Top 5 Online JavaScript Editors – A Beginner’s Guide

Online JavaScript editors are invaluable assets for developers of all levels. An online JavaScript editor (online JS editor) streamlines coding by allowing you to write JavaScript directly within your web browser, just like you would in a traditional code editor. This flexibility is especially beneficial for beginners and those seeking collaboration with other developers.

With so many online JS editors available, choosing the right one can seem daunting. Don’t worry – this article will guide you through the process! We’ll cover:

• Understanding Online JS editor: How does it differ from WYSIWYG HTML editor and full-fledged IDEs (Integrated Development Environments)?
• Benefits of an Online JavaScript Editor: Explore the advantages an JS online editor offers, from accessibility to collaboration features.
• Finding the Perfect Fit: Learn how to select an online JavaScript editor that matches your specific needs.

Let’s dive into the world of online JavaScript editing!

Key takeaways

• Online JavaScript editors (JSEs) provide a browser-based environment for coding, testing, and running JavaScript without installation.
• They offer essential features such as syntax highlighting, auto-completion, error checking, and real-time collaboration.
• Top online JavaScript editors include CodePen, JSFiddle, CodeSandbox, JS Bin, and W3Schools Editor, each with unique strengths for different use cases.
• Online editors are ideal for quick prototyping, sharing code snippets, and collaborative development.
• Choosing the right online JavaScript editor depends on project size, collaboration needs, and feature requirements—some focus on lightweight testing, while others offer IDE-like experiences.

By leveraging online JavaScript editors, developers can enhance productivity, streamline coding workflows, and collaborate efficiently in a cloud-based environment. 

What is an online JavaScript editor?

Online JavaScript editors (JSEs) are just what they sound like: browser-based tools for writing, editing, running, and even sharing your JavaScript code. They pack core features found in traditional code editors – syntax highlighting, error checking, and auto-completion – into a convenient online environment. You’ll often find multiple windows within a JavaScript editor, dedicated to your HTML, JavaScript, CSS, output, and console.

Online JavaScript editor and the world of HTML editors

Understanding JavaScript Editor also means knowing a bit about HTML editors. These come in two flavors:

• WYSIWYG Editors: These let you build web content visually, with minimal coding. Think of them as drag-and-drop website builders.
• HTML Code Editors These are text-based, perfect for directly writing HTML and related languages – JavaScript is where JSEs shine!

JSEs vs. IDEs: What’s the Difference?

While both help you build projects, an online JSE (JavaScript Editor) is generally more lightweight than a full-fledged IDE (Integrated Development Environment). IDEs are often desktop software with advanced features like in-depth debugging, testing tools, and version control integration.

Related: JS Editor Features

Let’s learn more about the difference between JS Editor (JSE) and IDE in the next section.

What’s the difference between a JSE and an IDE?

Both JSEs and IDEs have the same goal of making development easier, and they do have their similarities. The main difference between them is that IDEs are much larger tools that consist of a code editor and more. JavaScript editors are typically lightweight and focused on code editing. IDEs, however, also deal with compilation, version control, directory management, testing, and more. Some IDEs even have WYSIWYG functionality within them, letting users write code and use a toolbar for generating components.

Both JavaScript editors and IDEs provide many benefits to users, and neither is better than the other overall. When choosing between the two, you have to assess your needs and what you’re most comfortable with. For instance, if you want to build large applications easily without coding much, then use IDEs or WYSIWYG editors. Similarly, if you’re more comfortable with purely writing code, then JavaScript Editors (JSEs) could work.

But for now, we’ll focus on JSE, specifically the online JS editor, which is even more lightweight and portable. So, why don’t we explore the benefits that these online editors bring to developers?

What are the benefits of JavaScript online editors?

Here are some of the best benefits that developers can get when using online JavaScript editors:

• Convenience – With online JSEs, developers can access their codes from anywhere provided they have an internet connection. Furthermore, developers won’t have to set up or install anything. This makes prototyping, testing, and helping others with their codes more efficient. That’s why developers also call these editors cloud-based editors.
• Collaboration features – Excellent online JSEs allow multiple developers to work on shared JS codes in real-time. This makes collaboration easier for teams or support groups of developers.
• Versioning – Sometimes, people use online editors once (for something like testing) and never come back. However, there are developers who write large amounts of code using online editors. Luckily for them, some online editors have version tracking, revision history, and version rollback features for smoother maintenance.
• Code sharing – Most online JS editors let their users easily share their code by generating a unique link or embedding it. When you go to Stack Overflow or other developer forums, you’ll see plenty of people sharing their prototype codes.
• Cost-free – One of the best things about editors is that most of them are free. I mean, most HTML code editors are as well, but it’s always nice to have as many free tools as possible, right?

