An integrated development environment (IDE) is a software application that provides comprehensive tools for software development. It typically includes a code editor, a debugger, and build automation tools, all in one interface. This integration helps developers write, test, and debug their code more efficiently. IDEs support various programming languages, such as Python, Java, and C++, making them versatile for different projects. Popular examples of IDEs include Visual Studio, Eclipse, and PyCharm. By streamlining the development process, IDEs enhance productivity and reduce the complexity of managing multiple tools.