The big difference I'd point out is that breakpoints can be added and removed at runtime. Sounds like what you're describing is a situation where you have to mo

The big difference I'd point out is that breakpoints can be added and removed at runtime. Sounds like what you're describing is a situation where you have to modify your source code to add a breakpoint (similar to a "debugger" statement in JavaScript or C#). To me, the big value of an IDE is that it lets you set/unset breakpoints, step, inspect arbitrary data, and modify application state, all at runtime. Now, I still typically work in VIM and pop open an IDE/debugger only when I hit a hairy problem, but I still find them really useful in those cases.