Lua XML targeting

[fallenstd]

Hi and sorry if this is a dummy question (spoiled C# dev here).
I am following tutorials found on wiki, thanks to the authors for that btw!, to learn the basics before trying my hand at a simple addon.

My first question is in regards of targeting the XML child controls. From other languages I am used to finding them by

Parent.Child.Grandchild.property

type of syntax. And even xml itself supports

$(parent)child

So Question is if there is a way not to have to every time do the whole strings? And if not, do you guys have some recommendations or plugin that has some kind of management of all the UI handles?

Second question is, what IDE do you guys use generally? I decided to go with VSCode as I do use it for work so relatively familiar with it.

Third question, what is a good way to explore all the great libs that people created and already have tons of stuff built? My tolerance for reinventing the wheel is getting low :-)

Cheers.