 per user per month
• Enterprise: $21 per user per month
• GitHub One: Custom pricing for large enterprises

4. Azure DevOps

Microsoft’s Azure DevOps provides a comprehensive set of development tools that integrate seamlessly with the Azure cloud platform, offering a robust solution for teams invested in the Microsoft ecosystem.

Best for: End-to-end DevOps in Microsoft environments

Key features of Azure DevOps:

• Azure Boards for work item tracking
• Azure Repos for Git repositories
• Azure Pipelines for CI/CD
• Azure Test Plans for test management
• Azure Artifacts for package management

Pros of Azure DevOps:

• Tight integration with Azure services and Microsoft tools
• Scalable for large enterprises
• Comprehensive DevOps toolchain in one platform
• Strong security and compliance features

Cons of Azure DevOps:

• Can be complex to set up and configure
• Primarily focused on Microsoft technologies
• Pricing can escalate quickly for larger teams or more storage

Azure DevOps pricing:

• Basic: Free for up to 5 users
• Basic + Test Plans: $6/seat/month
• Enterprise: $8/seat/month
• Azure DevOps Server: On-premises pricing varies

5. Jira

Jira, a heavyweight in the world of project management, has become synonymous with agile development. It’s the go-to solution for teams looking to streamline their workflows and keep projects on track.

Best for: Agile project management and issue tracking

Key features of Jira:

• Customizable Scrum and Kanban boards
• Advanced reporting and burndown charts
• Powerful search and filtering capabilities
• Extensive third-party app integrations
• Automated workflows and rules engine

Pros of Jira:

• Highly flexible and customizable for various team sizes and methodologies
• Robust reporting tools for data-driven decision-making
• Seamless integration with other Atlassian products
• Strong support for agile and DevOps practices

Cons of Jira:

• Can be complex to set up and administer
• User interface may feel cluttered for some users
• Potential for feature overload in smaller teams

Jira pricing:

• Free: Up to 10 users
• Standard: $7.75/seat/month
• Premium: $15.25/seat/month
• Enterprise: Custom pricing for large-scale deployments
  Comparison:explore these Jira alternatives

6. Linx

Linx is a low-code development platform that’s turning heads in the backend automation space. It’s designed to help developers create custom applications and APIs with minimal hand-coding.

Best for: Rapid backend development and process automation

Key features of Linx:

• Visual designer for creating logic and workflows
• Pre-built plugins for common integrations
• RESTful and SOAP web services creation
• Automated deployment to Linx Server
• Built-in debugging and testing tools

Pros of Linx:

• Accelerates development of backend systems and APIs
• Reduces complexity in integrating disparate systems
• Lowers barrier to entry for creating robust backend solutions
• Supports both cloud and on-premises deployments

Cons of Linx:

• Learning curve for developers used to traditional coding
• Limited community support compared to open-source alternatives
• May not be suitable for highly complex, custom solutions

Linx pricing:

• Designer: Free for development and testing
• Server: Custom pricing based on deployment needs
• Contact Linx for detailed pricing information

7. Bootstrap

Bootstrap continues to be a cornerstone in responsive web design. This open-source toolkit empowers developers to create sleek, mobile-first sites with ease.

Best for: Rapid, responsive front-end development

Key features of Bootstrap:

• Responsive grid system
• Pre-styled UI components
• Customizable Sass variables and mixins
• Extensive JavaScript plugins
• Built-in icons and utilities

Pros of Bootstrap:

• Speeds up development with ready-to-use components
• Ensures consistency across projects and team members
• Highly customizable to fit brand guidelines
• Large community and extensive documentation

Cons of Bootstrap:

• Can lead to similar-looking websites if not customized
• Requires cleanup of unused CSS for optimal performance
• Learning curve for advanced customization

Bootstrap pricing:

• Free and open-source

8. Axure

Axure RP is a powerhouse for creating interactive prototypes and specifications. It bridges the gap between design and development, making it easier to visualize and test ideas before coding begins.

