Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

development environment
     
         An integrated suite of {tools} to aid the
        {development} of {software} in a particular {language} or for
        a particular {application}.  Usually, this consists of a
        {compiler} and {editor} and may also include one or more of a
        {debugger}, {profiler}, and {source code} manager.
     
        See also: {IDE}.
     
        (1999-08-01)