An IDE, or Integrated Development Environment, is a software suite that combines the basic tools needed for software development. It typically consists of a code editor, a compiler or interpreter, and a debugger, all in one graphical user interface. The primary purpose of an IDE is to simplify the process of developing and debugging code by consolidating these tasks into one platform, which helps developers work more efficiently. IDEs also often include additional features such as version control, syntax highlighting, and code completion to enhance productivity. Having all these tools integrated into one environment reduces the time developers spend switching between multiple programs. Popular IDEs include Visual Studio, IntelliJ IDEA, and Eclipse, among others. By using an IDE, developers can focus on writing code rather than managing the various tools they need to work with.