Batch Sockets?

[Kp]

IDEs are good. I wouldn't want to use gdb directly to debug.

Wimp.   Direct gdb is easy.

[iago]

I once knew how to use direct gdb, but I forget now

To answer the original question -- RaBBiT, look up a program call netcat.  It can be used quite well for batch sockets.

[Banana fanna fo fanna]

I use emacs + print statements for debugging.

If you want a real challenge, code it in Scheme.

[R.a.B.B.i.T]

What I meant by the notepad comment was the ability to code in notpad and immediately run without compiling, etc...

[edit]
Thanks, iago, I'll look into that.