For web development and writing mostly code in PHP / Symfony, I prefer PHP Storm. I do also use the Eclipse IDE and have been happy with its latest version, Eclipse Luna, since it has a Symfony, Twig and YML modules which are full of code helpers and on-the-fly validation and overall it is very expandable.
One thing I do like is changing the themes of different code environments, it’s easier to get in the mode. Also, I like black screens, after staring a the monitor all day, I think it’s much easier on the eyes than white backgrounds. I might think about changing my WordPress admin theme, come to think of it!
Changing the theme in PHP Eclipse is fast and easy:
1. Go to Help > Install New Software…
2. In top field, paste “http://eclipse-color-theme.github.com/update” and click the “Add” button
3. Restart Eclipse then go to Window > Preferences > Appearance > Color Themes and select your favorite theme.
I personally like “Retta” or “Vibrant Ink”, I like to use one theme for PHP projects and a different color theme for Java, it helps keep the mind in one zone or the other, but that’s just a personal preference. Eclipse has come a long way and as a free IDE, it is amazing in its versatility.
A great product and community keeps it stable and always on the leading edge of innovation. I am looking forward to playing with it when I am learning the “Play” Java framework, which is eerily similar to Symfony 2.5. Makes you wonder if they’re not the same or who came along first… Either way, I sure am grateful they’re out there!
Visit www.Eclipse.org to learn more.
– Aaron Belchamber
www.AaronBelchamber.com
