15 Software Developing Tools for Startups and Small Businesses in 2024

The best software development tools can speed up all projects that need to be assessed by your development team, which leads to better efficiency and therefore, bigger profits. However, there are so many tools on the market along with some open-source solutions, and if you are not an expert it is difficult to find the right software for your company.

But, have no fear, the Infinity team is here to help you with that daunting task, and here we present you with 15 software developing tools for startups and small businesses in 2024.

We briefly mentioned what software development tools are right at the start of this article, but you should know more details before deciding on buying a specific tool from our list.

What Are Software Developing Tools?

Software development tools are used for creating, editing, supporting, debugging, and maintaining software. They are usually very light and fast, and a good development team can utilize them in a way that makes them completely stealthy; they will be able to identify problems even before you notice them!

If you want to know more about software development programs and specific cases they can be used for, we can say that there are three main uses and effects of these tools:

• Optimizing business and development processes
• Better productivity and faster project completion
• Streamlining and maintaining the desired project workflow

How to Pick Software Dev Tools?

Since software developing tools are mainly used by developers, managers and the C-suite in your company don't necessarily need the knowledge required for using these programs.

Still, it is helpful to have at least a basic understanding of how they work. Therefore, simple and user-friendly tools will have an advantage on our best software development tools list.

Since you must invest a lot of time (and money) to find the best solution for your business, you can't make costly errors. You need someone to trust, someone who was there before you, and we highly advise you to always check out real user reviews before clicking the "buy" button.

And now, the good stuff—let’s dive into the review of 15 software developing tools that should be on your radar in 2024.

15 Software Developing Tools to Check Out In 2024

1. Infinity — A User-Friendly Software Developing Tool For Everyone

From sprint planning and bug tracking to product roadmaps and code review management, you can create any type of process you need within Infinity and then use different filters to arrange and display your data. In short: it's a software development tool that adapts to your need and not the other way around.

Thanks to its infinite structure, you can organize boards, folders and subfolders however you like and create a software developing system that works for you the best. Plus, you get to view your items in multiple ways: as calendars, tables, lists, Kanban boards, charts, documents, forms and Gantt timelines.

Infinity doesn’t allow you to feel overwhelmed by the number of tasks you end up with, and it’s easy to keep track of everything via notifications, the comments section, and the activity log.

In addition to that, you get to integrate Infinity with Zapier and gain access to over 3,000 other apps, as well as Clockify which allows you to track time for all of your tasks.

Key Features

• Flexible Structure—Whether you're managing sprints, tracking bugs, or handling code reviews, you can customize each board, folder and subfolder to fit your workflow perfectly.

• Sprint Planning and Tracking—With Infinity’s Kanban boards, Gantt charts, and calendar views, you can plan, execute, and track your sprints effectively.

• Bug Tracking—Create and manage detailed bug reports within Infinity. Use custom fields to capture essential information such as severity, priority, and status. Set up notifications to stay informed about any changes or updates.

• Product Roadmaps—Plan your product development lifecycle with Infinity. Prioritize features, set release dates, and track progress to ensure your team stays aligned with your strategic goals.

• Code Review Management—Organize and streamline your code review process. Assign reviewers, set deadlines, and keep track of comments and changes all within the platform.

• Integration with Development Tools—Infinity integrates with various development tools like GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket, allowing you to link commits, pull requests, and issues directly to your tasks in Infinity.

• Automations and Recurring Tasks—Automate repetitive tasks and set up recurring tasks to streamline your workflow. This feature helps save time and reduces the risk of missing critical steps in your development process.

  Time Tracking and Reporting—Track the time spent on different tasks using Clockify integration. Generate reports to analyze the efficiency of your team and identify areas for improvement.

  Collaboration and Communication—Encourage collaboration among team members with comments, mentions, and notifications to keep everyone in the loop and ensure smooth project execution.

• Document and File Management—Store all your project-related documents and files in one place. Use Infinity’s document management features to keep everything organized and easily accessible.

• Multiple Views and Filters—Switch between 8 different views to manage your tasks effectively, then use filters to sort and prioritize tasks based on various criteria.

• Browser, Desktop & Mobile Apps—Access your work anytime, anywhere thanks to Infinity's mobile and desktop apps, as well as browser version.

For more information, check out our product overview video:

Infinity also comes with over 70 pre-made templates that will help you organize your software development team and tasks:

• Bug Tracker Template
• Agile Development Template
• Product Management Template
• Sprint Planning Template

Pricing

Infinity offers two types of plans: Basic and Pro. Basic plans start from $6 per user per month, and Pro plans start from $9 per user per month. There's also a trial available that you can use for 14 days.