Best for: Advanced prototyping and UX design

Key features of Axure:

• Dynamic content simulation
• Conditional logic and complex interactions
• Collaborative team projects
• Responsive breakpoint visualization
• Built-in wireframing tools

Pros of Axure:

• Creates highly interactive prototypes without coding
• Supports complex documentation for development handoff
• Facilitates better communication between design and development teams
• Allows for rapid iteration and testing of UI/UX concepts

Cons of Axure:

• Steeper learning curve compared to simpler design tools
• Can be overkill for basic prototyping needs
• Higher price point may not be justifiable for smaller teams

Axure pricing:

• Pro: $29/seat/month (billed annually)
• Team: $49/seat/month (billed annually)
• Enterprise: Custom pricing for large organizations

9. Crimson Editor

Crimson Editor is a lightweight, yet powerful source code editor that’s been a favorite among developers for its simplicity and efficiency.

Best for: Quick code editing and scripting

Key features of Crimson Editor:

• Syntax highlighting for multiple languages
• Macro recording and playback
• File compare utility
• FTP support for remote editing
• Customizable keyboard shortcuts

Pros of Crimson Editor:

• Fast and lightweight, ideal for quick edits
• Easy to use with minimal setup required
• Supports a wide range of programming languages
• Free and open-source

Cons of Crimson Editor:

• Lacks advanced features of modern IDEs
• Limited plugin ecosystem
• Not actively developed, may lack modern language support

Crimson Editor pricing:

• Free and open-source

10. UltraEdit

UltraEdit is a versatile text editor that packs a punch with its extensive feature set, making it a go-to choice for developers who need more than just basic editing capabilities.

Best for: Advanced text editing and data manipulation

Key features of UltraEdit:

• Multi-caret editing and column mode
• Integrated FTP client
• Large file handling (4+ GB)
• Advanced find and replace with regular expressions
• Customizable UI and themes

Pros of UltraEdit:

• Powerful text manipulation tools for complex editing tasks
• Handles large files with ease
• Extensible through scripting and macros
• Regular updates and active development

Cons of UltraEdit:

• Paid software in a market with many free alternatives
• Can be resource-intensive for older systems
• Learning curve to fully utilize all features

UltraEdit pricing:

• UltraEdit: $79.95/year for a perpetual license
• UltraEdit Suite: $119.95/year for additional tools
• Volume discounts available for teams

11. Vim

Vim, the legendary text editor, continues to be a favorite among developers who prioritize efficiency and customization. Its modal editing approach offers unparalleled speed for those who master it.

Best for: Efficient text editing and programming

Key features of Vim:

• Modal editing (normal, insert, visual modes)
• Extensive plugin ecosystem
• Customizable through vimscript
• Integrated with version control systems
• Macro recording and playback

Pros of Vim:

• Extremely fast and efficient for experienced users
• Available on virtually all Unix-like systems
• Highly customizable to fit individual workflows
• Minimal resource usage, ideal for remote editing

Cons of Vim:

• Steep learning curve for newcomers
• Can be intimidating for those used to GUI editors
• Requires time investment to set up and customize effectively

Vim pricing:

• Free and open-source

12. Docker

Docker has revolutionized the way we build, ship, and run applications. By containerizing your development environment, you’re not just coding — you’re creating consistent, portable ecosystems that work seamlessly across different platforms.

Best for: Application containerization and microservices architecture

Key features of Docker:

• Container creation and management
• Docker Hub for sharing and accessing container images
• Docker Compose for multi-container applications
• Docker Swarm for container orchestration
• Integration with major cloud providers

Pros of Docker:

• Ensures consistency across development, testing, and production environments
• Simplifies deployment and scaling of applications
• Improves resource utilization compared to traditional VMs
• Extensive ecosystem and community support

Cons of Docker:

• Learning curve for teams new to containerization
• Potential security risks if not properly configured
• Performance overhead for certain types of applications

Docker pricing:

• Docker Personal: Free for individual developers
• Docker Pro: $5/seat/month
• Docker Team: $7/seat/month
• Docker Business: $21/seat/month

13. Codenvy

Codenvy, now part of Red Hat OpenShift, offers a cloud-based IDE that’s changing the game for collaborative development. It’s all about getting your team coding faster, without the hassle of local environment setup.

