Wolfram Workbench is the recommended tool for programming in Wolfram Language outside of the notebook interface. Wolfram Workbench is a plugin for Eclipse, a popular and robust IDE.
 
Wolfram Workbench requires the following software:

• Mathematica
• Eclipse

 
We recommend having the latest version of these installed before setting up the Wolfram Workbench plugin. Additionally, note that:

• Your Eclipse setup should include Java Runtime Enviroment (JRE).
• The Wolfram Workbench plugin is compatible with the various standard Eclipse IDEs.

 
To set up Wolfram Workbench, install the plugin inside Eclipse and configure it to point to your Mathematica installation:

1. Start Eclipse.
2. Select the menu item Help ► Install New Software. The Available Software dialog appears.