Best Java IDE in 2023

By Josip MiskovicUpdated on
Best Java IDE in 2023

Java IDE is an integrated development environment that allows you to code, compile, run, and debug your Java programs. It also provides facilities for refactoring your code and managing your project.

In this article, we will look at the best Java IDE for different development needs that you can get in 2023.

Best Java IDE's are:

Eclipse

Screenshot of Eclipse.

Eclipse is a popular Java IDE that has a market share of around 48%.

It's free, open-source, and has a big plugin ecosystem that lets users modify functionality for application development.

Eclipse was originally released in 2001, and it is available on Linux, Mac, Solaris, and Windows.

Eclipse includes a large plugin architecture that enables users to develop their own capabilities.

Eclipse is a popular IDE for Java development. It's power also comes from a variety of plugins that add to its functionality. The Eclipse compiler is also bespoke, and it can create programs in other languages.

The IDE has features that let you chart, model, report, and test. Eclipse also lets you create applications in a variety of programming languages with plugins.

The Eclipse Marketplace has a lot of plugins that you can download. There is also a Plugin Development Environment where you can make new features. You can use JavaScript, Groovy, and Scala there.

PriceFree
PlatformsmacOS, Linux, Windows

Features

  • Eclipse has features for editing, browsing, debugging, and refactoring.
  • It supports features that allow you to debug your code both remotely and locally.

IntelliJ IDEA

Screenshot of IntelliJ.

IntelliJ IDEA is one of the three main Java IDEs. It was released in 2001 and is available in two different editions: an Apache 2 licensed community edition and a proprietary commercial version. Some of IntelliJ IDEA's features include cross-language refactoring and data flow analysis.

IntelliJ IDEA is a Java IDE from JetBrains. It supports Java and a variety of Java frameworks. It also provides support for Kotlin and other JVM-based programming languages.

IntelliJ includes various utilities to make programming more convenient, such as smart completion, cross-language refactoring, data flow analysis, and language replacement.

Community edition is free and open-source, which means that people can use it to develop Android and Java Virtual Machine (JVM) applications. The ultimate edition is more expensive, but it focuses on web and business development.

PriceCommunity edition is free; Ultimate edition costs $49.90
PlatformsmacOS, Linux, Windows

Features

  • Debugging features that help you code more efficiently.
  • It integrates well with application servers.
  • The premium edition of the software includes features like Perforce integration, duplicate detection, JavaScript and database utilities, and more.
  • Support for the web, mobile, and also hybrid application development

NetBeans

Screenshot of NetBeans.

Apache NetBeans is one of the three main Java IDEs. It is the official IDE for Java 8, and it is available on Linux, Mac, Solaris, and Windows. NetBeans also comes in a feature-light OS-independent edition that is also available on a variety of platforms. Each new version of NetBeans

NetBeans offers a Code Editor and the ability to refactor. NetBeans includes integrated tools for code refactoring and bug-free development. Finally, NetBean's GUI Builder makes it easy to create beautiful user interfaces, and extensions for C, C++, HTML5, JavaScript, PHP, and other programming languages make NetBeans a powerful IDE for any language.

PriceFree
PlatformsmacOS, Linux, Windows

Features

  • A refactoring tool that makes it easy to find and fix code smells.
  • A code editor with syntax highlighting and error checking.
  • Integrated tools for debugging, profiler, and performance analysis.
  • A GUI builder that makes it easy to create beautiful user interfaces.

Oracle JDeveloper

Screenshot of JDeveloper.

JDeveloper is a free software development tool from Oracle. It provides a lot of programming and design tools to help you during the entire development process, from coding to deployment.

PriceFree
PlatformsmacOS, Linux, Windows

Features

  • The web development toolkit has drag-and-drop functionality, which makes developing apps easy and fast.
  • tools for developing applications with PHP, SQL, XML, HTML, and JavaScript.
  • JDeveloper integrates with the Oracle Application Development Framework (Oracle ADF) which makes it easier for developers to write code

DrJava

Screenshot of DrJava.

DrJava is a lightweight Java Integrated Development Environment that was designed specifically for novices and students.

The Rice University JavaPLT group created and maintains the free, open-source, cross-platform JDK (Java Development Kit).

It doesn't have as many features as some other well-known Java development tools, but it has a spotless user interface.

DrJava includes features such as go to line and find/replace. It also has auto-completion, indentation, brace matching, commenting, syntax coloring, and code highlighting. In addition, it is linked to Eclipse via a plugin.

It includes a debugger that supports testing using Junit. It also integrates perfectly with Eclipse through a plugin. This kit also has automatic indentation, completion, commenting, and is flawlessly integrated with Eclipse.

  • This software includes a feature that lets you work on each lesson one at a time. This means that you will not have any problems.
  • Its appearance is consistent on different platforms.

BlueJ

Best Java IDE for beginners

Screenshot of BlueJ.

BlueJ is a software development IDE that was designed mainly for education but is also used by many Java veterans.

This IDE has several advantages, such as displaying the class structure of an application and allowing for interactively creating and testing objects.

However, there are some disadvantages to using BlueJ, such as its lack of some advanced Java development features such as refactoring.

BlueJ offers a standalone ZIP file that can be run without installation.

This makes it ideal for classrooms and labs where multiple students need to use the IDE on the same computer.

John Rosenberg and Michael Kolling from King's College London developed BlueJ. It is a free Java IDE that was created in 1999. It is mainly used for education, but also for small-scale commercial development.

