Java is an extremely common programming language, used nearly everywhere – Android apps, game consoles, even supercomputers. It is known for its simplicity, and its amazing portability. In today’s article, we will be looking at the 10 Best Java IDEs of All Time. An IDE (Integrated Development Environment) is an all-in-one software which not only lets you edit and compile your code, but also manages resources, provides deployment and version controlling options, and lets you use advanced debugging features for your entire project.
Best Java IDEs
1. NetBeans
7 year Java software engineer here - Eclipse is the industry standard. If she gets a job as a Java programmer, odds are good that's what she'll use, so it wouldn't be a bad idea to learn it now. Not that there's a whole lot about the IDE to learn, but knowing its keyboard shortcuts and other small features can make coding a hell of a lot easier.
Once owned by Sun Microsystems, and now by Oracle, NetBeans is one of the best IDEs from the past decade. NetBeans is completely modularized, and all the IDE functions come in packages called modules. It offers easy integration with version control software. NetBeans was made open source by sun, so anyone can contribute to its development. It is free, and works on most operating systems and platforms.
- Developer: Oracle
- Platforms: NetBeans is a cross platform IDE, supporting Windows, Mac and Linux
- Pricing: Free
- Size: 186 MB for the Java EE Version
2. IntelliJ IDEA
IntelliJ is a closed source Java IDE, and one of the ‘big three’ among Java IDEs (The other two being Eclipse and NetBeans). IntelliJ IDEA has a great, modern UI. It was chosen to be the base IDE for Android Studio, the new all-in-one software for developing Android apps, developed by Google.
There are two versions of IntelliJ, the Community Edition, which is free, and the Ultimate Edition which is fully featured and requires paid licenses to use.
- Developer: JetBrains
- Platforms: OS X, Linux, Windows
- Pricing: Paid ($199 individual user license). Free for Students and open source projects.
- Size: 180 MB for the Community Edition, 290 MB for the Ultimate Edition
3. Eclipse
Eclipse is one of the most popular IDEs out there, and not for just Java, but also for C++ and PHP. Eclipse is an open source tool and has a great community of developers. It also features a huge library of plugins, all made by users. Eclipse latest big release came last year with Eclipse Luna, which offered support for Java 8. Eclipse was also the base IDE for the old Android SDK (Software Development Kit).
- Developer: Eclipse Foundation
- Platforms: Eclipse is available for Windows, Mac, Linux and OSX
- Pricing: Free
- Size: The Eclipse Luna download package for Java Developers is (almost) 155 MB.
4. Jdeveloper
JDeveloper is a fully free IDE released by Oracle. JDeveloper offers several features like, Refactoring, Version Control, Audit & Metrics,Debugging, Profiling. Ant Support and Maven Support. It comes in two editions, a Studio edition which has a fully loaded tool set for creating programs in Java, and a Java Edition, which lacks J2EE, ADF, UML and Database features, but is much smaller and faster. The Java Edition has all the core features needed for Java and should satisfy most beginner and intermediate Java coders.
- Developer: Oracle
- Platforms: Cross Platform
- Pricing: Free
- Size: Java Edition-181 MB, Studio Edition -1.8 GB
5. Dr. Java
Dr. Java is a lightweight Java IDE which is maintained on Sourceforge. It is designed primarily for Students, and beginners, but also has advanced features for Java pros. It is free and open source. Dr. Java is maintained by the JavaPLT group at the Rice University. Its interface has been designed using the Swing toolkit developed by Sun Microsystems.
- Platforms: Cross Platform
- Pricing: Free
- Size: 13 MB
6. BlueJ
BlueJ is an open source Java IDE built for educational purposes. It is also suited for developing small software projects. BlueJ’s interface is quite basic, so that beginners can make good use of it. It shows classes and objects in a clean, visual manner. The main aim of BlueJ is to teach Object Oriented Programming, so it is an excellent tool for new learners, powerful, without the clustered nature of other, professional IDEs.
- Platforms: Cross Platform
- Pricing: Free
- Size: 160-170 MB ( including JDK)
7. jCreator
jCreator is a fast and efficient Java IDE written in C++ (Which supposedly makes it faster than other IDEs which have been written in Java). It has an interface similar to earlier versions of Visual Studio, and lets you customize it to your preference. jCreator is a paid IDE, but a free version without features like auto code completion, is also available. jCreator offers only Windows support, but it can be run on Linux using Vine.
- Developer: Xinox Software
- Platforms: Windows only.
