Today’s market has the best software development tools that make it easier for developers to create amazing products. Of course, these developer tools come with different features that are suitable for various types of projects. You just have to find the right one!
Whether you’re an experienced or a beginner developer, there’s definitely a great tool for you to use in 2025.
Our blog post is here to help you out! We provide you with the qualities to find in a software development tool and a list of the 15 best ones for 2025!
What are Software Development Tools?
Software development tools are like trusty companions for software development teams. They empower them to create, debug, manage, and support a wide range of applications, frameworks, systems, and other programs.
Sometimes, you’ll come across a tool that can do it all. Take, for instance, a tool that can be a code editor, a performance analysis tool, and even a compiler. But there are other times when you’ll need to buy different tools to handle each specific function.
7 Qualities of a Good Software Development Tool
When you’re looking for the perfect software development tool, there are certain things you should look out for.
Here’s what makes an ideal software development tool:
User-Friendly Interface
The interface must be easy to understand and navigate. It should also have helpful features like helpful hints, tutorials, and other interactive elements.
Efficient Code Management
Since code is at the heart of software development, it should be easy to organize and manage all the different pieces of code for a project.
Allows Collaboration
Collaboration between developers is essential for successful software development. Therefore, the best software development tool should have features that enable teams to work together and achieve their goals faster.
Automated Testing
The tool should also offer automated testing capabilities so developers can quickly detect errors in their code. This way, they won’t need to spend a lot of time debugging and fixing bugs.
Debugging Tools
Debugging tools help developers identify errors in their code quickly, automate processes, and make sure that their program is bug-free.
Security Features
Software development tools should have comprehensive security features to protect companies from security threats.
Continuous Updates and Support
It’s important for a software development tool to provide continuous updates and support in order to keep up with the latest advancements in technology. This ensures that developers are able to produce the best products possible.
Top 15 Software Development Tools to Use
Now, let’s take a look at some of the best software development tools for developers in 2025! These are listed in no particular order.
1. GitHub
This is a tool that needs no introduction. Every software developer today knows that GitHub is the best repository for source code management. It allows developers to collaborate, manage their projects, and keep track of all their changes.
This tool has gained immense popularity due to its robust community support and seamless integration with Git’s powerful version control functionality. What’s more, software developers have the flexibility to save their projects as either private or public, catering to their specific needs and preferences.
Features:
- Eliminates repetition and errors through iteration support
- Enables automation and advanced search with Command Palette navigation control
- Coordinates code review using software development project management tools
- Permits direct hosting of documents from repositories
Pricing:
GitHub offers a free plan for individuals who are starting out. Otherwise, you have to pay for the following plans:
- Team: $4 per user/month
- Enterprise: $21 per user/month
2. Collaborator
From its name itself, Collaborator is an indispensable tool for code and document review, fostering seamless collaboration among development, testing, and management teams. It empowers them to deliver top-notch code while maintaining the highest quality standards.
Collaborator enables developers to review code, user stories, and test plans in a transparent, collaborative framework. It keeps the whole team in the loop on code changes instantly! By working together to review their work, team members can catch bugs before releasing software.
Features:
- Comprehensive reviewing functionalities
- Enhances code-reviewing procedures for GitHub, GitLab, BitBucket, and Azure DevOps
- Compatible with version 11 of version control tools
- Equipped with a review-proof feature including electronic signatures and comprehensive reports
Pricing:
A free trial of Collaborator is available. For its paid plans, you can choose:
- Team: $715/year includes a 5-user pack
- Enterprise Subscription: $1272/year that includes a full-featured peer code and document review for your entire organization
3. Studio 3T
Studio 3T for MongoDB empowers you to swiftly construct queries, generate code instantly, and seamlessly import/export data in multiple formats, among many other capabilities.
As a graphical user interface, Studio 3T aids businesses in effortlessly creating and manipulating databases, collections, and documents within a local environment. Users can effortlessly read or write data, manage indices and views, and tailor roles or permissions to meet their specific needs.