Best for: Cloud-based development and team collaboration

Key features of Codenvy:

• Browser-based workspaces
• Docker-powered environments
• Built-in terminal and debugger
• Team collaboration tools
• Integration with version control systems

Pros of Codenvy:

• Eliminates “works on my machine” problems
• Enables instant onboarding for new team members
• Facilitates pair programming and code reviews
• Accessible from any device with a web browser

Cons of Codenvy:

• Requires internet connection for development
• May have limitations compared to full-featured desktop IDEs
• Potential concerns about code security in cloud environments

Codenvy pricing:

• Pricing is now part of Red Hat OpenShift offerings
• Contact Red Hat for current pricing details

14. Cloud9

Amazon’s Cloud9 brings the power of cloud-based development to the AWS ecosystem. It’s not just an IDE; it’s your gateway to seamless integration with AWS services.

Best for: AWS-integrated development and serverless applications

Key features of Cloud9:

• Built-in terminal with AWS CLI
• Collaborative coding with real-time editing
• Direct deployment to AWS services
• Debugger for Node.js and Python applications
• Integrated with AWS Lambda for serverless development

Pros of Cloud9:

• Seamless integration with AWS services
• No need for local setup — code from anywhere
• Collaborative features enhance team productivity
• Pre-configured for many programming languages

Cons of Cloud9:

• Tied to the AWS ecosystem, which may not suit all projects
• Requires careful management of cloud resources to control costs
• Internet dependency can be a limitation in some scenarios

Cloud9 pricing:

• No additional charge beyond standard AWS resource costs
• Pay only for the underlying compute and storage resources used

15. SendBird

In a world where real-time communication is king, SendBird reigns supreme. This powerful chat and messaging API platform lets you build engaging in-app communication features without breaking a sweat.

Best for: Implementing real-time chat and messaging in applications

Key features of SendBird:

• Customizable UI components
• Group chat and 1-on-1 messaging
• Push notifications
• Moderation and user management tools
• Voice and video call APIs

Pros of SendBird:

• Rapid implementation of complex chat features
• Scalable infrastructure to support millions of users
• Comprehensive documentation and SDKs for major platforms
• HIPAA and GDPR compliant for secure communications

Cons of SendBird:

• Can be costly for high-volume applications
• Requires careful integration to maintain app performance
• Some advanced features may require significant customization

SendBird pricing:

• Free: Up to 100 monthly active users
• Pro: Custom pricing based on usage
• Enterprise: Tailored solutions for large-scale deployments

16. Ato

Ato is making waves in the world of AI-assisted coding. It’s not just about autocomplete — it’s about understanding your codebase and helping you write better, more efficient code.

Best for: AI-powered code completion and refactoring

Key features of Ato:

• Context-aware code suggestions
• Automated code refactoring
• Language-specific optimizations
• Integration with popular IDEs
• Continuous learning from your codebase

Pros of Ato:

• Significantly speeds up coding process
• Helps maintain consistent coding standards
• Reduces common coding errors
• Adapts to your coding style over time

Cons of Ato:

• May require time to train on larger codebases
• Potential privacy concerns with AI analysis of code
• Can be overly suggestive for experienced developers

Ato pricing:

• Free trial available
• Professional: $19/seat/month
• Team: Custom pricing for larger teams
• Enterprise: Tailored solutions with advanced features

17. Visor

Visor is reimagining project management with its unique blend of spreadsheet flexibility and Gantt chart visualization. It’s where data meets design in the world of project planning.

Best for: Visual project planning and resource management

Key features of Visor:

• Interactive Gantt charts
• Custom views (Kanban, Calendar, etc.)
• Real-time collaboration
• Automated dependency management
• Integration with popular tools (Jira, GitHub, etc.)

