Sometimes, we run into situations where we want to test the source code of a new program. It may be a script with a bug that you were trying to find a fix for, but you don’t have access to a web server to test the solution that just popped up in your mind. Well, in these unexpected situations, we can make use of online compilers. These are free online compilers, requires no installation and is cross-platform so you need not to worry about compatibility issues.
CodeRun
Coderun.com is a free and web-based compiler for C-Sharp, Javascript and PHP. It has some inbuilt templates for C-Sharp: SharpKit, Silverlight, social, Web and Windows; Chrome and Web for Javascript. It presents you with an inviting interface.
It can open existing projects (user needs to be signed in) that you have been working with, on the website. Coderun.com can let you upload or download a PHP, Javascript or a C-Sharp project in .zip format. Running the program after building it, will open a new window with the output in it. It is also gifted with a debug tool and you can set “watches” on variables you want to keep a check on. It highlights the keywords, making the code easier to be understood.
The projects can be renamed or removed. The warnings, errors and messages can also be viewed. You can share a direct link to your program, share it on Facebook, Twitter, Digg, Delicious and StumleUpon. The program or script can be kept private to avoid your program showing up on search results with Search Engines.
You can check out the CodeRun website here.
Codepad
Codepad.org has a very simple interface, just enough to get the job done. It has a textarea where the code can be typed or pasted into. The language can be chosen by clicking on the radio button next to the language you want to work with. The Private checkbox can be checked if you want to keep the code to yourself and don’t want it to show up on Search Engine’s results page. It doesn’t highlight the code however supports a descent list of languages: C, C++, D, Haskell, Lua, OCaml, PHP, Perl, Python, Ruby, Scheme, tcl and can edit plain text.
The code can be shared with others with the unique URL assigned to your code. You can delete the code if you wish to. A comment can also be posted to the code.
You can check out the Codepad website here.
CompileOnline
It has an incredible interface, which when viewed in full screen mode, looks just like an IDE installed on your computer. It supports a variety of languages: Embedded C, Erlang, Fortran-95. F#, Go Lang, Haskell, ICON, Java, MozartOZ, Nimrod, Objective-C, OCaml, Pascal, Pawn, Rust, Scala, Simula, VB.Net, Verilog, Befunge, Brainf**k, Intercal, LOLCODE, Malbolge, Unlambda, Whitespace, LISP, Lua, Matlab/Octave, Node.js, Perl, PARI/GP, PHP, Pike, Prolog, Python, Python-3, Rexx, R Programming, Ruby, Scheme, Smalltalk, SQLite, SQL, Tcl, Unix Shell, HTML-5, CSS-3, Javascript, jQuery, MooTools, Prototype, Raphael, AngularJS, Dojo, ExtJS, VB-Script, jQueryMobile.
The output of the program is shown in the same window on the right side. Multiple files can be viewed in tabs. Files can be downloaded in compressed form. Command Line arguments and STDIN can also be specified, enabling you to test those programs that requires an input from the user. It highlights the keywords too.
You can check out CompileOnline website here.
IdeOne
IdeOne.com has a simple interface with a textarea for the code. It highlights the keywords, though this feature can be turned off. It provides a box where the input for the program can be supplied. It lets you add notes for the program or script. IdeOne.com also has sample codes for the languages so this feature will be helpful for those who are new to a programming language and want to quickly refer to the syntax of the programming language.
Languages supported: COBOL, C#, Python, Haskell, Pascal (fpc), C, Pascal (gpc), Perl, C++, PHP, Python 3, Java, Ruby, Java7, SQL, Objective-C, VB.NET, Assembler, Common Lisp (clisp), JavaScript (rhino), Pike, Assembler, JavaScript (spidermonkey), Prolog (gnu), AWK (gawk), Nimrod, Scheme (guile), C++ 4.3.2, Forth, Node.js, Smalltalk, Fortran, Ocaml, Tcl, CLIPS, Go, Octave, Unlambda, Icon, PARI/GP, Whitespace, etc.
You can check out IdeOne website here.
Conclusion
Online IDE and compilers can be useful in situations where you want to test a program or a script when you don’ have a compiler installed in the computer. May be, you don’t have the system privileges to install a software. But, this can never take place of a full-fledged, IDE or a compiler installed in your computer because of the flexibility and features it provides you, like working with a library file (.lib or .dll) and support for plugins for example. Moreover it cannot be used for developing interactive applications that requires user input which cannot be predictable at all times.
I would personally prefer to use an installed IDE. But if I am working on my friend’s computer, who doesn’t want me to make any changes to his computer, then I would remember to use one of the online compilers.