2. Linx — Low-Code Software Developing Tool

Image Source: linx.software

Linx is a low-code software development tool that can be used for creating, automating, and integrating business applications.

It is very easy to use. Linx employs a drag-and-drop interface where you can easily move elements and create (or edit) applications, transfer data, manage files, and many other things.

In a nutshell, Linx consists of many specialized tools such as real-time triggers, data validations, data parsing and manipulation, built-in schedulers, etc.

You can connect Linx to various databases as well, like MS-SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle, and Postgres.

Key Features

• Easy Maintenance
• Runs Complex Integrations Smoothly
• Great at Transforming Data
• Easy to Deploy
• Very Fast, no Lag
• Automates Complex Processes in no Time
• Great Support Team
• Compatible with all Operating Systems
• Several Software Development Tools Incorporated in One

Pricing

Linx offers a free trial. Paid versions start at $149 per feature, per month.

3. Atom — A Hackable Text Editor Among SW Development Tools

Image Source: atom.io

Atom is an open-source software development tool used for manipulating text. Some would probably argue that Atom itself can’t be put in a group of software dev tools, and that is just a simple, although powerful, text editor.

But, since it is a cross-platform app that can be customized without wasting time on modifying the configuration file, this makes it very suitable for development and even management tools.

Another great thing about Atom is that this is an open-source project, and you can even become a part of the Atom community and help others to improve this already amazing text editor.

People in Atom know that a great text editor is the core of a developer’s toolbox, and they created integrations with other software developing tools, such as GitHub.

Key Features

• Easy to Customize
• Allows Cross-Platform Editing
• Has In-Built Package Manager
• Allows Fast Coding
• Open Source
• Smart Auto-Completion
• File System Browser
• Find and Replace
• Multiple Panes
• Intuitive and Simple Interface

Pricing

Since Atom is an open-source project, it is completely free and Atom developers claim it always will be free.

4. Zoho — A Software Development Tool That Can Transform Your Business Fast

Image Source: zoho.com

Zoho Creator is a low-code software development platform used to build, integrate and transform your digital business.

The coolest thing about Zoho is that this tool is so simple it allows you to make every necessary change quickly, and securely, regardless of your coding knowledge or the complexity of your requirements!

If you want to create highly customized applications, this software development tool is the right choice for you.

However, if you are still unsure what you want, you can even explore and experiment with their prebuilt applications!

Key Features

• Low-Code
• Get More with Less Effort
• Very Secure
• Create Insightful Reports
• Connect and Share Your Data across Teams
• Integrations with Other Apps Available
• Usable with Any Device
• Easily Customizable
• Great for Small and Large Teams
• Saves a Lot of Time for Developing Apps

Pricing

Zoho Creator offers a forever free plan, while paid plans start from $15 per user monthly.

5. Cloud 9 — The Best Cloud-Based Software Development Platform

Image Source: aws.amazon.com/cloud9

Cloud 9 is one of the best software development tools on the market, especially in the last couple of years.

It was acquired by Amazon Web Service in 2016, after which Cloud 9 went through a major overhaul and improvement, which solidified its place among the top development tools.

One of the reasons why Cloud 9 is so good is the fact it can be fully integrated online, and support every major programming language, such as JavaScript, PHP, Python, etc.

Some people would argue that Cloud 9 was better before 2016, because it was an open-source project, while after AWS acquisition it became chargeable per the usage. However, the improvements AWS brought to the app are well worth paying for it.

Key Features

• Web-Based
• Used for Scripting, Running, and Debugging the Code
• File Dragging
• Excellent for Collaboration
• Allows Sharing the Workspace to Other Team Members
• Excels at Writing, Running, and Debugging Serverless Applications
• Direct Access to AWS Servers
• A Broad Selection of Configurations
• Supports Every Major Programming Language
• Can be Integrated with Other Apps

Pricing

A free version is still available, while paid plans depending on the number of hours using the app.

6. NetBeans — Java Open Source Software Development Tool

Image Source: netbeans.apache.org

NetBeans is another open-source software developing tool that is primarily used for creating desktop, mobile, and web applications.

Written in Java, allows quick and quality results in capable hands. Because of its drag and drop interface, web developers love this tool and it is one of the most often used and highest rated software development programs.

