Writing code demands endless editing and perfect code management. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, we all struggle with code at some point.
That’s where the right kind of code editor comes to the rescue.
It can make all the difference in streamlining your workflow and boosting productivity. While a code editor brings some relief, developers can experience seamlessness if they have the aid of a quality code editor.
This post talks about the 10 best code editors for WordPress. Whether you love user-friendly code editors or editors that prefer customization, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s get started.
Table of Contents
What Is A Code Editor?
A WordPress code editor is no less than a Swiss Army knife for developers and programmers. It helps them to write, edit, and manage the codes with the least possible effort and errors. This software is an essential tool for developers seeking to create perfect code.
Now, one must wonder why to have a dedicated WordPress code editor when code can be easily edited in default text editors like TextEdit or Notepad.
Well, those still sticking to these basic WordPress text editors need help generating and inventing codes. It’s because these text editors have limited functionality.
Advanced WordPress code editors have added advantages like syntax highlighting, code error checking during code writing/creation, auto-completion of the code lines/keywords, and so on. The great thing is that all of this happens at laudable speed and accuracy. However, you need to understand the fact that code editors also have certain limitations.
For instance, code debugging is not possible with it. Developers even have trouble accessing IDE as the code-writing process continues.
Nevertheless, having the aid of the best WordPress code editor is certainly going to support developers in their journey of creating perfected codes.
What To Look For In a Code Editor?
As we just mentioned, the best WordPress code editor can do many things for a developer. However, developers need to understand that the code editor they are thinking of using has certain specific features to offer.
For instance, it should have native support for the programming language you’re going to use.
Suppose you’re going to use Java for programming. The code editor should be Java-compatible. In the case of a WordPress code editor, you need to make sure that the code editor you’re thinking of finalizing is compatible with HTML, CSS, PHP, and JavaScript, as all these are base programming languages for WordPress.
That’s the first and foremost thing to watch out for in a code editor. Once that’s sorted, you should move to the features and capabilities. Below listed are some of the basic functionalities that a viable WordPress code editor must offer.
- Autocomplete feature so that codes are completed automatically, and the process becomes speedy.
- Errors highlighting at the early stage ensures that the code has better readability. So, the WordPress code editor should have a syntax highlighting feature.
- Search and Replace is a key feature that the best code editor must have so that developers can easily find the code and make required changes.
- Code editors with FTP support are great as they don’t require developers to download the files first for editing and then upload them again.
- The best IDE for WordPress is one that has a great interface and simple set-up so that getting started and its usage remains simple, and developers with all sorts of technical understanding can use it.
- Ensure that the WordPress file editor you select is compatible with the leading operating systems so its use case is not limited. Compatibility with Windows and macOS is a must.
- Cost plays a crucial role in finalizing the code editor. Every organization or developer has a different budget in mind. Individual developers with limited spending capacity might prefer using free code editors, while others can go for paid code editors with great capabilities. Sort out this costing, and then make a move accordingly.
All these factors often remain the selection criteria as one plan to get an inventive WordPress file editor. Despite that, the hunt is tiring as the market is flooded with options. So, we made a list of the best WordPress code editors for you.
The Best Code Editors for WordPress
Here are some of the best WordPress code editors that developers can use to edit WordPress codes during the development. We also have an amazing code editor that will help you edit codes on the live sites at the end of the list. So, stay tuned!
#1 – NotePad++
Codes It Can Edit PHP, JavaScript, HTML, CSS
Integrations FTP support, Macro recording
Price Free – $0
NotePad++ is a lightweight and versatile code editor known for its speed and efficiency. It is a free and open-source option, primarily designed for Windows but also functional on Linux and UNIX systems. Mac users can access it through third-party compatibility tools. This code editor is a favorite for quick edit WordPress code tasks.
NotePad++ stands out as a highly efficient WP code editor and a strong contender for the title of best WordPress code editor due to its rapid performance and minimal resource usage. WordPress developers find it incredibly easy to use for quickly accessing and modifying code files. Its intuitive interface makes it simple to navigate and edit WordPress code.
Whether you’re tweaking PHP files, refining JavaScript functionality, or adjusting HTML and CSS styles within your WordPress theme or plugin, NotePad++ provides a smooth and straightforward experience. Its lightweight nature ensures swift operation, making it an excellent choice for developers who prioritize speed and simplicity in their coding workflow.
Best Code Editing Features
- Integrated spellcheck
- Syntax highlighting
- FTP support
- Macro recording
- Multi-document interface
- Customizable interface
Why to Use For Code Editing: NotePad++ is an excellent choice for WordPress developers seeking a fast, free, and straightforward code editor for WordPress. It excels in quick edit WordPress code tasks and offers essential features without unnecessary complexity.
