Well since I have started getting involved with writing gadgets I have been looking for a nice free javascript ide to use, and I finally found one. It's called Aptana and while it has it's issues with Vista it is a great IDE, in fact I can't believe its free its so great. I would highly recommend checking it out, however if you plan to use it with Vista there are a couple of things worth mentioning.
You can download it here: http://www.aptana.com
Installing
- Right click the installer executable "Aptana_IDE_Setup.exe" and go to the compatibility tab.
- Check "Run this program in compatibility mode for: Windows XP (Service Pack 2)
- Check "Disable desktop composition"
- Check "Run this program as an administrator"
-OR-
- Double click the installer but cancel the install.
- Vista 'should' prompt you and ask if the program installed correctly, choose no and Vista will do the above for you but it doesn't always ask so this is kinda flaky.
Running
- Right click the "Aptana" shortcut and select properties and go to the compatibility tab.
- Check "Run this program in compatibility mode for: Windows XP (Service Pack 2)
- Check "Disable desktop composition"
- Check "Run this program as an administrator"
Everything should work perfectly fine after you perform those actions and I have not noticed anything that has not worked properly. It does use Java which it will install for you so just beware that it will be a tad bit slower than a native application, but its not very noticeable.