The primary use of an integrated development environment (IDE) is to provide developers with a comprehensive set of tools to write, debug, and test code efficiently. An IDE typically includes a code editor, compiler or interpreter, debugger, and build automation tools, all within a single application. This integration streamlines the software development process, allowing programmers to manage projects more effectively and improving productivity. Popular IDEs, such as Visual Studio and IntelliJ IDEA, also offer features like code completion and version control integration, enhancing collaboration and reducing development time.