Why to Avoid for Code Editing: Its interface may feel dated to some, and Mac users require extra steps for full functionality, which might deter those seeking seamless cross-platform experiences.
#2 – Sublime Text
Codes It Can Edit HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP
Integrations FTP support, API support
Price Personal License – $99 (one-time purchase)
Sublime Text is a sophisticated and cross-platform code editor renowned for its speed and extensive features. It is a paid tool compatible with Windows, Linux, and Mac operating systems. This code editor for WordPress is celebrated for its accuracy and ability to handle large projects smoothly.
Sublime Text emerges as a powerful WP code editor that significantly streamlines the workflow for WordPress developers. Its exceptional speed and accuracy make it a leading contender for the title of best WordPress code editor. Developers appreciate its ability to effortlessly manage and edit WordPress code, even within extensive projects with numerous files.
The editor’s intelligent features facilitate efficient coding, making it remarkably easy to use for both minor adjustments and significant code modifications. Sublime Text excels at handling complex WordPress themes and plugins, ensuring a seamless and productive development experience, solidifying its position as a top-tier code editor.
Best Code Editing Features
- FTP support
- End-to-end customization
- Split Editing
- API support
- Go To Anything navigation
- Command Palette
Why to Use For Code Editing: Sublime Text is ideal for WordPress developers who need a robust and highly customizable code editor that can handle large projects and offer advanced features to enhance productivity while they edit WordPress code.
Why to Avoid for Code Editing: It’s a paid software, and the free trial, while unlimited, occasionally prompts purchase reminders, which some users might find distracting.
#3 – Vim
Codes It Can Edit Over 200 programming languages (including PHP, HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
Integrations Search and Replace, Editing for compressed files
Price Free – $0
Vim is considered by many as the best WordPress code editor for those who prioritize efficiency and keyboard-driven workflow. Its unique interface-free design allows WordPress developers to edit WordPress code with remarkable speed once the command structure is mastered.
Although it has a steeper learning curve compared to other graphical code editors, its customizability and power make it an excellent choice for experienced developers seeking a highly optimized environment. Vim’s lightweight nature and extensive capabilities for text manipulation make it a favorite amongst those who regularly edit WordPress code and value a streamlined, distraction-free coding process.
Best Code Editing Features
- Keyboard-centric workflow
- Highly configurable
- Extensive plugin ecosystem
- Efficient text manipulation
- Native support for numerous languages
- Regular expression search and replace
Why to Use For Code Editing: For WordPress developers seeking unparalleled efficiency and a deeply customizable environment focused on keyboard commands to rapidly edit WordPress code, Vim is a top choice.
Why to Avoid for Code Editing: The steep learning curve and text-based interface can be intimidating for beginners, and the lack of a graphical interface might not appeal to all users.
#4 – Atom
Codes It Can Edit PHP, JavaScript, HTML, CSS and many more via packages
Integrations Native Git and GitHub integration, Command Palette
Price Free – $0
Atom is a modern, open-source code editor known for its customizability and collaboration features, developed by GitHub. It’s a free code editor for WordPress and is available on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Its native Git and GitHub integration makes it a collaborative WP code editor.
Atom, backed by GitHub, is widely recognized as a strong contender for the best WordPress code editor especially for collaborative projects. Its native integration with Git and GitHub significantly eases the process of edit WordPress code within team environments.
The code editor offers a user-friendly interface and allows extensive customization, making it easy to adapt to individual preferences when working with WordPress files. Atom’s open-source nature means a vibrant community supports it, ensuring continuous improvements and a wealth of packages to enhance functionality, making it a versatile tool for edit WordPress code.
Best Code Editing Features
- Native Git and GitHub integration
- Multiple auto-completion options
- Native support for command palette
- Open-source and community-driven
- Highly customizable interface
- Cross-platform compatibility
Why to Use For Code Editing: WordPress developers who collaborate frequently and need seamless version control and customization options to efficiently edit WordPress code will find Atom highly beneficial.
Why to Avoid for Code Editing: Compared to some lightweight editors, Atom can be resource-intensive, and some users have reported occasional performance issues, especially with very large projects.
#5 – Visual Studio Code
Codes It Can Edit A wide range of languages including PHP, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Python, and more
Integrations Debugging, Smart completion
Price Free – $0
Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is a highly popular, cross-platform code editor from Microsoft, known for its powerful features and extensibility. It is a free code editor for WordPress compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux. Its lightweight design belies its robust capabilities for edit WordPress code.
Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is a leading contender for the title of the best WordPress code editor, widely acclaimed for its extensive feature set and smooth performance. Coming from Microsoft, this free code editor empowers WordPress developers to edit WordPress code efficiently and effectively.