What are the top online JavaScript editors?

I’m sure that you’ve encountered at least one of the top editors we have today. But there are other great ones aside from the most popular editors (you know, the ones we always see on Stack Overflow). Here are the top online JS editors:

Codepen.io

Codepen is one of the two most popular editors. A “social development environment,” it lets users build, deploy, test, and share their work. It has a clean interface, which by default shows the HTML, CSS, and JS windows separately, with the output and console below. It has the following features:

• Syntax highlighting
• Autocomplete
• Theming and font styling
• Various editor options (format on save, line numbers, etc.)
• Support for customizable code embedding
• Drag-and-drop asset hosting
• Project directory management (IDE-like experience)
• Real-time collaboration
• Private codes with access control

Tutorial example of Codepen

Here’s a basic example to demonstrate how to use CodePen’s JS editor effectively. This example creates a button that changes text and background color when clicked.

Steps to Use CodePen’s JS editor

1. Go to CodePen.io and create a new Pen.
2. Use the HTML, CSS, and JS panels to structure your code.
3. Write the following code in the respective sections:

HTML (Add this in the HTML panel)

<div class="container">
    <h2>Click the Button!</h2>
    <button id="changeButton">Click Me</button>
</div>

CSS (Add this in the CSS panel)

body {
    font-family: Arial, sans-serif;
    text-align: center;
    background-color: #f4f4f4;
    padding: 50px;
}

.container {
    background: white;
    padding: 20px;
    border-radius: 10px;
    display: inline-block;
    box-shadow: 0px 4px 10px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);
}

button {
    background: #007bff;
    color: white;
    border: none;
    padding: 10px 20px;
    font-size: 16px;
    border-radius: 5px;
    cursor: pointer;
    transition: background 0.3s ease;
}

button:hover {
    background: #0056b3;
}

JavaScript (Add this in the JS panel)

// Select the button
const button = document.getElementById("changeButton");

// Array of colors for background change
const colors = ["#ff4757", "#1e90ff", "#2ed573", "#ff7f50", "#a29bfe"];

let index = 0;

// Add click event listener to the button
button.addEventListener("click", function () {
    // Change button text
    button.innerText = "Clicked!";

    // Change background color
    document.body.style.backgroundColor = colors[index];

    // Cycle through colors
    index = (index + 1) % colors.length;
});

Try it out in CodePen!

JSFiddle

JSFiddle is another highly popular online JS editor. It’s simple, lightweight, and intuitive. It has four windows (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and result with console). JSFiddle also supports frameworks like Vue, libraries like React, and even similar languages like TypeScript. Here are some of its features:

• Syntax highlighting
• Autocomplete
• Theming
• Various editor options (line numbers, auto-run code, etc.)
• Different available window layouts
• Import resources
• Asynchronous requests simulation
• Real-time collaboration
• Private codes with access control

Simple JSFiddle example: Interactive counter button

Here’s a basic example to demonstrate how to use JSFiddle’s JS editor effectively. This example creates a button that increments a counter when clicked.

Steps to use JSFiddle’s JS editor

1. Go to JSFiddle.net and create a new Fiddle.
2. Use the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript panels to structure your code.
3. Ensure the “JavaScript” setting is set to “onLoad” (so the script runs after the page loads).
4. Write the following code in the respective sections:

HTML (Add this in the HTML panel)

<div class="container">
    <h2>Counter: <span id="counter">0</span></h2>
    <button id="incrementBtn">Increase</button>
</div>

CSS (Add this in the CSS panel)

body {
    font-family: Arial, sans-serif;
    text-align: center;
    background-color: #f4f4f4;
    padding: 50px;
}

.container {
    background: white;
    padding: 20px;
    border-radius: 10px;
    display: inline-block;
    box-shadow: 0px 4px 10px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);
}

button {
    background: #28a745;
    color: white;
    border: none;
    padding: 10px 20px;
    font-size: 16px;
    border-radius: 5px;
    cursor: pointer;
    transition: background 0.3s ease;
}

button:hover {
    background: #218838;
}

JavaScript (Add this in the JavaScript panel)

// Select the counter and button elements
const counterElement = document.getElementById("counter");
const incrementButton = document.getElementById("incrementBtn");

let count = 0;

// Add event listener to the button
incrementButton.addEventListener("click", function () {
    count++; // Increase count
    counterElement.innerText = count; // Update the counter display
});

How this works in JSFiddle

• The HTML panel creates a counter inside a <span> and a button to increase its value.
• The CSS panel styles the button and container.
• The JavaScript panel adds a click event listener to update the counter when the button is pressed.