- Pricing: Free
- Size: 7.2 MB for Trial Version
8. jGrasp
jGrasp is another super-lightweight Java IDE, which focuses on software visualizations. It has features like UML class diagrams which help in improving code readability. jGrasp generates visualizations automatically, and also has data structure identification mechanisms, dynamic object viewers and several other features which present Java code in a nice, readable textbook-like view.
![Eclipse Eclipse](https://www.boomzi.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/java-development-kit-770x490.jpg)
- Platforms: Cross Platform
- Pricing: Free
- Size: 5MB
9. Greenfoot
Greenfoot is an educational Java IDE that is almost completely interaction based. It relies heavily on visualization of data structures and is optimized for creation of simple programs and 2D Java games. Greenfoot has a really great online sharing feature that is baked directly into the IDE. Users can share their programs online for others to view, and to receive help and feedback. Shared projects can be directly edited online. Overall, Greenfoot is great for beginners.
- Platforms: Cross Platform
- Pricing: Free
- Size: 162 MB for Windows (JDK included)
10. Codenvy
In the last entry of our list, we have Codenvy, which, unlike all the other IDEs mentioned till now, is purely cloud based. No installation required. Codenvy has all the bells and whistles of a fully featured ‘offline’ IDE, including build/run/debug environments. The ability to collaborate in real time is one of Codenvy’s desirable features. Codenvy has a great interface and several workspace options. It is available after paying a monthly subscription fee. The community edition of Codenvy is free to use.
Detailed Info:
- Developer: Codenvy Inc.
- Platforms: Cross Platform (Browser based)
- Pricing: Free for the community edition. Subscriptions for premium version starting from $1 per month.
Java Requirements
SEE ALSO: Top 15 Programming Languages to Learn in 2015
If you have any suggestion for our list of best Java IDEs, feel free to let us know in comments.
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1 | Navicoder Lite IDE for Java (Java editor for windows) |
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NaviCoder is a Java IDE that runs on Windows which enables programmers to create, navigate, modify, and debug code faster and more accurately. NaviCoder is a Java IDE that runs on Windows which enables programmers to create, navigate, modify, and debug ... | |
Size: 10.5 MB, Price: Free, License: Freeware, Author: PremiumSoft CyberTech Ltd. (jcoder.com) |
2 | NaviCoder (Java IDE editor for Windows) - Freeware also available |
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NaviCoder is a Java IDE that runs on Windows which enables programmers to create, navigate, modify, and debug code faster and more accurately. NaviCoder is a Java IDE that runs on Windows which enables programmers to create, navigate, modify, and debug ... | |
Size: 10.7 MB, Price: USD $31.00 , License: Free to try, Author: PremiumSoft CyberTech Ltd. (jcoder.com) |
3 | Eclipse |
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Eclipse is a multi-language software developmentenvironment comprising an integrated developmentenvironment (IDE) and an extensible plug-in system. Eclipse is a multi-language software developmentenvironment comprising an integrated developmentenvironment ... | |
Size: 163.0 MB, Price: Free, License: Freeware, Author: Eclipse Foundation (eclipse.org) |
4 | ACIDE |
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This project is aimed to provide a free and cross-platform configurable integrated developmentenvironment which can be configured in order to be used with any development system such as interpreters, compilers and database systems. This project is aimed ... | |
Size: 5.8 MB, Price: Free, License: Freeware, Author: Fernando SA?enz PAテつゥrez (sourceforge.net) | |
Code, Development, Editor, Editor, Environment, Ide, Integrated, Java |
5 | MoreMotion Advanced Suite |
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MoreMotion Advanced Suite offers Web developers a Component Based DevelopmentEnvironment equipped with numerous unique features. MoreMotion Advanced Suite offers Web developers a Component Based DevelopmentEnvironment equipped with numerous unique ... | |
Size: 39.9 MB, Price: USD $2999.00 , License: Shareware, Author: moremotion.com (moremotion.com) | |
Advanced, Advantages, Applications, Component, Contai, Designer, Developed, Developers, Development, Effectively, Environment, Equipped, Features, Innovative, Moremotion, Numerous, Professional, Software, Supplies, Technology |
6 | Bricx Command Center |
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Bricx Command Center, or BricxCC, in short, is a software commonly known as an Integrated DevelopmentEnvironment for programming the RCX, Scout, Cybermaster, and Spybot programmable bricks using the NQC language. Bricx Command Center, or BricxCC, in ... | |
Size: 0, Price: Free, License: Freeware, Author: John Hansen (fantasyguru.com) | |
