Eclipse PHP Development Tools vs Nova
Eclipse PHP Development Tools
eclipse.devNova
nova.appSide by side
| Figure | Eclipse PHP Development Tools | Nova |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $4.08/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 4 |
| Spec score · PHP IDEs | 8.0 (#12) | 8.2 (#8) |
| Editing | Listed features include syntax highlighting, syntax validation, content assist, code navigation, formatting, refactoring, and code templates. | The editor includes features such as a minimap and multiple cursors. |
| Extensions | The site lists open source PDT extensions including Symfony, Twig, YAML, Smarty, Emmet, and CS-Fixer. | Nova extensions are written in JavaScript and can add language support, sidebars, themes, syntax colors, and validation. |
| Support | The PDT site points users to its manual, forum, wiki, mailing list, and bug submission link. | Nova support documentation is available in the Nova Library, which provides a contact support link. |
Plans
Eclipse PHP Development Tools
- Eclipse PHP Development ToolsFree
Nova
- Nova license$99 a month
- License renewal$49 a year
- Nova license renewal$49 a year
- Nova$99, paid once
In their own words
Eclipse PHP Development Tools
Eclipse PHP Development Tools (PDT) provides a PHP IDE framework for Eclipse, for developing PHP web applications and extending PHP capabilities through the Web Tools Project. Its editing tools include syntax highlighting and validation, content assistance, navigation, formatting, refactoring, and code templates. PDT lists debugging and profiling with Zend Debugger or Xdebug, PHPUnit support, and remote projects. The PHP Developers package is described as a starting point for PHP developers and includes PHP language support, a Git client, XML Editor, Mylyn, and Terminal. Downloads are available for macOS, Windows, and Linux in 64-bit and ARM 64-bit builds; Java must be installed. PDT can also be installed into an existing Eclipse workspace. Listed extensions include Symfony, Twig, YAML, Smarty, Emmet, and CS-Fixer. The project page lists version 8.4, dated 2025-12-10, as its latest release and labels the project Mature. PDT is free, and its site points users to a manual, forum, wiki, mailing list, and bug-submission link.