Features:
- Features such as Visual Query Builder, IntelliShell, and SQL query tool
- Enhances data compliance and security with dynamic field-level data obfuscation through a data masking tool
- Seamless import from JSON, BSON/mongodump, CSV, and SQL, with real-time document preview during editing
- Effortless migration between MongoDB and SQL, offering the simplest transition in both directions.
Pricing:
Studio 3T offers three pricing plans:
- Basic: $16.59 user/month
- Pro: $33.25 user/month
- Ultimate: $58.25 user/month
4. Linx
Linx, the innovative low-code IDE (Integrated Development Environment) and hosting platform, is not just one but two powerful applications. Linx Designer is the first app, and it’s free! It’s a drag-and-drop development software that makes building applications a breeze. The second app is Linx Server, a paid-for app that serves as a hosting platform.
IT pros use Linx to effortlessly craft custom automated business processes, seamlessly integrate applications, expose web services, and effortlessly handle high workloads. Linx shines brightest in the realm of backend software development, making API building, integrations, and automation a piece of cake.
Features:
- 100+ pre-built functions and services for rapid development
- Instant deployment to local or remote Linx Server from IDE
- Supports various SQL & NoSQL databases, file formats, and Web services
- Real-time debugging with step-through logic
- Automate backend processes through timers, events, or web services
Pricing:
Linx offers a free trial, allowing users to experience its advanced features firsthand. Additionally, Linx provides two pricing editions to cater to different needs and budgets:
- Cloud: starting at $149.00 for one virtual machine (server) per month
- On-premise: starting at $599.00 for 3 Deployed applications per Month
5. SQL Sentry
SQL Sentry offers comprehensive database performance monitoring for all data platforms within the Microsoft data estate. With transparent insights and rapid root cause analysis, it empowers businesses to optimize their database performance.
Experience seamless event management and resource optimization with SQL Sentry’s Outlook-style calendar. Effortlessly manage your scheduled events while identifying and resolving resource contention.
Features:
- Instant overview of database environment health
- Early warning and response system
- Locate and resolve high-impact queries effortlessly
- Predictive analytics-driven storage forecasting
- Identify issues within the OS and virtual environment effectively
Pricing:
As an innovative solution for database performance monitoring, SQL Sentry offers two pricing plans that cater to your needs and budget:
- Free: 14-days free trial
- SQL Sentry License: $2495 with $499 annual maintenance costs
- SQL Sentry subscription: $125/month for a 12 month
6. DbSchema
DbSchema is a comprehensive visual database designer and manager capable of handling SQL, NoSQL, and Cloud databases. This developer software tool seamlessly combines the roles of a designer and manager, empowering users to create and manage visual databases with ease and efficiency.
This tool lets you visually design and interact with the database schema. You can work on the schema as a team and deploy it on multiple databases. It also generates HTML5 diagram documentation, helps you explore the data visually, builds queries, and much more!
Features:
- Collaborative design schema across teams and multiple databases
- Version comparison and automated migration script generation
- Comprehensive documentation, including HTML, interactive diagrams, visual query builder, and relational data explorer
- Provides schema synchronization, random data generator, data loading capabilities, and database reporting
- SQL editor with auto-completion feature for easy access
Pricing:
For DbSchema, you can get two editions:
- Community: free
- Pro:
- Perpetual license: $294 + Taxes
- Monthly subscription: $29.4 + Taxes
7. Microsoft Visual Studio
Microsoft’s Visual Studio is a long-standing IDE that was established in 1997. With Visual Studio Online, developers can efficiently plan, build, and deploy software on various platforms.
Visual Studio is a popular software development tool for creating an optimal development environment. With integrated debugging, Git features, testing tools, and built-in profiling tools, it empowers developers to ensure flawless code and improve software performance.