Its lightweight nature ensures quick startup and operation, while its powerful debugging tools and intelligent code completion features streamline the coding process. VS Code is incredibly easy to use, appealing to both beginners and seasoned developers who require a robust yet user-friendly environment to edit WordPress code for their WordPress projects.
InstaWP users can use the VS Code extension to edit live sites without any hassle. Need to know more about it, watch this video.
Best Code Editing Features
- Debugging
- Smart completion (IntelliSense)
- Customization
- Integrated terminal
- Vast extension marketplace
- Git integration
Why to Use For Code Editing: WordPress developers seeking a powerful, free, and feature-rich code editor with excellent debugging tools and smart code completion to edit WordPress code should choose VS Code.
Why to Avoid for Code Editing: While generally lightweight, its extensive features and extensions can make it more resource-intensive than simpler editors, and the vast array of options might initially overwhelm new users.
#6 – Brackets
Codes It Can Edit HTML, CSS, JavaScript
Integrations Live Preview, Git support, Extension support
Price Free – $0
Brackets is a user-friendly and modern code editor from Adobe, emphasizing visual tools and web development features. It is a free and open-source WP code editor, best suited for front-end development and available on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Its intuitive interface makes it excellent for novices to edit WordPress code.
Brackets, presented by Adobe, is often praised as the best WordPress code editor for beginners and front-end developers. Its intuitive user interface and focus on visual design make it exceptionally easy to use when edit WordPress code related to themes and front-end elements.
WordPress developers appreciate its Live Preview feature, which allows them to see changes in real-time as they edit WordPress code. Brackets also supports basic design functionalities, making it a unique code editor that bridges the gap between coding and visual design for WordPress projects.
Best Code Editing Features
- Live Preview
- Quick editing for CSS
- Amazing preprocessor support
- Extension support to expand customization
- Git support
- User-friendly Interface
Why to Use For Code Editing: Brackets is perfect for WordPress developers who are beginners or heavily focused on front-end development, needing a code editor for WordPress with strong visual tools and live preview to easily edit WordPress code.
Why to Avoid for Code Editing: Its feature set is less extensive compared to more comprehensive editors like VS Code, and it may not be as suitable for complex backend WordPress development or languages beyond web technologies.
#7 – Nova
Codes It Can Edit PHP, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and more
Integrations Site-wide autocompletes, Preview features, FTP support
Price Panic Nova – $99 (one-time purchase, macOS only for free trial)
Nova stands out as a truly elegant and user-friendly code editor, particularly appealing to macOS users looking for the best WordPress code editor experience within the Apple ecosystem. Its rebranded simplicity makes it exceptionally easy to use for WordPress developers to edit WordPress code. Nova’s features are subtly powerful, offering a seamless blend of functionality and aesthetics.
The local indexing for site-wide autocompletes and CSS overriding preview features streamline the process of edit WordPress code for WordPress themes and plugins, enhancing productivity and making coding a more enjoyable experience.
Best Code Editing Features
- Site-wide autocompletes due to local indexing
- Preview features with CSS overriding
- Real-time syntax highlighting
- FTP support
- Elegant and intuitive interface
- Built-in terminal
Why to Use For Code Editing: Nova is the ideal WP code editor for macOS WordPress developers who prioritize a beautiful, efficient, and feature-rich environment to edit WordPress code with ease and elegance.
Why to Avoid for Code Editing: It is primarily designed for macOS, and while functional on other OS, it requires a significant purchase, making it less accessible for developers primarily working on Windows or Linux.
#8 – Komodo Edit
Codes It Can Edit Multiple languages relevant to WordPress including PHP, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Python, and more
Integrations Kopy.io integration, Auto complete, FTP support
Price Free – $0
Komodo Edit is a versatile and free code editor, often viewed as a lightweight IDE, that works across Windows, Mac, and Linux. It’s a capable code editor for WordPress providing essential text editing needs, and integrates well with Komodo IDE for extended functionalities.
Komodo Edit serves as a reliable and efficient WP code editor for WordPress developers. While it may not boast all the bells and whistles of a full IDE, it is a strong contender for the title of best WordPress code editor in the free category due to its robust text editing capabilities.
It provides a solid platform to edit WordPress code across various operating systems. WordPress developers find it easy to use for everyday coding tasks, offering essential features like auto-completion and change tracking, making it a practical choice for those who need a dependable code editor without the bloat of a full IDE.
Best Code Editing Features
- Integration with Kopy.io
- Support for auto complete
- Track change capabilities
- FTP support
- Multi-language support
- Customizable interface
Why to Use For Code Editing: Komodo Edit is a great option for WordPress developers seeking a free, cross-platform code editor that offers a good balance of features and performance to efficiently edit WordPress code.