Another cool feature of this app is the possibility to load multiple projects at the same time, which doesn’t slow your computer down, and switching between projects is easy and straightforward as well.

Its interface is intuitive, modern, and simple. Most developers who chose NetBeans in the past stick with their choice.

Key Features

• Fast Coding
• Open Source
• Works on All Operating Systems
• Debugging
• Profiling
• Smart Code Editing
• Dedicated Support
• Powerful GUI Builder
• Well Organized Code
• Intuitive

Pricing

NetBeans has a free version that is enough for average needs. If you need additional features, you should contact them for pricing.

7. GitHub — The Largest Software Development Platform

Image Source: github.com

GitHub is a software development platform fully developed to code. It allows code writing, code review, and code management, and it is a completely collaborative platform, hence amazing for big companies and their development teams.

This is a commercial tool and within it, your professionals will get access to a wide palette of specialized dev tools that allow hosting code, reviewing code, and managing projects in general.

GitHub is also a code repository tool, and that earned them popularity within the developing community. Code repository means that you have a web hosting facility where software developers and programmers store large amounts of source code for safekeeping.

GitHub allows complete control to the developer, it is fast, well-designed, and most importantly, very reliable!

Key Features

• Reliable
• Code Repository
• Ultra-Fast
• All Round Coding Tool
• Automatically Update Code Vulnerabilities
• Code Review
• Automated Workflow
• Collaborative Platform
• Great for Students and Experienced Professionals
• Version Control

Pricing

GitHub offers a basic plan for free, while the team plan starts at $4 per user per month.

8. Bootstrap — Open Source and Mobile-First Software Development Tool

Image Source: getbootstrap.com

Bootstrap is a software developing tool built mainly for mobile applications. Essentially, it is a framework for developing CSS, JS, and HTML.

The biggest forte of this tool is numerous components that are already built in, which makes the web page development process straightforward and fast.

Since this tool is important for mobile web pages, you probably already guessed that it is used mainly for creating responsive sites, that are usually opened from mobile devices.

This software is open-source, free to use for everyone, and for that reason, it is very popular among developers searching for the best front-end toolkit.

Key Features

• Premade Blocks of Code
• Huge List of Components
• Very Customizable
• Specialized for Responsive Web Pages
• Open Source
• Java Script Plugins Incorporated
• Intuitive Interface
• Lightning Fast
• Easy to Master
• Light

Pricing

Bootstrap is completely free.

9. Node.js — The Most Famous Cross Software Development Platform

Image Source: nodejs.org

Node.js is a software development platform that runs on JavaScript. It was being around for over a decade, and it is still going strong.

Although Node can't exist without JavaScript, it is seen as a separate technology, because it includes many specific features.

One of the biggest advantages of this tool is its speed. It is a high-speed and event-based model, which allows taking simultaneous small tasks all the time, without impending the core thread.

Another unique feature of this app is that it allows concurrent requests to be processed at the same time, and without any delays. It might be a significant advantage over concurrent apps, especially for the users who value speed.

Key Features

• High Speed
• Microservices
• Built-in JavaScript
• Dynamic Tech Stack
• Vast Tools List
• Intuitive Design
• Easy to Use
• Can be Integrated with Other Tools
• Highly Efficient
• Only One Language Used

Pricing

Node.js is a completely free, open-source platform.

10. CodeLobster — One of the Favorite Software Developing Tools for Java Developers

Image Source: codelobster.com

CodeLobster is a great software developing tool for true professionals. It is among the favorite tools for any Java developer and it is not intended for newbies in this field.

That might be seen as a flaw, but it actually isn't because CodeLobster can do a lot in specialized and capable hands.

It is used for developing applications and supports HTML, JavaScript, Smarty, and CSS. It simplifies the website development process, and although we previously mentioned that it is intended for experienced professionals, this fact allows every Average Joe to learn CodeLobster in a reasonable amount of time.

CodeLobster supports other page builders, such as WordPress, Magento, and Joomla.

Key Features

• Text Editor
• HTML Editor and Code Inspector
• CSS Editor
• JavaScript Editor
• TypeScript Editor
• PHP Editor and Debugger
• Version Control Systems
• SASS and LESS
• Node.js Support
• Code Snippets and Formatting

Pricing

CodeLobster has a free version available to everyone. If you need more from this tool, the professional version costs $79.95 per three activations.

11. Codenvy — Software Development Tool Specialized in Debug

Image Source: codenvy.com

Codenvy is one of the software developing tools based on a cloud. Since it is in a cloud environment, we know that this tool is excellent both for small and large teams, that can collaborate easily in real-time by using this app.