Bricx, Center, Command, Develop, Developer, Development, Development, Environment, Language, Nqc, Program, Rcx |
7 | UEStudio '05 |
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Developmentenvironment:Build, Compile, Debug, Run, ClassViewer, Resource Editor UEStudio '05 is built with the concept of an IDE (Integrated DevelopmentEnvironment) in mind. Although specifically designed for software developers working on | |
Size: 10.6 MB, Price: USD $99.95 , License: Shareware, Author: IDM Computer Solutions, Inc. (ultraedit.com) | |
Binary, Development Environment, Hex Editor, Html, Mac, Php, Programmer S Editor, Spell Checker, Syntax Highlighting, Text Editor, Uestudio, Unix |
8 | LaTexMng |
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LaTexMng is easy to use product of integrated developmentenvironment software for Windows. This application integrates all the tools, needed to the creation of LaTeX documents. LaTeX is a high-quality typesetting system, with features designed for ... | |
Size: 5.4 MB, Price: USD $50.00 , License: Shareware, Author: VNP Comp (latexsoft.com) | |
Bibtex, Integrated Development Environment, Latex, Typesetting System |
9 | Protara Standard Edition |
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Use an integrated developmentenvironment to design forms using a drag/drop style. Protara is an easier way to build applications for Windows or Windows Mobile. Protara offers a robust Integrated DevelopmentEnvironment where all the necessary tools ... | |
Size: 7.8 MB, Price: Free, License: Freeware, Author: Purpose Built Software (protara.com) | |
Build Applications, Database, Debugger, Design, Developer, Development, Forms, Ide, Integrated Development Environment, Javascript, Protara, Rapid Application Development |
10 | PHP Studio |
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PHP Studio is an integrated developmentenvironment for PHP, providing comprehensive and easy-to-use solution for editing, debugging and deploying PHP based web applications. PHP Studio is an integrated developmentenvironment for PHP, providing comprehensive ... | |
Size: 2.1 MB, Price: USD $39.00 , License: Free to try, Author: Cayoren Software (cayoren.com) | |
Cayoren Software, Code Explorer, Coding, Css, Debugger, Development, Editor, Engineering, Environment, Ftp Client, Html, Http Server, Ide, Integrated, Javascript, Perl, Php, Php Editor, Php Studio, Script |
Free Java Development Environment
11 | Advanced Website Creator |
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A web developmentenvironment that allows you to: - Build easily robust applications using an MVC framework and a MySQL/PostgreSQL/SQLite database backend. A web developmentenvironment that allows you to: - Build easily robust applications using an ... | |
Size: 13.6 MB, Price: Free, License: Commercial, Author: Advanced Website Creator (sevalidator.com) | |
Development, Environment, Mvc, Mysql, Php, Postgresql, Sqlite, Web, Website |
12 | C++Builder |
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C++Builderツョ is an award-winning C++ developmentenvironment for building interactive, UI-oriented desktop, workstation, touch-screen, kiosk, and Web applications. C++Builderツョ is an award-winning C++ developmentenvironment for building interactive, ... | |
Size: 17.8 MB, Price: USD $899.00 , License: Free to try, Author: Embarcadero Technologies, Inc. (embarcadero.com) | |
Building Interactive, C++, C++ Development Environment, Development, Web |
13 | KDevelop |
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KDevelop is a free, open source IDE (Integrated DevelopmentEnvironment) for MS Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Solaris and FreeBSD. KDevelop is a free, open source IDE (Integrated DevelopmentEnvironment) for MS Windows, Mac ... | |
Size: 5.0 MB, Price: Free, License: Freeware, Author: kdevelop.org (kdevelop.org) | |
C/c++, Ide, Integrated Development Environment, K Develop, Kde, Kdevelop, Libraries, Plugin |
14 | ZinjaI for Mac OS X |
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ZinjaI is a C++ IDE (integrated developmentenvironment) developed in the context of a Scholarship for Initiation to the Scientific Research, in Universidad Nacional del Litoral, specially designed for being employed in classroom by programming studends. | |
Size: 35.0 MB, Price: Free, License: Freeware, Author: Pipeh Software (zinjai.sourceforge.net) | |
C++ Programming, Develop, Development, Development Tool, Ide, Integrated Development Environment |
15 | ZinjaI for Linux |
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ZinjaI is a C++ IDE (integrated developmentenvironment) developed in the context of a Scholarship for Initiation to the Scientific Research, in Universidad Nacional del Litoral, specially designed for being employed in classroom by programming studends. | |
Size: 35.0 MB, Price: Free, License: Freeware, Author: Pipeh Software (zinjai.sourceforge.net) | |
C++ Programming, Develop, Development, Development Tool, Ide, Integrated Development Environment |
16 | ZinjaI |
