IDE (Integrated Development Environment)
IDEs, or Integrated Development Environments, are software programs that help simplify and speed up the programming process. They provide a central interface for writing source code, linking files together, and debugging. IDE programs include source code editors, compilers, debuggers, and runtime environments (RTEs). IDEs can help you organize and keep track of your files, while streamlining the programming process. The debugger and runtime environment can also improve your troubleshooting when you make a mistake.
Two of the most popular IDEs are Microsoft Visual Studio and Eclipse. The price for latest version of Microsoft Visual Studio starts at around $500. You can get older versions for cheaper. You can also get a trial version of Microsoft Visual Studio here:
Visual Studio Express 2012
Eclipse, on the other hand, is a free open-source IDE. Download Eclipse here: