One of the most popular programming languages in the world, Java, which was first introduced in 1995, has certainly lived up to its motto of “write one, run anywhere.” Used to build everything from Android apps to games, the language is highly versatile. There’s no doubt about it: Java services are in high demand.
In order to build the best possible software, you need to have the best tools to help you. An Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is one of those tools — and it’s a powerful one. Here, we’ll take a look at the top Java IDEs on the market.
Why Choosing The Right Integrated Development Environment is Important?
An IDE is essentially a suite of tools that aids your development efforts for many different types of projects. Via a single platform, you can access interpreters, code editors, debuggers, and much more. The IDE helps streamline and speed up the process tenfold.
IDEs offer numerous benefits. But different platforms are better suited to different projects and developer preferences. When you find the tool that’s right for you, you will enjoy greater productivity, efficiency, and collaboration. You’ll also be able to take advantage of features like debugging tools, version control systems, and other integrations.
Text or Code Editor vs IDE: What’s The Difference
Text editors and IDEs are both tools that allow you to alter, change, or edit projects. However, text editors are far more limited — they are only capable of writing and editing code in a plain text format, while IDEs offer more advanced features like compilation, debugging, testing, and previewing projects.
For smaller, more basic projects, a lightweight text editor is usually sufficient. But for larger, more complex projects, developers often find that an IDE will help them make the process more efficient and productive.
While we are mainly focusing on Java IDEs in this article, there are several text editors that are worth mentioning, such as:
- Notepad++
- Visual Studio Code
- TextEdit
- Sublime Text
- Atom
- Vim
- UltraEdit
How to Choose the Right IDE or Code Editor for Java // Things to Consider When Choosing an IDE
- LEARNING CURVE: Some IDEs are easier to learn and use than others. When you’re choosing a platform for your project, it’s important to take stock of your skills and ability to learn quickly and consider whether you’ll be able to navigate different tools.
- FEATURES: Most IDEs come with numerous features, including debugging tools, version control integration, and much more. Look for a platform that incorporates the critical features you need to boost your productivity. This will depend on your project requirements, as well as personal preference.
- PERFORMANCE: No matter what the size of your project, the IDE you use should be high-performance. It should respond quickly and seamlessly without delays or hiccups.
- COMMUNITY: Any tool you use, whether a language, framework, or IDE, can benefit from a large community of developers. A community can provide support, troubleshooting, tips, and other assistance, making the development process much easier.
- COST-EFFECTIVENESS: Price should never be the sole consideration, but it’s still a factor. Some IDEs are free to use, while others come with a heftier price tag. Evaluate the perks and features that come with the model to help you determine whether the tool is worth the investment.
These are just a few considerations when you’re evaluating IDEs. There are additional factors to think about, depending on your needs and the demands of the particular project.
So, which Java IDE is the best one for your project? Keep reading to learn more about the tools available.
The 8 Top IDEs & Text Editors For Java Developers
There are numerous IDEs for Java developers, and this list is by no means exhaustive. Again, to determine the best choice for your project, consider the factors above, the qualities we’ve outlined below, and your personal preferences and requirements.
#1 IntelliJ IDEA [Best Cross-Platform Java IDE]
IntelliJ IDEA is a top IDE for both Java and Kotlin development, allowing you to produce robust code across platforms including Windows, macOS, and Linux. The popular platform improves productivity thanks to many features, such as code completion, version control support, and debugging. It’s also user-friendly. There are two versions available: a free community versin and a paid Ultimate edition.
Key Features // Product Highlights
- Excellent version control support
- Feature-laden
- Numerous plugins available
- Easy to use
- Supports many Java frameworks and Java-based languages
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy, cross-platform configuration | Memory-intensive |
| Seamless integrations | Slow-loading |
| Flexible and customizable | Ultimate edition is expensive |
| Excellent support | Occasional performance issues |
#2 BlueJ [Best Java IDE for Beginners]
Geared toward beginners, BlueJ is a free IDE that is often used for educational purposes. The well-organized platform provides an interactive environment with graphical representations and a unique coloring scheme.
Key Features // Product Highlights
- Git integration
- Graphical representations
- Interactive features
- Syntax highlighting
- Unit testing
| Pros | Cons |
| Ideal for beginners/user-friendly | No code completion available |
| Many extensions, libraries, and tools available | Some processes, such as compiling, are more complex |
| Excellent visualizations and UI | Poor for larger projects |
| Free and open-source | Few plugins |
#3 Eclipse Che [Best Cloud IDE for Java]
Eclipse offers a desktop version, along with a cloud version, called Eclipse Che. The IDE allows developers to manage multiple workspaces simultaneously, streamlining projects while improving productivity and efficiency. Along with Java, the tool provides support for languages such as C, C++, JavaScript, PHP, and many others.