Try it out in JSFiddle!

CodeSandbox

CodeSandbox is another heavyweight online JavaScript editor when it comes to features. It promises to supercharge developers’ workflows with its cloud development capabilities. It also supports frameworks and libraries like Angular, React, and more. Here are some of the things it can do:

• Syntax highlighting
• Autocomplete
• Templates
• Import from GitHub
• A modern browser-like results window
• Support for testing
• Project directory management
• Real-time collaboration
• Private codes with access control

Simple CodeSandbox example: Interactive React counter app

This example demonstrates how to use CodeSandbox effectively by creating a simple React app with a counter button.

Steps to use CodeSandbox’s editor

1. Go to CodeSandbox and create a new sandbox.
2. Select the “React” template to start a React project.
3. In the src folder, open App.js and replace its content with the following:

Code for App.js (React component)

import React, { useState } from "react";
import "./styles.css"; // Import styles

export default function App() {
  const [count, setCount] = useState(0); // State for counter

  return (
    <div className="container">
      <h2>Counter: {count}</h2>
      <button onClick={() => setCount(count + 1)}>Increase</button>
    </div>
  );
}

Code for styles.css (Styling the app)

body {
  font-family: Arial, sans-serif;
  text-align: center;
  background-color: #f4f4f4;
  padding: 50px;
}

.container {
  background: white;
  padding: 20px;
  border-radius: 10px;
  display: inline-block;
  box-shadow: 0px 4px 10px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);
}

button {
  background: #007bff;
  color: white;
  border: none;
  padding: 10px 20px;
  font-size: 16px;
  border-radius: 5px;
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: background 0.3s ease;
}

button:hover {
  background: #0056b3;
}

How this works in CodeSandbox

• The JSX (React) code defines a simple counter with a button.
• The CSS file adds styling to make it look neat.
• Clicking the button updates the state (count), which triggers a re-render.

Try it out on CodeSandbox!

JS Bin

JS Bin is a simple yet handy. It might not look as great as the others, and it might not have a lot of features, but it’s perfect for simple tests. Aside from HTML, it also supports Markdown and conversion to HTML. Here are its capabilities:

• Syntax highlighting
• Auto-run code
• Export as gist (Git repository)
• Save as template
• Easy inclusion of JS libraries and frameworks
• Private codes with access control

Simple JS Bin example: Interactive button with JavaScript

This example demonstrates how to use JS Bin effectively by creating a button that changes color when clicked.

Steps to Use JS Bin’s JavaScript editor

1. Go to JS Bin.
2. Ensure the “HTML“, “CSS“, and “JavaScript” panels are enabled (you can enable them from the dropdown at the top-right).
3. Enter the following code in the respective panels:

HTML (Add this in the HTML panel)

<div class="container">
    <h2>Click the Button!</h2>
    <button id="colorButton">Change Color</button>
</div>

CSS (Add this in the CSS panel)

body {
    font-family: Arial, sans-serif;
    text-align: center;
    background-color: #f4f4f4;
    padding: 50px;
}

.container {
    background: white;
    padding: 20px;
    border-radius: 10px;
    display: inline-block;
    box-shadow: 0px 4px 10px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);
}

button {
    background: #007bff;
    color: white;
    border: none;
    padding: 10px 20px;
    font-size: 16px;
    border-radius: 5px;
    cursor: pointer;
    transition: background 0.3s ease;
}

button:hover {
    background: #0056b3;
}

JavaScript (Add this in the JavaScript panel)

// Select the button
const button = document.getElementById("colorButton");

// Array of colors for background change
const colors = ["#ff4757", "#1e90ff", "#2ed573", "#ff7f50", "#a29bfe"];

let index = 0;

// Add click event listener to the button
button.addEventListener("click", function () {
    // Change background color
    document.body.style.backgroundColor = colors[index];

    // Cycle through colors
    index = (index + 1) % colors.length;
});

How this works in JS Bin

• The HTML panel creates a simple button inside a div.
• The CSS panel styles the button and background.
• The JavaScript panel adds a click event that cycles through different background colors.

