I see three possible (common) options:
- Connect via ssh and use vim. I would do that.
- Mount the remote file system via scp (sshfs on Linux) or ftp (curlftpfs on Linux). This will hide file transmission from you but they will be done it background. So it's much the same as let the IDE do the ftp work
- Have the IDE (whatever you prefer) running on the remote host and using RemoteDesktop or somewhat else.
I prefer ssh + vim :)
Using ssh may be the most secure and usual approach. The less data intensive will be using FTP with Aptana as you already doing (Expecting that Aptana just transmitts changed files). (Also this may depend on the filesize and circumstances but with usual code files I would say so)
If you are working on Windows expandrive might be an approach. It supports mounting remote servers a local netdrive in Windows via FTP, SSH or SFTP . An IDE would see that folder like a local folder. You should give it a try.
Update: Trying to explain more....
If you want to search in a remote file, you have two general options:
- The search program runs locally and will need input data from remote (the file)
- The serach program runs remotely. You'll send arguments to it, and it will send back the search results
No further options.
In IDE speaks it means: Either you use the search functionality of your IDE itself, means the search program (IDE) runs locally, then the file has to be downloaded / sychnronized / netmounted whatever. Or you execute grep or whatever remotely and display the results. Then it mostly comes to ssh. Your IDE will need a ssh plugin for that. Eclipse for example has one. (Think to remember the name was RSE. Remote Systems Explorer) (It will work with Aptana too) .