Apart from coding and creating applications, Codenvy is used as a debugger as well. Efficiency is very important here, and the tool passed that test with flying colors.

You can start and continue any project from any computer at any time of the day. You can also work both offline and online, and you can deploy Codenvy to your data center or any cloud literally in seconds.

Codenvy works with any browser and their integration abilities are infinite.

Key Features

• Agile
• Can be Developed with Any IDE
• Allows Top Collaboration Between Teams
• Create and Edit Workplaces
• Great Debugger
• Can be Integrated with Other Tools
• Very Fast
• Excellent Design
• Used for Heavy Duty Coding
• Extremely Stable

Pricing

Codenvy is free with 3 GB RAM and an additional $10 per GB per month.

12. Jira — Software Development Platform for Large and Agile Teams

Image Source: atlassian.com

Jira is one of the most popular software dev tools. In fact, it is the number one choice for many agile teams out there. This app is used for the whole app development process, from the planning, all the way to releasing the software.

However, Jira is even more than a mere development tool. It can be used for creating tasks, plan sprints, and user issues, so it is also a project management platform.

It comes with premade workflows, but if you don't like that, you can create and fully customize your workflow.

Jira pays attention to security and scalability as well and allows integrations with any other tool.

Key Features

• Create Workflows
• Great for Team Collaboration
• Intuitive Interface
• Reports on Team Performance
• Project Management
• Project Tracking
• Fully Customizable
• Great Tool for HR
• Scalability
• Very Flexible

Pricing

Jira's paid plans start from $20 monthly per 10 users. You can also choose plans based on projects and development.

13. Eclipse — Software Development Tool and Workspace Server in One

Image Source: eclipse.org

Eclipse is another software developing tool on a cloud. However, since Eclipse is not built only in one language, it allows integration and combination of all languages, which is an advantage for development teams versed in cross integration.

It also integrates other micro tools and features you can find in other tools as well, so Eclipse is an all-around tool used for creating, debugging, refactoring, and completing the code.

Eclipse is powered by the community. It is an open platform that mainly targets professional developers. 

That doesn't mean beginners can't use this tool, but with its design and bit old fashion look it is not that appealing to newcomers in the industry.

Key Features

• Project Development
• Project Management
• Code Debugging
• Got a Ton of Plugins
• Process the Code Fast
• Very Versatile
• Supports Every Major Computer Language
• Tutorials on How to Use the Tool Available
• Fully Customizable
• Runs Smoothly Even on Slower Computers

Pricing

There is a free version available, that has all the major features unlocked. 

14. Zend Studio — The Next Generation Software Development Platform

Image Source: zend.com

Zend studio is one of the most modern and best-designed development tools currently available on the market! It allows lots of options both for individuals and teams.

It is used for faster coding and easier debugging. The main idea behind this software is to boost the developer's productivity, and business owners will certainly like that as well.

Zend Studio can be used as a standalone server, but it can also be integrated with Zend Server, for a full and integrated solution.

This tool works in almost all languages, but the main is PHP.

Key Features

• Debugging
• Profiling
• Inteligent Code Editing
• Simplifying Deployment
• Interoperability
• Great Design
• All Languages Supported
• Easily Integrated with Other Apps
• Can be used as a standalone server
• Integrated Development Environment

Pricing

You can try this software for free, while the paid plans start at $89.

15. Embold — The Top Software Developing Tool for Fixing Bugs

Image Source: embold.io

Embold is a rather unique software developing tool. It can fix bugs before deployment, which saves a lot of time as a consequence. 

Embold is also a lot more than a development tool—it is a software analytics platform that can analyze source code and find errors that can affect the app stability, security, maintainability, and other core things which are essential for any application to function properly.

It is one of the fastest apps of its kind on the market, which allows the user to focus on other things.

With Embold you can also learn the best practices and build better architecture.

Key Features

• Very Fast
• Fixing Bugs Before Deployment
• Software Analytics
• Numerous Integrations
• Several Plugins Available
• Gives a great Insight to Managers
• Slick UI
• Easy to Use
• Source Code Analysis
• Debugger

Pricing

There is a free version available, which should be enough for any regular user. The premium plan supports up to 1000 users.

Conclusion

This concludes our list of 15 software developing tools for startups and small businesses.

If you want to know more about Infinity, you can contact us by sending an email at team@startinfinity.com or schedule a demo with one of our employees.