How to differentiate your company from the competition by picking the right Java IDEs.
Java is renowned for its ability to produce high-quality software and websites, and its portability and widespread availability of the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) have ensured its longevity.
Java has been a mainstay of the programming world for some time, and it is natural to ask whether it will still be relevant in 2023. The answer is a resounding yes. According to Stack Overflow data from 2023, Java is the sixth most popular language.
For both novice and experienced Java developers, having a reliable development environment is essential. To help you decide which integrated development environment (IDE) is most suitable for Java, this article provides a comprehensive list of the top Java IDEs, so that you can begin developing applications and refining your Java skills today.
There Are Now Four Excellent Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) for Java.
1. The Eclipse
The Eclipse integrated development environment (IDE) is probably familiar to you if you’ve ever searched for a Java IDE.
Our Integrated Development Environment (IDE) has been widely adopted due to its plugin system. It is one of the most popular on this list. The IDE is highly adaptable and customizable, allowing it to support a broad range of languages including C, C++, PHP, C#, Python, JavaScript, SQL, Ruby, and many more.
In addition, in 2023, Eclipse released a cloud service that allows programmers to view their code from any web browser.
And the greatest part is, it’s totally free!
Eclipse is widely recognized for its continued support for Java, making it a popular choice for bundled Java development environments. Furthermore, the platform is acclaimed for its ability to provide a comprehensive package to facilitate the development of not only Java, but also other programming languages, as well as large multi-language projects.
| Pros | Cons |
| Free | Larger projects and additional plugins might reduce its speed. |
| Cross-Platform | Very taxing on the memory |
| Strong Plugin Architecture | |
| Provides support for a wide variety of languages |
2. NetBeans
Oracle, the company that owns the Java platform, has declared their endorsement for the NetBeans Integrated Development Environment (IDE), making it the primary choice for Java application development. By virtue of their close relationship with the Java development team, new features can be integrated into the program at a faster rate than its rivals.
The editor’s plugin mechanism, similar to other highly extendable applications, allows for extensive customization through extensions developed by third-party developers.
It’s open source, it was just contributed to the Apache Project, and it’s free.
| Pros | Cons |
| No Cost and Easily Accessible | Very taxing on the memory |
| Cross-Platform | |
| Powerful Method of Extending |
3. IntelliJ IDEA
JetBrains offer IntelliJ IDEA as an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). JetBrains are renowned for creating powerful IDEs that are tailored to the requirements of developers.
It has excellent code completion and analysis capabilities that make developers more productive.
If you wish to utilise all of the features of IntelliJ IDEA, you will need to purchase a licence. However, you can try out the programme for free by downloading it and experimenting with it.
| Pros | Cons |
| Outstanding development aids and instruments | Very taxing on the memory |
| Cross-Platform | A large number of add-ons are pre-installed. |
| Offers a free version, although one with less features. | If you want access to all of the features, expect to spend at least $599.00 for the first year of the premium version. |
4. BlueJ
Although BlueJ is a lesser endeavor than some of the others on this list, it is not without merit.
BlueJ’s key feature is its ability to create UML-style diagrams, enabling users to interactively examine and interact with their code.
It’s a free, lightweight Java IDE that has found widespread use in educational settings.
| Pros | Cons |
| Free | Disappointingly little extras compared to competing products. |
| Amazing Venn diagram creators | |
| Cross-Platform |
For the Lazy: A Look at Different Java IDEs
To assist you decide which IDE is right for you, let’s quickly review their key capabilities:
| Name | Platforms | Languages Supplied | Price |
| Eclipse | OS X, Linux, and Windows | Languages such as Java, C, C++, PHP, C#, Python, JavaScript, SQL, Ruby, etc. | Free |
| NetBeans | OS X, Linux, and Windows | Programming languages such as Java, JavaScript, PHP, C++, etc. | Free |
| The IntelliJ IDEA IDE | OS X, Linux, and Windows | Many programming languages, including Java, Kotlin, Groovy, Scala, and others. | Both free and paid options are available, with the latter costing between $0 and $599 for the first year. |
| BlueJ | OS X, Linux, and Windows | Stride, Java | Free |
FAQ
1. What the best integrated development environment (IDE) for learning is Java
BlueJ is an excellent Java text editor for beginners, offering a range of features that can assist in gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the code.
If a business is growing at a rapid pace, they may wish to explore some stable and free alternatives. Two of the most popular Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) available are Eclipse and NetBeans.
2. What is the most effective free Java integrated development environment?
Where you land on this spectrum depends heavily on what you’re looking for in a coding environment.
The free edition of IntelliJ IDEA provides an excellent option for those looking for smart features and a powerful code completion suite that can enhance productivity and provide useful optimization suggestions.
NetBeans offers a lightweight and speedy Integrated Development Environment (IDE), making it an ideal choice for Java programming tasks. Furthermore, users can easily expand its functionality with additional plugins. The core package provides all the necessary features to complete any programming task.
Eclipse is a powerful option compared to other Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) if you require a feature-rich platform. Additionally, if you need mobility, its Cloud functionality may be to your advantage.
3. What is the quickest integrated development environment (IDE) for Java?
Nowadays, the speeds of all the options are relatively comparable, so it is important to focus on evaluating the features provided by the different solutions and considering ways to optimize your process.
IntelliJ IDEA is renowned for being a highly user-friendly IDE for developers, so if it is beneficial to your work, we recommend giving the free edition a go. Alternatively, NetBeans is a lightweight and well-optimized IDE. When considering Eclipse, it is important to evaluate the advantages of its comprehensive set of features versus its potential for becoming bloated due to its many tools.
4. What is the best Java integrated development environment (IDE) on Linux?
Having discussed your specific requirements for software development, it is important to assess the features and tools offered by different Java IDEs in order to identify the one that best meets your needs and preferences.
In Need of Java Programmers? Obtain Our Assistance Today!
Different people have their own preferences and different uses for their integrated development environment (IDE) for Java, so there is no single IDE that is the “best” option. It really depends on your own needs and requirements.
Have you considered engaging Works to provide developers for your new IDE? Our team of experienced Java engineers would ensure a seamless integration into your existing team, while providing the best possible solutions for your business and maintaining cultural compatibility with your organization.