Key Features // Product Highlights
- Debugging
- Support for multiple programming languages
- Auto-code completion
- Collaborative and RESTful workspaces
- Git visualization
| Pros | Cons |
| Simple UI | Resource and memory-consumptive |
| Easy to use | Performs slowly when uses multiple plugins |
| Open-source and free to use | Fewer integrations |
| Customizable and flexible | Comparatively less extensible |
#4 NetBeans [Best Free, Open-Source Java IDE]
NetBeans is a cross-platform, open-source, free IDE for Java development. But those qualities don’t make it any less useful or productive. The platform offers numerous features and makes it easy to code quickly. In addition to Java, NetBeans supports languages like C, C++, and PHP.
Key Features // Product Highlights
- Auto-code completion
- Debugging
- Profiling
- Code highlighting
- Refactoring
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to run server-based applications | Limited professional support |
| Contains all modules for development in one platform | Slow to load and execute |
| Quick development | Memory and resource-consumptive |
| Huge community | Sometimes unstable |
#5 JDeveloper [Best IDE for Simplified Java App-Building]
Created to integrate with Oracle’s platform and products, JDeveloper is a free IDE that’s ideal for simplifying the development of Java applications throughout the SDLC. The platform offers a number of special features that make the process significantly easier and quicker while boosting efficiency and productivity.
Key Features // Product Highlights
- Visual and declarative editors
- Drag-and-drop functions
- Refactoring
- Code navigation
- Debugging tools
| Pros | Cons |
| Full SDLC management | Interface is less intuitive than on other IDEs |
| Easy to navigate | Not ideal for large or complex applications |
| Free to use | High memory consumption |
| Seamless integration with Oracle products | Less support for non-Oracle products |
#6 Codenvy [BestJava IDE for Collaboration]
Codenvy is a cloud-based IDE specifically built for collaboration. It’s easy to start projects quickly, as well as customize them, thanks to numerous extensions. It is an ideal tool for teams and offers plenty of resources and features.
Key Features // Product Highlights
- Code completion
- Refactoring
- Debugging
- Syntax highlighting
- Command-line interface
| Pros | Cons |
| Provides team onboarding and collaboration tools | Can be slow at times |
| Easy to use | Few shortcuts |
| Adaptable and portable | Advanced features require a paid plan |
| Cloud-based | Limited customizations |
#7 JCreator [Best Java IDE for Smaller Projects]
Lightweight, efficient, and easy to use, JCreator is an excellent choice for smaller projects. The IDE is reliable and well-suited to developers of all skill levels, although it’s especially helpful to beginners and students. Developers have numerous tools at their disposal through the platform.
Key Features // Product Highlights
- Syntax highlighting
- Customizable UI
- Debugging
- Automatic code completion
- Project management
| Pros | Cons |
| Reliable | Only available for Windows |
| Beginner-friendly | Auto-completion function limited for experienced developers |
| Easy navigation | Paid version is expensive |
| UI offers tree view | No third-party plugin support |
#8 CodeReady Studio [Best IDE for Enterprise Java Use]
Formerly known as Red Hat Developer Studio, CodeReady Studio was designed for enterprise Java development. The Eclipse-based IDE is ideal for ushering many different projects — web and mobile apps, enterprise apps, and microservices — during the entire SDLC, offering extensive support throughout.
Key Features // Product Highlights
- Debugging
- Project wizards
- Testing
- Integration with many frameworks
| Pros | Cons |
| Supported by numerous languages and frameworks | More expensive than the alternatives |
| Multiple models | Requires experience to use |
| Many plugins available | UI is less comprehensive |
| Seamless integration with Red Hat products | Can be slower than alternatives |
Conclusion
An IDE or text editor is instrumental in turning around successful Java products. But the development process can still be complex. A Java outsourcing company like BairesDev, which hires only the top 1% of talent, can help you complete and scale projects of all shapes and sizes, boosting your tech efforts and assisting you in meeting your business goals.
FAQ
Which free Java IDE is best?
There are many free Java IDEs that offer a comprehensive set of features, including NetBeans, which provides code completion, profiling, debugging, and more. The tool also has a huge community. Other popular, free Java IDEs are IntelliJ IDEA and Eclipse
What’s the best Java IDE for Windows?
There are numerous excellent Java IDEs for Windows, such as IntelliJ IDEA, NetBeans, Eclipse, and JDeveloper. Many Java IDEs are cross-platform and can function on Linux and MacOS as well. Your choice of IDE should depend on features, requirements, and personal preference.
Which Java text editor or IDE is best for Linux?
There are plenty of Java IDEs and text editors available for Linux, and your choice of tool will depend on factors like the features included, your project requirements, and personal preference. IntelliJ IDEA and Eclipse are examples of cross-platform IDEs for Linux, in addition to platforms like MacOS and Windows. Sublime Text, Vim, and Atom are text editors that are popular for Linux as well.
Which Java Integrated Development Environment works with AI?
There are several powerful Java IDEs that support AI development, such as IntelliJ IDEA, NetBeans, and Eclipse. These tools come with a number of AI frameworks, along with features that make development quicker and easier.
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