7 Best Java IDEs for Developers

Java editors, also called Java IDEs (for Java integrated development environment), improve the development experience. In addition to streamlining the code writing, they speed up development with a wealth of libraries. There are so many editors available today that a developer may find it overwhelming to choose the right one.

You may be looking for a perfect editor or want to switch to a new one to improve your productivity. Read this article to find the perfect fit for your needs. Though there is no best one, there is the right one. We have ranked the top Java IDEs, outlining their key features and limitations.

What is Java IDE?

An Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is an editor that simplifies writing and debugging code. IDEs typically come with libraries and features that assist developers in editing, testing, and optimizing applications.

For Java developers, several IDEs are available, but ranking them can be challenging. When considering popularity, however, IntelliJ IDEA, developed by JetBrains, and Eclipse stand out as the most commonly used.

According to popularity graphs of IDE preferences, IntelliJ IDEA and Eclipse consistently rank as the top two choices, followed by other options. While popularity is an important factor, it should not be the sole consideration when choosing an IDE.

Additionally, many Java developers use multiple IDEs to streamline the development process and enhance productivity.

1. IntelliJ IDEA

Developed by JetBrains, IntelliJ IDEA is a top choice among Java developers for its intelligent and intuitive features that significantly enhance productivity. Designed with developers' efficiency in mind, it excels in automating tedious tasks, identifying errors on the fly, and providing a seamless coding experience.

IntelliJ IDEA stands out for its intelligent code assistance, powerful debugging tools, and a user-friendly interface. Whether you’re working on a small project or a large-scale enterprise application, this IDE is equipped to handle the complexity while simplifying your workflow.

Key Features:

• Smart code completion: Offers context-aware suggestions.
• Version control support: Seamless integration with Git, SVN, and Mercurial.
• Robust plugin ecosystem: Customize the IDE to suit your needs.
• Built-in tools: Includes decompiler, terminal, and database tools.

Why Choose IntelliJ IDEA?

IntelliJ IDEA’s intuitive interface and extensive feature set make it the go-to choice for complex Java applications. Its free Community Edition is great for beginners, while the paid Ultimate Edition is perfect for enterprise-level projects.

2. Eclipse

Eclipse has been a cornerstone of the Java development community for years, and for good reason. Known for its modular architecture and vast ecosystem of plugins, Eclipse is a highly adaptable tool that supports a wide range of programming languages and frameworks. As an open-source IDE, it offers unparalleled flexibility, making it a go-to choice for developers who value customization and extensibility.

Eclipse is designed to cater to diverse development needs, whether you're building Java applications, web projects, or even embedded systems. Its user-friendly interface and extensive plugin library allow developers to tailor the IDE to their workflows, ensuring maximum efficiency.

Key Features:

• Open-source: Completely free and community-supported.
• Customizability: Supports a wide range of plugins.
• Built-in tools: Debugger, profiler, and integration with popular build tools.
• Cross-platform: Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Why Choose Eclipse?

Eclipse is particularly popular among developers working on large-scale projects due to its ability to handle multiple languages and frameworks. Its active community ensures continuous updates and support.

3. NetBeans

Backed by the Apache Software Foundation, NetBeans is a powerful, open-source IDE widely appreciated for its simplicity and reliability. It’s a great choice for Java developers who want a ready-to-use tool for building desktop, mobile, and web applications without the need for extensive configuration.

NetBeans stands out for its intuitive design and streamlined setup, making it especially appealing to developers who value ease of use. It offers strong support for Java and other languages, such as HTML, JavaScript, and PHP, making it a versatile choice for full-stack development.

Key Features:

• Rich GUI development tools: Simplifies UI design.
• Code templates: Speeds up development with pre-built snippets.
• Built-in support for Java EE: Ideal for enterprise applications.
• Version control integration: Includes support for Git and Subversion.

Why Choose NetBeans?

NetBeans is an excellent choice for beginners due to its straightforward interface. Its features are also robust enough to support professional projects.

4. VS Code with Java Extensions

While Visual Studio Code (VS Code) isn’t a full-fledged Integrated Development Environment (IDE) by design, its robust ecosystem of extensions—especially the Java extensions—elevates it into a powerful tool for Java development. These extensions bring features like intelligent code completion, debugging capabilities, and project management, making it an excellent choice for Java developers.

Thanks to its lightweight nature, flexibility, and seamless performance, VS Code has become a go-to editor for those who value simplicity without compromising on functionality. Whether you're building small Java projects or managing larger applications, VS Code offers a highly adaptable and efficient development experience.

Key Features:

• Lightweight: Quick to install and run.
• Customizable extensions: Add Java-specific tools, such as Maven and Gradle support.
• Integrated terminal: Directly run commands within the editor.
• Active community: Continuous updates and new extensions.

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