The purpose of an integrated development environment (IDE) is to provide developers with tools that streamline the process of software development. An IDE typically includes a code editor, compiler or interpreter, debugger, and build automation tools within a single application. This integration enhances productivity by allowing developers to write, test, and debug their code in one cohesive environment, reducing context-switching and improving efficiency. Additionally, IDEs often come with features like syntax highlighting and code suggestions, which aid in error reduction and facilitate a smoother development workflow.