Features:
- Track ideas and handle them on Scrum or Kanban boards
- Accelerated development with AI assistance from Intellisense and Intellicode
- Streamlined and automated Azure deployments
- Blend of manual performance tools and automated testing
- Centralized version control system with complimentary private repositories
Pricing:
Visual Studio offers a free version as well as two pricing plans:
- Professional: $45 per month
- Enterprise: $250 per month
8. Dreamweaver
Dreamweaver, initially created by Macromedia in 1997, was later acquired by Adobe in 2005. Adobe Dreamweaver is a powerful software program for designing web pages. It is a feature-rich HTML web and programming editor that caters to both simple and complex site creation.
This software development platform helps you create, publish, and manage websites. With DreamWeaver, you can easily upload your website to any web server. The program provides a user-friendly interface (what you see is what you get) to create and edit web pages.
Features:
- Includes built-in HTML validator for code validation
- Features real-time collaboration, live preview, drag-and-drop editor, multilingual support, syntax highlighting, and dual view
- Smooth integration with Fireworks and Flash
- Supports programming languages, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
- Provides flexible coding, Seamless Live View editing, Multi-monitor support, and Redesigned interface
Pricing:
Dreamweaver is a part of Adobe Creative Cloud and is available through a monthly subscription. Users can try it for free for seven days before deciding to subscribe. For its paid plans, here’s what they offer:
- Adobe Dreamweaver Single App: $20.99 per month
- Dreamweaver For Business: $35.99 per month
- All Creative Cloud apps: $54.99 per month
9. Apache NetBeans
Apache NetBeans is a versatile, free, and open-source integrated development environment for Windows, Mac, Linux, and Solaris. It is a popular choice for developing desktop, mobile, and web applications.
This tool offers smart code editing tools, code refactoring capabilities, and compatibility with multiple operating systems. Its features include code formatting, folding, intelligent completion, and more. Users can also customize keyboard shortcuts and access code templates within the IDE.
Features:
- Supports fast and intelligent code edits
- Simplifies and enhances project management
- Rapid user interface development
- Facilitates writing of error-free code
- Designed for C/C++ and PHP developers
- Installable on any Java-supported OS, spanning Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X systems.
Pricing:
The Apache NetBeans IDE and Apache NetBeans Platform are freely available for both commercial and non-commercial use under the Apache license. Users have the flexibility to reuse the source code within the terms of use.
10. Bootstrap
Bootstrap is a renowned CSS framework in software development. It’s a feature-packed toolkit for front-end web development with many built-in components. Developed by Jacob Thornton and Mark Otto, known for their work at Twitter, it’s considered one of the best software programming tools.
Bootstrap is a responsive framework for HTML, CSS, and JS development. It offers an intuitive drag-and-drop interface for building responsive web pages. Bootstrap has numerous benefits, like its flexible grid system, extensive icons library, and compatibility with modern desktop and mobile browsers.
Features:
- Utilize pre-built code blocks
- Maintains project consistency across team members
- Provides a wide array of components
- Establishes baseline styling for numerous HTML elements
- Customize Bootstrap to match project-specific requirements.
Pricing:
Bootstrap is one of the most remarkable and popular software development tools ever out there. And here’s the best part: it’s completely free!
11. Azure
Microsoft Azure is a developer favorite for building, deploying, and managing web applications. It supports multiple programming languages, frameworks, and operating systems. Azure is a cloud environment for application management, excelling in risk identification and elimination.
Microsoft Azure is a superb choice for teams that adhere to lean software development principles. Offering a wide range of products and services, Azure caters to all your needs through a user-friendly and seamlessly manageable platform. It offers three primary cloud computing platform services:
- SaaS – Software as a Service
- IaaS – Infrastructure as a Service
- PaaS – Platform as a Service
Features:
- Covers a wide range of essential programming languages for web app development
- Features an extensive SDK library, including renowned tools like Eclipse, Vs Code, and Visual Studio
- Create, deploy, and oversee applications directly within Azure
- Accelerated data access during development through Azure cache
- Strong ties with Microsoft BI for robust integrations
Pricing:
You can try out Microsoft Azure for free. Take a look at the different pricing editions below and find out more about the product here to figure out which one suits you best:
- Developer: $29 per month
- Standard: $100 per month
- Professional Direct: $1000 per month
12. HTML5 Builder
HTML5 Builder is a powerful software solution that empowers you to create stunning web and mobile apps. With just a single codebase in HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and PHP, you can develop apps that target multiple mobile operating systems, devices, and web browsers.
