After graduating as a CS student, if you want to become a good Java developer in the future, you must endure many hardships. Along with learning Java theories, you have to spend some time practicing Java Codes. And that can be done with some “Best IDEs For Java”.
However, one can even practice Java Codes on some Online Java Compilers as well. But in that case, the student will not get the External Framework Support that most Integrated Development Environments provide.
In this article, we will first talk about the Java Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) briefly. Later, we will discuss the Top 10 Popular Java IDEs that you should use as a student or a developer. So, let us start our journey.
Summary Or Key Highlights:
IDE is a software that most Java Developers use to Write, Compile, Test, and Debug Programs.
Some of the All-Time Best Java IDEs are IntelliJ IDEA, Eclipse, Visual Studio Code, etc.
Based on the Java Development Field, the Java IDE should be chosen.
Different Java IDEs provide different Performances for Large and Complex Applications.
There are a list of Benefits present to use Java IDEs instead of Java Online Compilers.
What Is A Java Integrated Development Environment (IDE)?
In any software, if there is a Code Editor, Compiler, Debugger Tool, Project Manager, And Testing Support present and that Software only allows the developer to write a Java Program, then that software will be called a Java IDE Or Integrated Development Environment.
Java Integrated Development Environment or IDE is the Software that needs to be installed on the Local Machine for compiling any Java Code. We have to install them from Company Websites only. In every Java IDE, a set of External Tools is available that makes Software Development easy.
Historical Evolution Of Java IDEs:
1990s: Along with the Rise of the Java Programming Language, the first Java IDE was developed by Sun Microsystems. The IDE was Java Workshop which only allows to Write Code.
2000s: The Eclipse and NetBeans Java IDEs were introduced. In such IDEs, we first get the Plugin Ecosystem and a better Code Editor with Syntax Highlighting.
2010s: The IntelliJ IDEA became popular and most Java Developers started working on it. It was the first IDE that brought the Smart Code Completion Technique.
Present Day: Nowadays, Java IDEs are trying to integrate with Cloud Service, Artificial Intelligence, etc. to make an Ultra-modern Java IDE.
Debugging is a key skill for Java developers, and these tips from our article on Java Debugging Tips for Developers can make the process even smoother.
List Of 10 Most Popular Java IDEs Highly Used By Java Developers:
We hope that from the above discussion, the basic idea about a Java IDE should become clear to you. Now, it is time to move ahead with our Central Discussion Topic.
In this section, we are going to discuss about Top 10 Most Popular Java IDEs. We will discuss their Features and Emerging Technologies where they can be used. So, let us start this section.
1. IntelliJ IDEA:
If you want to know about the Java IDE that is highly used by Java Developers, then that IDE will be the IntelliJ IDEA. The IntelliJ IDEA is very famous for its Design and Frameworks. For both Small and Large Applications, the use of IntelliJ IDEA is inevitable.
Introduction Year: 2001
Market Share: 3.12% According To 6sense
Number Of Companies That Use IntelliJ IDEA: 17,960 According To Enlyft
Features Of IntelliJ IDEA:
We can do Intelligent Code Completion with the IntelliJ IDEA.
An Advanced Debugging Tool is present in the IntelliJ IDEA.
We can even get the Version Control System Git with the Java IDE IntelliJ IDEA.
Integration Capabilities with Emerging Technologies:
We can perform Cloud Development with AWS, Azure, and CCP Plugins.
The Docker and Kubernetes can be integrated with the IntelliJ IDEA.
2. Eclipse:
After the IntelliJ IDEA, the Eclipse IDE is mostly used by Java Developers. Not only a Java Developer, but the Eclipse can be used by a student as well and it is very easy to use. Eclipse IDE can be installed on any Operating System like Windows OS, Mac OS, Linux, etc.
Introduction Year: 2001
Market Share: 22.04% According To 6sense
Number Of Companies That Use Eclipse: 498 According To Enlyft
Features Of Eclipse:
Eclipse is a Free Java IDE that can be installed without any cost.
Eclipse is a Lightweight Java IDE and Easy to Set Up.
We will get a Great User-friendly Interface with Eclipse IDE.
Integration Capabilities with Emerging Technologies:
With the help of the Eclipse Che, we can go for the Cloud Development.
To increase the Code Reviews, Eclipse is using AI Plugins with DeepCode.
