Java is becoming increasingly popular for Desktop applications. It is commonly used in server-side applications. But a drawback of Java is the lack of a small footprint and a very slim memory footprint so, it doesn’t suit an application for high usage scenarios.
This article presents some of the best Java IDE offered on all platforms. You can use this list to decide which one you prefer.
NetBeans
NetBeans is an open-source Integrated Development Environment written in Java. Development of NetBeans has really accelerated since it became part of the Apache project.
The NetBeans IDE supports the development of all Java application types (Java SE, JavaFX, web, EJB and mobile applications) out of the box. NetBeans is modular in design. This means it can be extended by third-party developers who can create plugins for NetBeans to enhance functionality (Our PDF Plugin for NetBeans is a good example).
NetBeans has now moved to Apache, making it easier for people to get involved and contribute. They have a new website explaining more about Apache NetBeans.
The NetBeans IDE can be used to develop in Java, but also supports other languages. These include PHP, C/C++, and HTML5.
NetBeans features include an Ant-based project system, support for Maven, refactoring and version control (supporting CVS, Subversion, Git, Mercurial and Clearcase). It is also released under a dual license. These consist of the Common Development and Distribution License (CDDL) v1.0 and the GNU General Public License (GPL) v2.
NetBeans is cross-platform and runs on Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Solaris and other platforms supporting a compatible JVM. It can also be used for working with Cloud applications. This useful guide covers how to use the NetBeans IDE with the Google App Engine.
If you would like to find out more about NetBeans we have a series of articles which includes lots of tips and tutorials.
Eclipse
Eclipse is another free Java IDE for developers and programmers. It is mostly written in Java. Eclipse lets you create various cross-platform Java applications for use on mobile, web, desktop and enterprise domains.
Its main features include a Windows Builder, integration with Maven, Mylyn, XML editor, Git client, CVS client, and PyDev. It also contains a base workspace with an extensible plug-in system for customizing the IDE to suit your needs. Through plugins, you can develop applications in other programming languages. These include C, C++, JavaScript,, Perl, PHP, Prolog, Python, R, Ruby (including Ruby on Rails framework), to name just a few.
Eclipse is available under the Eclipse Public License and is available on Windows, Mac OS X and Linux.
IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition
IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition is a free Java IDE (Integrated Development Environment). It is mainly used for Android app development, Scala, Groovy, Java SE and Java programming. It is lightweight in design and comes with useful features like JUnit testing, TestNG, debugging, code inspections, code completion, and support for multiple refactoring. Plus Maven build tools, ant, visual GUI builder and code editor for XML and Java.
There are some features missing from the Community Edition. If you require more you can buy a license to unlock all the features.
IntelliJ Idea Community Edition is is released under the Apache 2 License.
Android Studio
Android Studio from Google is mainly designed for developing on the Android Platform. However it is capable of running and editing some Java code.
Originally it was built on the IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition created by JetBrains. It features a Flexible Gradle-based build system, build variants and multiple APK generation. It has expanded template support for Google Services and various device types and a rich layout editor with support for theme editing. It also has Lint tools to catch performance, usability, version compatibility, and other problems.
Android Studio also comes with ProGuard and app-signing capabilities. It also features built-in support for Google Cloud Platform. Projects can be configured to use specific Java Development Kits.
Android Studio is freely available under the Apache License 2.0. It is available for download on Windows, Mac OS X and Linux. It replaced Eclipse as Google’s primary IDE for native Android application development.
Enide Studio 2014
Enide Studio 2014 (version 0.11-preview) was initially released as a stand-alone product for all operating systems. However later changes saw it develop a Tool Suite for Node.js, JavaScript and Java Development. This is available from the Eclipse plugin store and from the main website.
Enide Studio 2014 Plugin includes:
– Nodeclipse 0.17, – Chrome Development Tools, AngularJS for Eclipse, TernIDE, Eclipse WTP WebResources, TCF Terminals, MarkDown (*.md) Editor, – GitHub Flavored Markdown (GFM) Viewer, various themes, Nodeclipse EditBox, RestClient Tool. StartExplorer, Git Add-on, Maven, Gradle integration, Minimalist Jade Editor and more…
BlueJ
BlueJ is an integrated development environment (IDE) for the Java programming language. It has been mainly developed for educational purposes. However, it is also suitable for those who wish to do small-scale software development. It runs with the help of a JDK (Java Development Kit).