Features:

  • An easy to use interface that makes learning Java easier
  • It has a very shallow learning curve
  • BlueJ is very lightweight and runs on any machine
PriceFree
PlatformsmacOS, Linux, Windows

jGRASP

Screenshot of jGRASP.

jGRASP is one of the best lightweight IDEs for Java. It has a lot of outstanding features like an integrated debugger and a workbench for Java developers. It can also generate graphs that show how complex your code is, as well as UML class diagrams.

The Java lightweight IDE can create static visualizations of source code structure and dynamic data structures representations at runtime.

The software also creates Control Structure Diagrams for additional programming languages, like Python, C++, Objective-C, and Ada. This lightweight IDE is compatible with most free and commercial compilers for various programming languages.

jGRASP includes a workbench, a built-in debugger, and UML class diagrams.

Features

  • Static code visualization
  • Dynamic object visualization
  • UML class diagrams
  • Integrated debugger

jGRASP is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

MyEclipse

Screenshot of MyEclipse.

MyEclipse is a Java IDE that is based on the Eclipse platform. It uses both open-source and proprietary code in its development environment. This allows you to develop Java apps and websites. Angular, HTML, TypeScript, and JavaScript are all supported by MyEclipse.

MyEclipse by CodeMix is a lightweight Java IDE that helps you write code. This program validates actual-time errors as you write the code. It also has customizable themes to choose from.

The IDE has features such as Maven project management, spring tooling, and WebSphere connections.

costs $31.75 per year. If you want more security, you can get the Secure edition for $75 per year.

Features:

Xcode

Screenshot of Xcode.

Xcode is a powerful software development tool that you can use to create apps for macOS, iOS, tvOS, and watchOS. This IDE is designed by Apple and is free to use. Xcode offers a variety of features that will make your development process easier.

Xcode supports many programming languages, including Java, Applescript, C++, Objective-C++, Python, Ruby and Swift.

Codenvy

Codenvy is a Java IDE that is built on top of Eclipse Che. It has three different versions: developer, enterprise, and team. The cost for a single developer is $10 per month.

Codenvy is a cloud-based and on-demand developer workstation.

Coder is a cloud-based code editor. This program lets multiple people work on the same project at the same time. It also has support for Java development tools and plugins.

Codenvy supports a range of programming languages, both interpreted and compiled, including C++, C#, JavaScript, and PHP.

  • Programmers can share the workspace.
  • Offers extensions and APIs.
  • You can use your cloud the way you need it.
  • Manage versions with ease.

Slickedit

SlickEdit is a Java IDE that works on different types of devices. It supports more than 60 languages. This program can quickly work with big files.

  • It means you don't have to type a path to open a file.
  • Subversion, CVS, and other tools can be easily integrated. - The common block structure can be easily expanded.
  • SlickEdit can format code automatically when it is copied and pasted.
  • You can create dialogue boxes that appear on multiple platforms.
  • This software saves the file automatically after a period of inactivity.
  • Platforms are types of systems that software can be run on. These include Windows, macOS, Linux, and Solaris.
  • Link: http://slickedit.com/

Codota

codota is a code editor that helps you write code. It works with Webstorm, Intellij, Eclipse, and Android Studio. This program can automatically complete lines for you. codota is one of the best Java code editors because it contains relevant IDE code examples for your project.

  • You can write programs faster if you use code prediction features.
  • This tool helps you to prevent errors by providing suggestions.
  • It is a fast way to find code without having to leave the software.
  • The Codota platform provides coding tools for developers on Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. The platform includes a search engine for code snippets and a code editor.

Conclusion

Some of the most popular IDEs for Java are Eclipse, IntelliJ IDEA, and NetBeans.

  • If you are new to Java programming, then you should try Eclipse or IntelliJ IDEA.
  • If you are looking for a more lightweight IDE, then you can try NetBeans or Codenvy.
  • Xcode is a good option if you want to develop apps for Apple devices.
  • If you want a lightweight IDE, try jGRASP or MyEclipse.
  • If you want a cloud-based IDE, try Codenvy or Coder.

FAQ on Best Java IDE

What is the Best Free Java IDE?

The best Java IDE overall is Eclipse. It is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. Eclipse offers excellent code completion, refactoring, and debugging features. It also supports a wide range of plugins.

What is the Best Java IDE for Beginners?

The best Java IDE for beginners is BlueJ.

BlueJ is a Java IDE that was specifically designed for beginners. It is easy to use and has a lot of features that make learning Java easier. BlueJ has a graphical interface that makes it easy to see what is happening in your code. It also has built-in support for creating and running Java programs that make it easy to get started.

What is the best Java IDE for Android development?

The best Java IDE for Android development is Android Studio.

Android Studio is a Java IDE that was specifically designed for developing Android applications. It has all the features that you need to develop Android applications, including a built-in emulator that you can use to test your applications.

Android Studio is based on IntelliJ IDEA, so all the outstanding features such as code completion, refactoring, and debugging that are available in IntelliJ IDEA are also available in Android Studio.

Screenshot of Android Studio.

What is the Best Java IDE for Mac?

The best Java IDE for Mac is IntelliJ IDEA.

IntelliJ IDEA is a Java IDE that is available for both macOS and Windows. It has all the features that you need to develop Java applications, including code completion, refactoring, and debugging.

Josip Miskovic
About Josip

Josip Miskovic is a software developer at Americaneagle.com. Josip has 10+ years in experience in developing web applications, mobile apps, and games.

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