Why to Avoid for Code Editing: It lacks some advanced IDE features like live previewing and unit testing, which might be necessary for more complex WordPress development workflows.
#9 – BlueFish
Codes It Can Edit HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and more
Integrations FTP support, Snippet sidebar
Price Free – $0
BlueFish is a standout code editor particularly useful for WordPress developers who frequently need to edit WordPress code across numerous files simultaneously. It is a free code editor that excels in managing and modifying large codebases, making it an excellent choice for extensive WordPress projects.
While it may not be universally hailed as the best WordPress code editor for all tasks, its ability to handle bulk edits and provide quick undo/redo options makes it a highly efficient tool. Its robust features and focus on speed ensure that developers can edit WordPress code effectively, especially when dealing with large WordPress themes or plugins.
BlueFish is a powerful and free code editor designed for developers who handle large volumes of files. It is a cross-platform WP code editor, compatible with Solaris, Linux, Windows, and Mac. Its strength lies in its ability to efficiently edit WordPress code in bulk.
Best Code Editing Features
- FTP support
- Quick undo and redo capabilities
- Search and Replace
- Snippet sidebar
- Simultaneous file editing
- Syntax highlighting
Why to Use For Code Editing: WordPress developers managing large projects or needing to perform bulk edits across many files to edit WordPress code will find BlueFish exceptionally useful.
Why to Avoid for Code Editing: Its interface might appear less modern compared to some newer editors, and it may not be as feature-rich in areas beyond bulk editing and file management.
#10 – CodeShare
Codes It Can Edit Primarily for sharing and collaborating on any code, including PHP, JavaScript, HTML, CSS
Integrations Real-time collaboration, Version control
Price Basic plan – Free (for limited features), Pro plans available with varying costs
CodeShare is not a traditional code editor but a real-time collaboration platform for developers to share, review, and troubleshoot code together. It is a web-based tool designed to enhance team workflows when working on edit WordPress code.
It is an invaluable tool for teams who need to edit WordPress code together, providing real-time code sharing and review capabilities. While not a WP code editor in the conventional sense, it significantly enhances team workflows, making complex WordPress projects easier to manage.
Developers can use CodeShare alongside their preferred best WordPress code editor to streamline code reviews, troubleshooting, and collaborative coding efforts, thereby improving overall project efficiency and code quality.
Best Code Editing Features
- Real-time collaboration
- Version control
- Code commenting
- Access control
- Multi-user editing
- Screen sharing
Why to Use For Code Editing: For WordPress development teams requiring real-time collaboration, code review, and troubleshooting capabilities while they edit WordPress code together, CodeShare is essential.
Why to Avoid for Code Editing: It is not a standalone code editor for individual coding tasks; it is designed for collaboration, so developers still need a separate code editor for WordPress for actual coding.
Bonus tip: Using a Service Like InstaWP
All the above mentioned WordPress code editors are the way to go for clean coding if you’re a WordPress developer building websites and products regularly. However, if you’re looking to test and modify an existing WordPress product or customize a theme or plugin, using a traditional code editor may not be the best option.
So, what’s the way out? Well, using InstaWP‘s in-built WordPress code editor is the only resort. The advanced code editor that you get with staging sites allows for live editing, making it easy to test changes and see how they look and function. This tool is great for experimenting with your WordPress site and making quick adjustments without the hassle of setting up a local deployment.
Need to explore the full potential of this amazing live site WordPress code editor? We have a guide designed exclusively for you.
What Is InstaWP?
InstaWP is a WordPress site spin-up tool of modern-era that will help you have a staging site ready in a fraction of a second and introduce accuracy, ease, and speed in your WordPress site migration workflows.
Code Editing Simplified
To take your WordPress code editing workflow to a whole new level of perfection, InstaWP offers an in-built code editor that permits developers to do multi-tab editing, see the code changes live on your WordPress site, and even perform search & replace in multiple files.
As if that was not enough, InstaWP also offers a feature-rich DB Editor that sets developers free from the fiddling hassle of passwords and usernames. You get direct access to this feature from your InstaWP account. It’s a high-level Adminer database editor with exporting capabilities.
This Code Editor can export databases in CSV or SQL file format and even help developers to set multiple access levels.
Conclusion
While having a WordPress site is important for a business, its development, migration, and management often seem labor-intensive. With tools like WordPress code editors and InstaWP, enterprises can sort out the WordPress site management workflows to a great extent.
Pick the best editor for WordPress from the list above, and lead a little stressful life as a developer or website owner. If you want to edit a live site with fewer hassles, migrating it to InstaWP and using its advanced code editor WordPress will be great.
