Best Scripting Tools?

I'm new to coding, so I'm exploring different ways of doing things, such as various keywords and functions. I would like to see some opinions on scripting tools to see if I would like one in particular. I'm familiar with Mono Develop, Notepad++ and Editra, but I'm sure there's many more out there. Any thoughts on anything better, especially for a noob like myself? I would really like one that is easy on the eyes (not too bright) and easy to read, preferably have a lot of ways to customize settings. I'm currently leaning more towards Mono Develop because it's nice that is synched with Unity and I've changed its theme to a custom one, which is easy on the eyes and easy to read. Any thoughts? Thanks.

~ Chris

 

Have you considered UnityVS + Visual Studio Express?

 

Visual Studio Express doesn't work with plugins, only Visual Studio Pro does. UnityVS is now owned by Microsoft and renamed to Visual Studio Tools for Unity.

 

That's unfortunate. Perhaps Sublime Text would work, if can afford USD 70.

 

Am I correct in assuming Visual Studio Pro is not free? If so, what does the basic (non-pro) version lack compared to the pro version?

I've heard of that, but I would prefer ones that are free.

~ Chris

 

To my knowledge, Visual Studio 2013 Professional costs $500 USD, but is also free if you're a student with a participating university (through programs such as Dreamspark).

 

I'm 17 in 4 days, just going into junior year, so I'm still a bit away from a university, so I won't be getting it for free anytime soon.