What does "IDE" stand for in software development?

The term "IDE" stands for Integrated Development Environment. This refers to a software application that provides comprehensive facilities to programmers for software development. An IDE typically includes a source code editor, build automation tools, and a debugger. It is designed to streamline the programming process by providing a single interface that integrates these various tools, making it easier for developers to write, test, and debug their code.

The use of an IDE enhances productivity by offering features such as syntax highlighting, code completion, and error detection, which can help reduce the development time and improve code quality. IDEs can also support multiple programming languages and provide version control integration.

While other options suggest different meanings, none capture the comprehensive integration of development tools that the correct term does. "Integrated Development Environment" effectively encapsulates the concept of a unified platform where all necessary development tasks can be performed seamlessly.