Try it out!

1. Copy and paste this code into JS Bin.
2. Click “Run” (or Ctrl + Enter) to execute the script.
3. Click the button and watch the background color change!

W3Schools online editor

When developers start their web coding journey, they will probably visit W3Schools at some point. What’s good about the site, aside from its tutorials, is that it has a built-in online editor. Unlike the other editors on this list, its online editor is primarily focused on learning. Thus, it’s more lightweight; however, it’s on this list because of its usefulness to beginners and experienced developers alike. Its features include:

• Syntax highlighting
• Basic theming
• Basic layout choices (portrait or landscape)
• Code saving

Simple example: Using W3Schools online editor

W3Schools provides an interactive online editor where you can edit HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and see the live output instantly.

Steps to Use W3Schools Online Editor

1. Go to W3Schools TryIt Editor.
2. Click “Edit and Run” to modify and execute the code.
3. Enter the following code in the editor and click Run.

Example: Interactive button with JavaScript

This example creates a button that changes the text and background color when clicked.

Code for W3Schools online editor

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
    <style>
        body {
            font-family: Arial, sans-serif;
            text-align: center;
            background-color: #f4f4f4;
            padding: 50px;
        }

        .container {
            background: white;
            padding: 20px;
            border-radius: 10px;
            display: inline-block;
            box-shadow: 0px 4px 10px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);
        }

        button {
            background: #007bff;
            color: white;
            border: none;
            padding: 10px 20px;
            font-size: 16px;
            border-radius: 5px;
            cursor: pointer;
            transition: background 0.3s ease;
        }

        button:hover {
            background: #0056b3;
        }
    </style>
</head>
<body>

    <div class="container">
        <h2>Click the Button!</h2>
        <button onclick="changeText()">Click Me</button>
    </div>

    <script>
        function changeText() {
            let button = document.querySelector("button");
            button.innerText = "Clicked!";
            document.body.style.backgroundColor = "#ffcc00";
        }
    </script>

</body>
</html>

Try it out!

Ideal features of an editor

Choosing an online JSE involves the same steps as choosing any other helpful tool. You should assess your requirements, check the editors’ features, and then check their pricing. Usually, the free features can handle most development or testing needs. At the very least, you should ensure that the editor has syntax highlighting. If you’ll use it for your business or to test out confidential codes, then you can try those with the private codes feature.

How to run code in an online JSE

Running code takes very little time in online JavaScript editors. Once you have your code ready, you should click the run, save, or play button (depending on how the editor calls it). Afterwards, the editor will run the code and produce the output in the result window. If the code has any errors, the editor will display them on the console. Some editors also have an auto-run feature.

Conclusion

The online JavaScript editor tool has blessed developers with its convenience since its introduction. And these tools are likely to stay because of that. In fact, they’re getting better with each passing year. As developers, we have to improve productivity with JSE and other tools. In this article, we talked about the top five online JS editors. Always remember that the best among them is the one that fits your project the most.

FAQs

Can I run JavaScript online?

Yes! You can run JavaScript online using online JavaScript editors (JSEs). These browser-based tools allow you to write, test, and execute JavaScript code without installing any software.

Some of the best online JavaScript editors for running JavaScript include:

✅ CodePen – Great for frontend development with live previews.
✅ JSFiddle – Supports JavaScript, HTML, and CSS with real-time collaboration.
✅ CodeSandbox – Ideal for React, Vue, and Angular projects.
✅ JS Bin – Simple and lightweight for quick JavaScript testing.
✅ W3Schools TryIt Editor – Beginner-friendly for running JavaScript code snippets.

These tools provide an instant coding environment where you can type JavaScript and see the output immediately, making them perfect for testing, debugging, and learning JavaScript.

How do I edit JavaScript in my browser?

You can edit JavaScript directly in your browser using:

✅ Browser Developer Tools – Open the Console (Ctrl + Shift + J in Chrome) to write and test JavaScript.
✅ Online JavaScript Editors – Use CodePen, JSFiddle, or W3Schools TryIt Editor to write and run JavaScript instantly.

These options let you edit, test, and execute JavaScript without any setup.