3. NetBeans IDE:
Another important IDE will be the NetBeans. The NetBeans is the IDE that is developed by the Apache. It is the only IDE that can work on Java and Other Programming Languages as well. The NetBeans is highly popular due to its Simple Design and Working Process.
Introduction Year: 1996
Market Share: 1.38% According To 6sense
Number Of Companies That Use NetBeans: 80 According To Enlyft
Features Of NetBeans IDE:
We will get the Modular Design with NetBeans IDE.
NetBeans supports the Java EE and Web Development as well.
We can easily integrate Third-Party Tools with NetBeans.
Integration Capabilities with Emerging Technologies:
With the NetBeans, we can use Machine Learning Libraries like Apache Mahout.
We will get support from the RESTful APIs for making the Web-based Applications.
4. BlueJ:
Now, if you are looking for an IDE that will be suitable for any Beginner, then the BlueJ will be the Best Java IDE. The BlueJ is developed by keeping Students in mind. If you want to develop any Small-Scale Development Project, then the BlueJ will be appropriate for you.
Introduction Year: 1999
Market Share: 0.00% According To 6sense
Number Of Companies That Use BlueJ: 112 According To Enlyft
Features Of BlueJ:
We will get a Simple and Clean Interface with the BlueJ IDE.
The Visual Representation Of The Code is possible with the BlueJ IDE.
Learning OOPs (Object Oriented Programming) is very easy with BlueJ IDE.
Modern IDEs simplify working with frameworks like Spring or Hibernate. If you’re exploring such frameworks, check out our guide on MVC Architecture in Java to better understand their implementation.
Integration Capabilities with Emerging Technologies:
We will get Basic AI Support for Small Scale Software Development.
It is only Focused On Educational Purposes. So, No More Capabilities are present.
5. JDeveloper:
JDeveloper is the IDE that is developed by the Oracle Cooperation. The JDeveloper is used for Enterprise-level Java Development. With the JDeveloper, one can get Oracle Application Support as well. The use of the JDeveloper can be seen only by the Expert Java Coders.
Introduction Year: 1997
Market Share: 1.14% According To 6sense
Number Of Companies That Use JDeveloper: 5,273 According To Enlyft
Features Of JDeveloper:
With the JDeveloper, we can perform the Full-Stack Development.
The JDeveloper can support Web Services and Web Applications.
We can highly Customize the Workspace as per our choice.
Integration Capabilities with Emerging Technologies:
We can do Enterprise Cloud Development with Oracle Cloud Integration.
With the help of the JAX-RS and JSON-P Features, we can work on the Microservices as well.
6. Visual Studio Code:
We all are aware of the Visual Studio Code or VS Code. With the help of the Visual Studio Code, we can execute the Java Programs as well. But in this case, we need to get help from some Extensions. However, the Visual Studio Code still works as a Strong Java IDE.
Introduction Year: 2015
Market Share: 4.84% According To 6sense
Number Of Companies That Use VS Code: 20,430 According To Enlyft
Features Of VS Code:
We can get Extensive Plugin Marketplace Support in the VS Code.
With the VS Code, we can integrate Git for Version Control.
We can do Easy Debugging with the VS Code on Java Codes.
Integration Capabilities with Emerging Technologies:
With the help of TensorFlow and PyTorch, we can work on Machine Learning.
We will get some Extensions for Cloud Services provided by Azure and AWS Lambda.
7. DrJava:
If you are looking for any Java IDE that is only used by the Students, then DrJava will be the best IDE for you. The DrJava is developed by keeping Beginners and Educators in mind. The Setup Process of the DrJava Application is one of the most simple among the Java IDEs.
Introduction Year: 2002
Market Share: No Data
Number Of Companies That Use DrJava: No Data
Features Of DrJava:
We will get Unit Testing Support in DrJava for successfully compiling any code.
There are Simple Debugging Tools are present that can be used to check the Bugs.
Interactive Evaluation of the Code is generated in the DrJava Application.
Integration Capabilities with Emerging Technologies:
We will get Minimal AI Support for Complex Solutions only.
8. Greenfoot:
Greenfoot is another Java IDE that is developed for Educational Purposes. With the help of Greenfoot, one can’t implement Enterprise-level Applications. Only the Students and Teachers can work with the Greenfoot and to work in Greenfoot, you should have an Account on their website.
Introduction Year: 2006
Market Share: No Data
Number Of Companies That Use Greenfoot: No Data
Features Of Greenfoot:
With Greenfoot, we will get a Visual and Interactive Programming Interface.