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ZinjaI is a C++ IDE (integrated developmentenvironment) developed in the context of a Scholarship for Initiation to the Scientific Research, in Universidad Nacional del Litoral, specially designed for being employed in classroom by programming studends. | |
Size: 49.5 MB, Price: Free, License: Freeware, Author: Pipeh Software (zinjai.sourceforge.net) | |
C++ Programming, Develop, Development, Development Tool, Ide, Integrated Development Environment |
17 | Dev-Pascal |
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Dev-Pascal is a full-featured integrated developmentenvironment (IDE), which is able to create Windows or console-based Pascal programs using the Free Pascal or GNU Pascal compilers. Dev-Pascal is a full-featured integrated developmentenvironment (IDE), ... | |
Size: 8.2 MB, Price: Free, License: Freeware, Author: Colin Laplace (bloodshed.net) | |
Development, Enviroment, Integrated, Integrated Development Environment, Program Creator, Programming Tool |
18 | QuickDev Studio |
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QuickDev Studio is a highly integrated developmentenvironment designed to assist embedded software designers cross all development cycles such as design, coding, debugging and testing. QuickDev Studio is a highly integrated developmentenvironment designed ... | |
Size: 3.6 MB, Price: Free, License: Freeware, Author: Lixin Yin (quickdevstudio.com) | |
Debug, Debug Program, Debugger, Development, Development Environment, Program Coding |
19 | ActiSetup |
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ActiSetup is an advanced setup developmentenvironment for Windows Installer. ActiSetup is an advanced setup developmentenvironment for Windows Installer. It supports authoring MSI installation packages, merge modules, and patches. It allows you to ... | |
Size: 39.2 MB, Price: USD $199.00 , License: Free to try, Author: Dacris Software (dacris.com) | |
Actisetup, Authoring, Bootstrapper, Build, Dacris, Development, Distribution, Environment, Installation, Installer, Installing, Merge Modules, Msi, Package, Packages, Patches, Prerequisites, Setup, Updater, Updates |
20 | Perl Studio |
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Perl Studio is an integrated developmentenvironment for Perl, providing comprehensive and easy-to-use solution for editing, debugging and deploying Perl based applications. Perl Studio is an integrated developmentenvironment for Perl, providing comprehensive ... | |
Size: 2.0 MB, Price: USD $39.00 , License: Free to try, Author: Cayoren Software (cayoren.com) | |
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21 | RadASM |
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RadASM is an integrated developmentenvironment for many programming languages, assembly as well as high level ones. RadASM is an integrated developmentenvironment for many programming languages, assembly as well as high level ones. As every RAD Software ... | |
Size: 1013.8 KB, Price: Free, License: Freeware, Author: KetilO (radasm.cherrytree.at) | |
Assembly, Assembly Ide, Compiler, Development Environment, Ide, Integrated Development Environment |
22 | Visual Paradigm Smart DevelopmentEnvironment Visual Studio Edition |
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Visual Paradigm Smart DevelopmentEnvironment Visual Studio Edition (VP-SDE VS) is a full-featured visual analysis, modeling extension for Microsoft Visual Studio . Visual Paradigm Smart DevelopmentEnvironment Visual Studio Edition (VP-SDE VS) is a ... | |
Size: 68.3 MB, Price: USD $999.00 , License: Commercial, Author: visual-paradigm.com (visual-paradigm.com) | |
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23 | EngInSite PHP Editor IDE |
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While integrated developmentenvironment for PHP is nothing new, EngInSite PHP Editor (IDE) developers managed to add a quite a few helpful features not available anywhere else. While integrated developmentenvironment for PHP is nothing new, EngInSite ... | |
Size: 12.1 MB, Price: USD $79.95 , License: Shareware, Author: enginsite.com (enginsite.com) | |
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24 | PHP Studio 2009 |
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PHP Studio 2009 is an integrated developmentenvironment for PHP, providing comprehensive and easy-to-use solution for editing, debugging and deploying PHP based web applications. PHP Studio 2009 is an integrated developmentenvironment for PHP, providing ... | |
Size: 2.0 MB, Price: USD $39.00 , License: Shareware, Author: Cayoren Software (cayoren.com) | |
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25 | MSP Development System |
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MSP Development System is a optimizing C compiler that includes Micro-IDE (a Windows-based Integrated DevelopmentEnvironment), Serial Loaders, Terminal; Complete online documentation, Project Examples. MSP Development System is a optimizing C compiler ... | |
Size: 0, Price: Free, License: Freeware, Author: BiPOM Electronics, Inc. (bipom.com) | |
C, Compile, Compiler, Development, Environment, Ide, Integrated, Msp, System |
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