Android Studio vs Cloud9 IDE: What are the differences?

Key Differences between Android Studio and Cloud9 IDE

1. Integration with Android SDK: Android Studio is specifically designed for Android app development and comes with built-in support for the Android SDK. It provides seamless integration with other Android development tools and features, making it easier for developers to create and test Android applications. On the other hand, Cloud9 IDE is a cloud-based integrated development environment that supports multiple programming languages and platforms. While it offers Android development capabilities, it may require additional setup and configuration to work with the Android SDK.

2. Platform Accessibility: Android Studio is a desktop application that is installed on the developer's local machine, allowing for offline access and faster performance when working on projects. Cloud9 IDE, on the other hand, is a web-based IDE that is accessed through a web browser. This means that developers can access their projects from any device with an internet connection, making it more convenient for collaborative development or when working on different machines.

3. Collaboration and Teamwork: Android Studio provides built-in features for collaboration and teamwork, allowing multiple developers to work on the same project simultaneously. It supports version control systems like Git, making it easier to manage and merge code changes. Cloud9 IDE also offers collaboration capabilities, allowing developers to share their development environment and code with others in real-time. It promotes seamless collaboration, making it easier for teams to work together on projects.

4. Development Environment Configuration: Android Studio provides a comprehensive development environment that comes with pre-configured settings and templates for Android app development. It offers a visual layout editor, code completion, and debugging tools, among others. Cloud9 IDE, being a cloud-based IDE, requires some configuration and setup to customize the development environment according to specific project requirements. However, it offers flexibility in terms of the programming languages, frameworks, and platforms it supports.

5. Project Deployment and Hosting: Android Studio facilitates the deployment of Android applications to various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and wearables. It provides tools for building, packaging, and signing APKs (Android application packages). Cloud9 IDE, being a cloud-based IDE, does not directly support deploying Android applications to devices. However, it can be used to develop and test web services or server-side components that may be part of an Android application.

6. Pricing and Licensing: Android Studio is an open-source IDE and is available for free without any licensing fees. It can be downloaded and used by anyone for Android app development. Cloud9 IDE, on the other hand, offers both free and paid plans, with the free plan having certain limitations in terms of resources and features. The pricing and licensing models of Cloud9 IDE may vary depending on the usage requirements and the hosting provider.

In Summary, Android Studio is a dedicated IDE for Android app development, providing seamless integration with the Android SDK, while Cloud9 IDE is a versatile web-based IDE that supports multiple programming languages and platforms, offering collaboration features and flexibility in customization.