BlueJ is mainly developed for the teaching of object-oriented programming. Its design differs from other development environments as a result.
The main screen graphically shows the class structure of an application under development. Objects can be interactively created and tested. This interaction facility, combined with a clean, simple user interface, allows easy experimentation with objects under development. This allows beginners to get started more quickly, and without being overwhelmed.
Newbie users can check values and call methods on objects. They can also pass them as parameters and Java expressions can be invoked without compiling. This means BlueJ is a powerful graphical shell/REPL for Java.
The BlueJ project is free and open source software. It is licensed under GNU GPL with the classpath exception. There are popular textbooks designed for teaching introductory university/college courses with BlueJ. There is also a site full of teaching resources. It can run on Windows, Mac OS X, Linux and other platforms which run Java. It can also run without installation from a USB stick.
IntelliJ IDEA: Developed by JetBrains, this IDE has built-in mission-critical tools such as a version control system and is used for building software apps. It has the capabilities to comprehend a programmer’s context and rolls out the needed tools for completing the task automatically.
Pros:
· This IDE is proactive in determining errors before compiling and identifying repetitive code blocks.
· You can alter the project structure at your convenience via a robust customization feature.
· Its interface proposes multiple theme options to choose from.
Cons:
· Its tool documentation is very basic and it has a steep learning curve.
· The enterprise version is too costly and when a large-scale application is involved, the coding environment can crash.
Supported Platform: Windows, Linux, Android, and Mac
Pricing: Free
MyEclipse: MyEclipse works best while collating the development process in a sole Java IDE backed by an array of valuable features and tools. This integrated coding environment is created and maintained by Genuitec (founding member of the Eclipse Foundation).
Pros:
· It has a good user interface.
· Its autocorrection and syntax highlighting facility make it one of the best IDE for Java.
· You can easily refactor and debug errors.
Cons:
· Sometimes it displays slow navigation.
· Needs a huge improvement across implementation-related tasks like Salesforce integration.
Supported Platform: Linux, Windows, and Mac OS
Pricing: Paid
NetBeans: Managed by Apache Software Foundation, this open-source integrated coding environment enables apps to be created with an ambit of modular software components known as modules. It is recommended while working with HTML 5, C++, or web as well as mobile app development.
Pros:
· You can impose the code from its environment.
· Users can define and format standards for multiple languages.
· You can write similar pages concurrently with its code comparison feature
Cons:
· You need to have a lighter version as it exhibits slow processing.
· The plugins offered for Android and iOS development are basic.
Supported Platform: Windows, Linux, Solaris, and Mac
Pricing: Free
JCreator: Its user-friendly interface resembles Microsoft Visual Studio which is completely created for programmers who are passionate about coding. Developed by Xinox Software, JCreator has the potential to handle numerous JDK profiles for multiple projects.
Pros:
· Gives good readability with an auto-indent code facility.
· Proves to be a good coding environment for spell check, code completion, etc.
· Your project can be built and executed within the tool.
Cons:
· Only supports Windows OS.
· The addition of new features becomes complicated with a poor plugin framework.
Supported Platform: Windows, Linux, and Mac
Pricing: Paid
DrJava: This IDE can be used to write Java programs which can later be evaluated and checked via its intuitive interface. Various Java programs to illustrate various concepts. It’s a lightweight programming environment created and managed by students at Rice University, Texas (it’s a project that is still in progress).
Pros:
· Your project can be quickly executed in this IDE.
· It’s lightweight and requires no primary setup.
· It supports faster testing and troubleshooting with its collaboration features.
Cons:
· It’s a basic programming environment with fewer functionalities and features.
· Not recommended for large-scale real-time apps
Supported Platform: Windows, Linux, and Mac
Pricing: Free
Conclusion
Java is a hot technology and you can’t go wrong by having it in your tool bag. What makes java programming software unique is that the developers always keep adding new and updated versions to keep that perfect balance. Devs invest and work and create Java Programming and development tools that let you go ahead and do what makes your job easier on Windows, Mac OS or Linux.