Clojure is a dialect of the Lisp programming language and primarily runs on a Java virtual machine. 

It also implements ClojureCLR which runs on Common Language Runtime (CLR), and ClojureScript, which compiles to JavaScript.

 It emphasizes a functional programming language with immutability at its core. All data structures of Clojure are immutable. 

Imagine if you could make Clojure development faster, and see an instant boost in your workflow.

or even better:

What if there were 7 best Clojure IDE and editors to choose from.

and each of them could make your development faster and easier?

You’d probably be pumped to read about them. 

Lucky for you, that’s exactly what I’m going to share with you in this post 8 best Clojure IDE and editors

So let’s get started with the list:

1. Cursive IDE

Cursive is built on IntelliJ, also Cursive is written entirely in Clojure, allowing developers to easily integrate all the fantastic tooling in the Clojure ecosystem.

Features

  • Code completion, syntax highlighting
  • First-class ClojureScript support
  • Clojure.test support
  • Symbol renaming, extract let and more
  • Paradise-style structural editing
  • A Clojure debugger

2. Emacs + Cider

CIDER is the Clojure Interactive Development Environment built for Emacs, CIDER extends Emacs with support for interactive programming in Clojure.

Features

  • step debugging
  • test running
  • Java Object inspection
  • Code assistance

3. VS Code + calva

Calva is an integrated REPL powered environment for enjoyable and productive Clojure and ClojureScript development in Visual Studio Code.

Features

  • Syntax highlighting
  • Rainbow parens
  • Highlights misplaced brackets
  • LISP friendly bracket matching
  • Intellisense

4. Atom + Proto REPL

Proto REPL Provides a Clojure Development Environment with an interactive REPL in Atom Editor. You can easily send code to the REPL, run tests in your project, view documentation, and much more.

Clojure IDE

Features

  • Autocompleting Clojure namespaces, function names and vars
  • Evaluate blocks of code or selected code with a keystroke.
  • View results in the REPL or inline next to the code.
  • Automatic Evaluation Mode that executes code in a file as you type.
  • Easily run tests in a namespace or the whole project.
  • View documentation and code from linked Clojure libraries.
  • Atom Tool Bar integration that allows controlling the REPL.

5. Eclipse + Counterclockwise

Counterclockwise is an Eclipse plugin that helps developers to write Clojure code. It also ships with support for Leiningen projects.

Clojure IDE

Features

  • Leiningen support
  • Clojure support
  • code evaluation
  • code completion
  • macro expansion
  • error reporting
  • cider-repl support

6. vim + fireplace

Vim gets REPL support using Fireplace, Fireplace talks to nREPL, and With Leiningen and Boot, it connects automatically using the .nrepl-port file created when you run lein repl or boot repl.

Clojure IDE

Features

  • Transparent setup and automatic connection.
  • Evaluate code from the buffer or arbitrary input.
  • Jump to namespace or function definitions.
  • Wrappers for source, doc, and macroexpand.
  • Omnicomplete.

7. NightCode

Nightcode is a simple IDE for Clojure and ClojureScript. Nightcode is an IDE that bundles a smart editor, the Leiningen and Boot build tools and a home screen with quick access to the Clojure cheatsheet and REPL.

Clojure IDE

Features

  • Beginner-friendly Lisp editing mode.
  • Supports rainbow parenthesis
  • Live evaluations of your code
  • Keyboard friendly

Conclusion

Maybe your favorite Clojure IDE or editor is not listed here and you do not want to switch from your favorite code editor now.

But Picking Clojure IDE for greatest efficiency and experience ought to be the main need for any programmer out there. 

In my opinion, an IDE or text editor that matches your usage habits are best.