What language are you using? Although many IDEs can handle more than one language, few do it well. Plus, it's likely overkill if you are just getting started. If you are still messing around with a bunch of different languages (which is great), stick with a good text editor like gEdit. One thing that's really helpful is syntax hilighting for the language you are working with. Even if you do pick a language, depending on which one you may just stick with a text editor.
Contrary to what other people might tell you, I wouldn't advise going emacs or vi(m) just yet. They are fantastic text editors, but that's one more thing to try to learn.
Comments
What language are you using? Although many IDEs can handle more than one language, few do it well. Plus, it's likely overkill if you are just getting started. If you are still messing around with a bunch of different languages (which is great), stick with a good text editor like gEdit. One thing that's really helpful is syntax hilighting for the language you are working with. Even if you do pick a language, depending on which one you may just stick with a text editor.
Contrary to what other people might tell you, I wouldn't advise going emacs or vi(m) just yet. They are fantastic text editors, but that's one more thing to try to learn.
Keep it simple for now.
Thanks! Good points -- I think the language-specific IDE tip is a good one for utter beginners like me.