Likelihood to Recommend Apache Flex is an open-source SDK used to make rich Internet applications. It's developed with Action Script and MXML and works particularly well with Android and iOS ecosystems. Any flash-based application framework, such as Eclipse or the Flash above Builder, can be used to implement this. Free is best for mobile app developers, but suppose you have concerns, and consider Apache Flex's development team welcomes any questions via email.
Read full review Brackets can handle most text editing problems, at least if you have a file small enough that it opens. But with so many free and open-source editors out there, it is easy to have multiple tools that fit specific niches. If you are editing HTML and CSS, get Brackets.
Read full review Pros Runs on flash (at the time this was handy, not so much now. hah). Good support from the company. Ability to run offline. Read full review The Live Preview feature is extremely helpful. You can make tweaks to your CSS and then see how it affects the pge you're coding. The recently added file tree feature is really a time saver. You can move files with a drop and drag feature without ever minimizing the program. One of my favorite features is the ability to update the core program with extensions. Some of the extensions are simple, like adding themes, while others are a offer a little more assistance like creating Lorem Ipsum text for you. Read full review Cons It's heavy as it needs to load the Flash plugin first before rendering anything to the user. Not future ready as there is no support for mobile and tablet platforms. Read full review Can be a little slow to open and render larger files at times relative to a similar application running on the same computer. Some plugins have performance or quality issues (not the fault of Brackets per se, but with the ecosystem of extensions). Color schemes, styling ease of use could be improved. For example, provide out-of-the-box schemes like "high-contrast, night-time, bold." Jeff Hanson Applications Manager, Information Technology Services
Read full review Usability As far as usability, text editors are about as simple as you can get in the GUI world. The little features that make Brackets unique are intuitive enough that you don't really need a manual to find them and come to rely on them. If anybody knows enough about coding and markup enough to be looking for different editors, they will be up to speed before the download finishes.
Read full review Support Rating Brackets has a very extensive support site. Everything is organized nicely for easy navigation. If you can't find an answer you can easily file an issue with them and they will be quick to respond. What's cool is you can also message them on
Slack , if you request an invite first.
Slack is a very popular program right now so it's great having that integration.
Read full review Alternatives Considered Apache Flex is a modern, standards-based programming language that supports common design patterns. It's an open-source SDK used to make rich Internet applications that work on different browsers and platforms. Any flash-based application framework, such as Eclipse or the Flash above Builder, can be used to implement this. So far, in comparison, it's much more crucial, especially for people working in fields like mobile development.
Read full review Brackets can be considered as the barebones version of a more complex piece of software like Dreamweaver. We selected Brackets due to the simplicity of the UI and the ease of use. In our case we do not need all the additional tools and gadgets that other, more complex software packages offer. We need something that's quick, easy, uncluttered and focuses specifically on our needs, which are seeing code and editing code. In this case no frills and complex UIs are required.
Read full review Return on Investment Positive: Easy to learn if you already knew AS. Negative: Too heavy on flash knowledge (I know it's contradictory, but it was a plus & a minus). ROI was great since it saves time on multiple devices compiling. Read full review ROI is great. The version of the tool we are using is free so not a whole of lot “investment” went into it. And the work we can accomplish with it more than makes up for the “cost.” The ease of use makes it simple for anyone new to the tool to start using it and contributing to the project. Read full review ScreenShots