We will get Support for Animation and Sound for getting Graphical Output.
For creating Educational Games with Java, the Greenfoot should be used.
Integration Capabilities with Emerging Technologies:
No Integration Capability is present as Greenfoot is used only for Educational Purposes.
9. JCreator:
If you are looking for any Java IDE that will quickly execute the code and bring the output, then the JCreator will be the best in this segment. The JCreator is known for its Speed and Efficiency. It is so easy to use that a Beginner or Layman can execute a code.
Introduction Year: 2000
Market Share: No Data
Number Of Companies That Use JCreator: 252 According To Enlyft
Features Of JCreator:
We will get a Simplified Interface with the JCreator IDE.
The JCreator does not rely on the Java Virtual Machine or JVM.
We can Customize the User Settings anytime we need to.
Integration Capabilities with Emerging Technologies:
We can get Minimal Support for Cloud Development on JCreator.
As JCreator is a very Lightweight IDE, No More Integration Support is present.
10. MyEclipse:
Last but not least one will be the MyEclipse. There is no relation between the MyEclipse and Eclipse IDE. The MyEclipse IDE can be used for the Java Development Purposes along with Educational Reasons. For making Enterprise-Grade Applications, the MyEclipse will be the best.
Introduction Year: 2003
Market Share: No Data
Number Of Companies That Use MyEclipse: 1,690 According To Enlyft
Features Of MyEclipse:
With MyEclipse, we will get Database Visualization Tools.
We get support from Different Frameworks like Spring and Hibernate.
In MyEclipse, we get Advanced Debugging Methods to clear the errors.
Integration Capabilities with Emerging Technologies:
MyEclipse has different tools that can Integrate Docker and Kubernetes.
With the help of TensorFlow, we can work on Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence as well.
While choosing the right IDE makes coding easier, many students still struggle with Java homework and projects. If you’re one of them, check out our Java Homework Help service for expert guidance.
How To Choose The Right Java IDE?
We have given you the list of 10 Most Popular Java IDEs and their details. Now, it is up to you to Pick up an IDE and Start Working on it. But, if you are confused about which IDE to pick up, for that we have brought some tips.
Let us see the following tips before picking up any IDE for your work.
Know The Requirements: First, you have to identify the work for which you are looking for the IDE. It might be Enterprise-level Development, Learning, or Lightweight Tasks. Based upon that, pick up an IDE from the list.
Choose The Easy One: Based on the task, you need to search for the Easy-to-Use IDE in that category. For Beginners, the BlueJ and Greenfoot IDEs will be ideal. For Experts, the IntelliJ IDEA or Eclipse should be better.
Check The Features: Now, the next step will be to Check The Features. You have to know whether the Preferred IDE is giving Debugging Tools, Plugin, and Framework Support or Not. You can also use other communities to gather more information.
Consider The Budget: Along with all the three tips, you need to consider your Budget as well. If there is No Budget for the work, then you need to do work with some Free IDEs like Eclipse and NetBeans. Otherwise, you can move ahead with IntelliJ IDEA which is Paid.
What Are The Benefits Of Using IDEs For Java?
We hope whatever we have discussed till now will be enough to pick the Best IDE for Java Programming. Now, as we are approaching the end, we would like to discuss some Benefits of Using Integrated Development Environments for Java Programming Language.
Let us check the following list to know more.
Java IDEs help in Efficient Coding as they provide many features.
Java IDEs help to Detect Errors in The Code easily with the help of Debugger Tools.
We can easily Navigate Through Large Codebases with the help of Java IDEs.
We can utilize different Integrated Tools that come along with the Java IDE.
With Java IDEs, we can Collaboratively Work as well as they have Git Integration.
Conclusion:
In the end, we can say it is very important to know about the “Best IDEs For Java”.
Best Java IDEs will help us to Practice Java Codes as much as possible. We have given a list of 10 Java IDEs which seems as the best from our viewpoint. If you find any other IDE as the best one for Java Development Purposes, then you can certainly move ahead with that.
Takeaways:
IntelliJ IDEA, Eclipse, NetBeans, etc. are the Java IDEs used for Development Purposes.
DrJava, Greenfoot, BlueJ, etc. are some Java IDEs used for Educational Purposes.
BlueJ and Greenfoot IDE will be better for Beginner-level Java Programmers.
IntelliJ IDEA and Eclipse will be appropriate for Expert-level Programmers.
While picking up the Best Java IDE, we must also consider their Performance.