With HTML5 Builder, you don’t have to stress about learning a new programming language or writing code—no need to worry about talking to jQuery or mobile JavaScript libraries either. HTML5 Builder has got you covered with a wide range of drag-and-drop components that you can easily customize or use as is to build your applications faster!
Features:
- Swiftly develop cross-platform Apps with adaptable Cloud services
- Accelerated development through a unified visual framework
- Top-notch tool fostering Designer-Developer collaboration
- Craft Enterprise or ISV web and mobile apps
- Formulate geolocation-based browser and mobile apps using HTML5 Builder’s geolocation components.
Pricing:
You can now access HTML5 Builder as a component of RAD Studio Professional, RAD Studio Enterprise, RAD Studio Ultimate, or RAD Studio Architect.
13. Red Hat CodeReady Workspaces
Red Hat CodeReady Workspaces is a tool for automating the deployment of applications or microservices to multiple servers. It takes care of everything, from deploying text and binary files to any number of target servers. It’s a game-changer for your software development process!
As a server and cloud IDE for developers, Workspaces consist of project code files and their dependencies needed for editing, building, running, and debugging. Each workspace has its own private IDE accessible through a browser, which downloads the IDE as a single-page web application.
Features:
- Manage app-specific settings for different environments
- Generate command-line installers for versatile deployments
- Eradicates installation and configuration hassles
- Mitigates operational risks in the development process
- Supports diverse OS: Linux, Windows, Mac OS X, Solaris, etc
Pricing:
You can get Red Hat CodeReady Workspaces for free with an OpenShift subscription. Just join the Red Hat Developer Program and download it!
14. Pumble
If you’re looking for a collaborative software platform, Pumble is an excellent choice! It’s not only affordable but also offers superb team communication throughout the software development process. Plus, you can even try out the free version.
Pumble offers unlimited users and message history for free. Accessible through a browser or installed on your computer or mobile phone, Pumble ensures you never miss important updates while communicating with your team.
Features:
- Send multiple messages to various recipients
- Organize communication by creating phase-specific channels and using DMs for team check-ins
- Control notifications, deciding when and where to receive them
- Pin, save, and set reminders for crucial messages
Pricing:
Pumble is free to use but offers a Pro version with extra features. You can have full access to the Pro version for $1.99 per user per month.
15. Plaky
Plaky is a great option for free project management tools in software development. It offers the advantage of a minimal learning curve, making it user-friendly and intuitive for beginners.
It really shines when it comes to task management and collaboration, making it super easy for teams to use. And the best part? Plaky has some awesome progress-tracking features that will help you stay on top of your game throughout the software development life cycle (SDLC).
Features:
- Personalizable templates, including the product roadmap option
- When ready for product launch, utilize the product launch template for planning
- Employ Plaky’s bug tracking template for monitoring bugs and project progress
Pricing:
Plaky is free to use forever. You can also get additional features by subscribing to their plans:
- Pro: $4.99/user/month (or $3.99/user/month billed annually)
- Enterprise: $10.99/user/month (or $8.99/user/month billed annually)
Hire Software Developers from StarTechUP!
Among the different software development tools listed above, there’s one more option you should consider this 2025: working with StarTechUP!
We’re a full software development services company that provides high-quality software applications tailored to meet the needs of your business. Our team of experienced developers has the skills to craft solutions that will optimize your business processes and make them run smoother.
We don’t just provide development services; we can also help you with product ideation, Artificial Intelligence (AI) development, mobile app development, and so much more! We suggest an agile approach so we can easily adjust to changes as they come up!
Contact us today to get started! We look forward to hearing from you soon.
