Choose from the best Java IDEs and code editors to use in 2024 and increase your Java productivity.
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 it anywhere”. Used to create everything from Android apps to games, the language is highly versatile. There's no doubt about it: Java services are in high demand.
To build the best software possible, you need to have the best tools to help you. An Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is one such tool – and it is a powerful one. Here, we will take a look at the top Java IDEs on the market.
Why is it important to choose the right integrated development environment?
An IDE is essentially a set of tools that aids your development efforts for many different types of projects. Through a single platform, you can access interpreters, code editors, debuggers, and more. The IDE helps simplify and speed up the process ten times.
IDEs offer several benefits. But different platforms are better suited to different projects and developer preferences. When you find the right tool for you, you'll 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 tools that allow you to change, change or edit projects. However, text editors are much more limited – they are only capable of writing and editing code in plain text format, while IDEs offer more advanced features such as compiling, debugging, testing and viewing 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.
Although in this article we mainly focus on Java IDEs, there are several text editors worth mentioning, such as:
- Notepad++
- Visual Studio Code
- Text
- Sublime Text
- Atom
- I came
- Ultra
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 choosing a platform for your project, it is important to assess your skills and ability to learn quickly and consider whether you will be able to navigate different tools.
- FEATURES: Most IDEs come with several features, including debugging tools, version control integration, and more. Look for a platform that incorporates the essential features you need to increase your productivity. This will depend on your project requirements as well as personal preference.
- PERFORMANCE: No matter the size of your project, the IDE you use must be high-performance. It must respond quickly and continuously, without delays or hiccups.
- COMMUNITY: Any tool you use, be it 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 only consideration, but it is still a factor. Some IDEs are free to use, while others come with a higher price tag. Evaluate the benefits and features that come with the model to help you determine whether the tool is worth investing in.
These are just a few considerations when evaluating IDEs. There are additional factors to consider depending on your needs and the demands of the specific project.
So which Java IDE is best for your project? Continue reading to learn more about the tools available.
Top 8 IDEs and Text Editors for Java Developers
There are several IDEs for Java developers and this list is not exhaustive. Again, to determine the best choice for your project, consider the factors above, the qualities described below, and your personal preferences and needs.
#1 IntelliJ IDEA (Best Cross-Platform Java IDE)
IntelliJ IDEA is a cutting-edge IDE for Java and Kotlin development, allowing you to produce robust code on 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 easy to use. There are two versions available: a free community version and a paid Ultimate edition.
Key Features // Product Highlights
- Excellent version control support
- Feature-packed
- Various plugins available
- Easy to use
- Supports many Java frameworks and Java-based languages
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy, cross-platform setup | Memory intensive |
| Seamless integrations | Lazy loading |
| Flexible and customizable | Final editing is expensive |
| Excellent support | Occasional performance issues |
#2 BlueJ (Best Java IDE for Beginners)
Aimed at beginners, BlueJ is a free IDE often used for educational purposes. The well-organized platform offers an interactive environment with graphical representations and a unique color scheme.
Key Features // Product Highlights
- Git integration
- Graphical representations
- Interactive features
- Syntax highlighting
- Unit Testing
| Pros | Cons |
| Ideal for beginners/easy to use | No code completion available |
| Many extensions, libraries and tools available | Some processes, such as compilation, are more complex |
| Excellent views and UI | Bad 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 and improving productivity and efficiency. Along with Java, the tool offers support for languages such as C, C++, JavaScript, PHP and many others.
Key Features // Product Highlights
- debug
- Support for multiple programming languages
- Code autocompletion
- Collaborative and RESTful workspaces
- Git Preview
| Pros | Cons |
| Simple UI | Consumes resources and memory |
| Easy to use | Runs slowly when using multiple plugins |
| Open source and free to use | Fewer integrations |
| Customizable and flexible | Comparatively less extensible |
#4 NetBeans (Best Free and Open Source Java IDE)
NetBeans is a free, cross-platform, and open-source IDE for Java development. But these qualities don't make you any less useful or productive. The platform offers multiple features and facilitates quick coding. In addition to Java, NetBeans supports languages such as C, C++ and PHP.
Key Features // Product Highlights
- Code autocompletion
- debug
- Profile
- Code highlighting
- Restructuring
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy-to-run server-based applications | Limited professional support |
| Contains all modules for development on one platform | Slow to load and run |
| Rapid development | Memory and resource consumption |
| Huge community | Sometimes unstable |
#5 JDeveloper (Best IDE for Simplified Java App Building)
Built to integrate with the Oracle platform and products, JDeveloper is a free IDE ideal for simplifying Java application development across the SDLC. The platform offers a number of special features that make the process significantly easier and faster, while increasing efficiency and productivity.
Key Features // Product Highlights
- Visual and declarative editors
- Drag and drop functions
- Restructuring
- Code navigation
- Debugging Tools
| Pros | Cons |
| Complete SDLC management | The interface is less intuitive than in 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 (Best Java IDE for Collaboration)
Codenvy is a cloud-based IDE built specifically for collaboration. It's easy to quickly start projects as well as customize them thanks to the numerous extensions. It is an ideal tool for teams and offers several features and functionalities.
Key Features // Product Highlights
- Code completion
- Restructuring
- debug
- Syntax highlighting
- Command Line Interface
| Pros | Cons |
| Provides team integration 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 suitable for developers of all skill levels, although it is especially useful for beginners and students. Developers have countless tools at their disposal through the platform.
Key Features // Product Highlights
- Syntax highlighting
- Customizable UI
- debug
- Code autocompletion
- Project management
| Pros | Cons |
| Reliable | Available for Windows only |
| Suitable for beginners | Limited autocomplete function for experienced developers |
| Easy navigation | Paid version is expensive |
| UI offers tree view | No support for third-party plugins |
#8 CodeReady Studio (Best IDE for Enterprise Java Use)
Formerly known as Red Hat Developer Studio, CodeReady Studio is designed for enterprise Java development. The Eclipse-based IDE is ideal for starting many different projects – web and mobile apps, enterprise apps, and microservices – throughout the SDLC, offering broad support throughout the process.
Key Features // Product Highlights
- debug
- Project assistants
- Test
- Integration with various frameworks
| Pros | Cons |
| Supported by numerous languages and frameworks | More expensive than alternatives |
| Various models | Requires experience to use |
| Many plugins available | The UI is less comprehensive |
| Seamless integration with Red Hat products | May be slower than alternatives |
Conclusion
Common questions
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 and free Java IDEs are IntelliJ IDEA and Eclipse
What is the best Java IDE for Windows?
There are several excellent Java IDEs for Windows, such as IntelliJ IDEA, NetBeans, Eclipse, and JDeveloper. Many Java IDEs are cross-platform and can also work on Linux and MacOS. Your choice of IDE should depend on your features, requirements, and personal preferences.
Which Java text editor or IDE is best for Linux?
There are many Java IDEs and text editors available for Linux, and your choice of tool will depend on factors such as the features included, your project requirements, and personal preference. IntelliJ IDEA and Eclipse are examples of cross-platform IDEs for Linux, as well as platforms such as MacOS and Windows. Sublime Text, Vim and Atom are popular text editors 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 various AI frameworks and features that make development faster and easier.
If you liked this, be sure to check out one of our other Java articles:
- Top 5 Java Build Tools Compared
- Java Concurrency: Master the Art of Multithreading
- Java garbage collection
- Java Integration Testing Explained with Examples
- 10 Best Java NLP Libraries and Tools
Source: BairesDev
