The Absolute Best Java IDEs for Programming

Java is one of the most popular programming languages around. It’s no coincidence that there are tons of Java bootcamps—it’s a flexible and powerful code that you can use for all sorts of tasks. Working with an integrated development environment (IDE) makes programming in Java even easier, but which is the best Java IDE? Understanding what IDEs do and selecting the perfect one for your needs speeds your work and adds additional tools to your kit. This is why picking the right IDE is highly crucial.

Our guide gives you all the information you could want and sets you up for a successful career in web development and other programming niches. IDEs include graphical interfaces and provide developers with a workbench from which to create their programs more efficiently, and this article shows you which one works best for your situation. We look at four of the industry’s favorite IDEs and help you determine which option gets you where you need to go.

Oracle JDeveloper

Java is one of the first languages most software engineers learn when they start studying for their new careers. Sun Microsystems developed Java originally, and they have since been acquired by Oracle. So, it makes sense to look to the source when you want an IDE to help you enhance your work with Java. Oracle’s JDeveloper is one of the most popular IDEs around and is a great place to begin our examination.

JDeveloper works to provide an integrated framework and aids users with lots of visual development features. Because the app comes from Oracle, JDeveloper integrates seamlessly with the Oracle Application Development Framework. You can use JDeveloper for more than Java, too. JavaScript, HTML, SQL, PHP, and XML all work happily with the app. If you work with Oracle products, give JDeveloper a look.

jGrasp

Ask any developer out there, and they’ll confirm that software bloat and excessively large supporting apps are some of the most pernicious issues they encounter in programming. Large IDEs give you power, but they also require memory, storage, and processing time. If you work in an environment that doesn’t have a lot of extra breathing room for large apps, consider an app with low overhead like jGrasp.

jGrasp aims to provide software visualization automatically without becoming a resource hog. The app gives users static source code and runtime data visualizations without sucking up your system’s computing power. jGrasp works with C++, C, ADA, Python, and other languages in addition to Java, too. And, you can also use it as a source code editor. The IDE is free to use as a compiler and is a great pick for resource misers. 

IntelliJ

Do you like paying companies to use their products? What if you could get a top-notch app for free and use it to make your Java programming a snap? Sounds good, I know. It’s possible to achieve this goal with IntelliJ, though. IntelliJ is a fantastic IDE option for users who want some extra functionality without paying through the nose. It’s a go-to for shops that don’t have extra cash to spend on an IDE.

There are two versions of IntelliJ. You can buy the Ultimate edition if you wish; it has extra bells and whistles as well as Perforce support. However, the community version of IntelliJ is open-source and works great for Android and Java Virtual Machine programming. IntelliJ gives you more in-depth control than some other IDEs and lets you get elbow-deep in your code. The app works with Java as well as Maven, Groovy, Kotlin, SVN, Mercurial, and more.

NetBeans

It’s always a good idea to find an IDE that integrates perfectly with newer versions of Java. NetBeans fits that description perfectly. This IDE is the official one for Java 8 and uses a modular approach to Java development. And, because it gets the Java seal of approval, you know that you won’t run into a compatibility issue when you work with it. This app is simple to operate and gives you plenty of extra juice in your negotiations with Java.

Like IntelliJ, NetBeans is open-source, which makes it the perfect option for development environments on a budget. It’s excellent for mobile programming, too. The IDE includes a constantly updating Java editor and is an ideal tool for helping programmers develop custom software. The app works on all major platforms, including Linux, Windows, and MacOS. It might be just what you need to kick it into high gear.

And there it is, my friends. Java is one of the most popular and used programming languages today, and IDEs help to make working with the code easy and effective. Our guide gives you a rundown of the best IDEs around and shows you which one might work best for your circumstances.