Pros of Visor:

• Intuitive interface combines familiarity of spreadsheets with power of project management tools
• Flexible enough to adapt to various project methodologies
• Strong visualization features aid in resource allocation and timeline management
• Facilitates better communication between technical and non-technical team members

Cons of Visor:

• May have a learning curve for teams used to traditional project management tools
• Some users report occasional performance issues with larger projects
• Limited advanced features compared to some enterprise-level solutions

Visor pricing:

• Starter: Free for up to 5 users
• Pro: $15/seat/month (billed annually)
• Enterprise: Custom pricing for large-scale deployments

18. Bitbucket

Atlassian’s Bitbucket is more than just a code repository — it’s a collaboration powerhouse for teams that live and breathe Git.

Best for: Git repository management and CI/CD pipelines

Key features of Bitbucket:

• Git repository hosting
• Built-in CI/CD with Bitbucket Pipelines
• Pull requests with inline comments
• Branch permissions and workflows
• Integration with other Atlassian products

Pros of Bitbucket:

• Seamless integration with Jira for issue tracking
• Unlimited private repositories on all plans
• Built-in CI/CD reduces need for external tools
• Flexible deployment options (cloud, server, data center)

Cons of Bitbucket:

• Less popular for open-source projects compared to GitHub
• UI can feel cluttered for some users
• Some advanced features require higher-tier plans

Bitbucket pricing:

• Free: Up to 5 users, 50 build minutes/month
• Standard: $3/seat/month, 2500 build minutes/month
• Premium: $6/seat/month, 3500 build minutes/month
• Server and Data Center options available for on-premises deployments

19. Nifty

Nifty is on a mission to unify project management, team collaboration, and client communication in one sleek package. It’s where your tasks, discussions, and documents come together seamlessly.

Best for: All-in-one project management and team collaboration

Key features of Nifty:

• Milestone-focused project planning
• Task management with Kanban and list views
• Time tracking and workload management
• Document collaboration and file sharing
• Client portals for external stakeholder involvement

Pros of Nifty:

• Intuitive interface reduces onboarding time
• Combines features of multiple tools, potentially reducing software costs
• Strong focus on visual project tracking aids in progress monitoring
• Built-in communication tools enhance team collaboration

Cons of Nifty:

• May lack some specialized features found in dedicated tools
• Some users report occasional sync issues with third-party integrations
• Advanced reporting features may be limited compared to enterprise solutions

Nifty pricing:

• Starter: $39/month for up to 10 users
• Pro: $79/month for up to 20 users
• Business: $124/month for up to 50 users
• Enterprise: Custom pricing for larger teams

20. JetBrains

Who uses software development tools?

Software development tools serve a wide range of users across various industries and organization types. Here’s a breakdown of who benefits from these powerful tools:

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Get your products to market faster with monday dev

monday dev transforms how teams work together to build outstanding products. Here’s how it revolutionizes collaboration and project management across different teams:

Unified workspace

monday dev consolidates all your development processes into one intuitive platform. From sprint planning to code reviews, everything resides in a single, easily accessible location.

Visual project tracking

Customizable boards and timelines allow you to visualize your entire development process at a glance. Easily manage tasks, set dependencies, and monitor project progress in real-time.

Seamless integrations

monday dev integrates smoothly with popular tools like GitHub, Jira, and Slack, creating a workflow that aligns perfectly with your team’s needs and tech stack.

Automated workflows

Set up automated notifications, status changes, and task assignments to keep your team focused on their core responsibility — writing great code.

Cross-functional alignment

Customizable views ensure each team member sees relevant information, promoting better understanding and collaboration across departments.

monday dev serves as the central hub for your entire development lifecycle. By unifying workflows, automating routine tasks, and promoting clear communication, it empowers your team to focus on innovation and creating impactful software.

Ready to enhance your team’s collaboration? Explore monday dev and discover how it can transform your development process. When your team works efficiently together, the possibilities are endless. Let’s create something remarkable — together.