11 Best Java IDE & Code Editors [2024 Update]

In this article, I share my picks for the best Java IDE in 2024.

In the world of Java development, it’s fair to say that the best Java IDE can have a huge impact on your coding experience.

Whether you're experienced in Java or a total beginner, a Java IDE can boost your productivity, streamline your workflow, and make your coding more enjoyable.

What’s not to like?

But where do you start? Well, don’t worry, that’s why I’ve written this article.

Whether you want to prioritize a seamless debugging experience, advanced code completion, or extensive plugin support, there's a Java IDE to meet your needs.

Let’s dive in.

What Are IDEs & Code Editors?

Whether you’re a college freshman taking your first Java course or a principal developer at a major tech company, you need an IDE or a code editor to efficiently edit, read, and debug code, whether you're on Linux, Windows, or Mac.

But what is an IDE?

Great question. An Integrated Development Environment is a software package that facilitates code writing, testing, and debugging, all within a single application. For Java developers, an IDE is a crucial tool to streamline the coding process and it's where you build your Java projects!

To my mind, the most important thing to know about an IDE is that it increases your productivity by combining common developer tools such as software editing, building, testing, debugging, and packaging in one easy-to-use graphical user interface (GUI).

And that's not to mention other helpful features, like code refactoring, code search, code auto-completion, and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD).

Moving on to the IDE's cousin, the code editor.

Sometimes mistaken for IDEs, the main difference is that IDEs provide more powerful tools to simplify the coding process. That said, popular code editors like Visual Studio Code have become so fully featured that it's hard to differentiate between the two!

So, to keep things simple, I'll be including both types of coding environments in this article.

The Role of AI in Modern IDEs

You've likely noticed that AI is becoming increasingly prevalent in the development world, whether that's Java development or any other type of software development.

The best proof of this is the increasing inclusion and support for AI coding assistants in modern IDEs. This allows you to use the AI assistant as a pair programmer, whether that's with AI tools like GitHub Copilot, Amazon CodeWhisperer, or TabNine.

If you're not yet familiar with these tools, they are insanely powerful, with the ability to auto-complete code or even generate entire functions based on natural language comments.

But why am I bringing this up?

Simple, when it comes to selecting your preferred Java IDE, I'd highly encourage you to consider not just your current needs but also future trends, and this means choosing an IDE that supports AI features that can set you up for long-term success.

Many of the options in my list offer this, with my top pick, IntelliJ Idea, offering support for a range of AI assistants.

The 11 Best Java IDEs In 2024

1. IntelliJ IDEA

IntelliJ IDEA from JetBrains undoubtedly claims the top spot on my list of Java IDEs, but it's also been one of the most popular Java IDEs for over 20 years.

What really sets IntelliJ IDEA apart for me is its intelligent coding assistance, as it seems to understand your code, predict your needs, and assist you with a range of development tasks from start to finish.

By virtually mapping your Java projects, it can detect errors, suggest code variants, conduct refactoring, and more. It’s like having a coding assistant! Plus, If you opt for the paid version, you can use JetBrains' new AI coding assistant.

Another standout feature is its robust debugging tool, which is both powerful and user-friendly, offering advanced features like inline debugging and the ability to analyze complex threads and stacks.

IntelliJ IDEA’s deep integration with various Java frameworks and technologies, particularly Spring, Hibernate, and Maven, is also really helpful, as it streamlines the development process, making it easier to work on complex applications.

Now, of course, we're focusing on Java, but it's also great to know that it supports 25 other languages, including SQL, JavaScript, HTML, or even other JVM languages like Kotlin and Scala. You can even use frameworks like React, Angular, Node, Vue, and more to help with full-stack development.

I also appreciate how it helps with project management for enterprise-level development, with excellent tools for handling large codebases.

Lastly, as you'd expect from JetBrains, IntelliJ IDEA's user interface is sleek and customizable, allowing you to tailor the environment to enhance productivity and comfort. This, combined with features like version control integration and a vast array of plugins, makes it a comprehensive tool for modern Java development.

Features:

• Intelligent Coding Assistance: Offers advanced code completion, predictions, and automation for various development tasks.
• Advanced Debugging Tools: Provides powerful debugging capabilities with features like inline debugging and complex analysis tools.
• Framework and Technology Integration: Deep integration with Java frameworks and technologies like Spring, Hibernate, and Maven.
• Efficient Project Management: Facilitates handling of large codebases, ideal for enterprise-level development.
• Multi-Language Support: Accommodates various languages and technologies, suitable for full-stack development.
• Customizable User Interface: Allows personalization of the development environment for enhanced productivity.
• Comprehensive Development Toolset: Includes version control integration and a wide range of plugins.

2. Eclipse

Eclipse IDE secures a solid second place on my list of favorite Java IDEs, as it's renowned for its robustness and versatility in the Java development world.

Plus, you can even choose between a desktop or cloud version to suit your development style.

One of the best things about Eclipse is its strong focus on providing a comprehensive development platform. The plugin-based architecture also means you can extend its capabilities far beyond standard Java development, adapting it to various development tasks and environments.

Eclipse's debugger is also sophisticated, with a range of features like conditional breakpoints, watchpoints, and a highly interactive console. This makes troubleshooting and resolving issues in code much more manageable and less time-consuming.

The integration with Java development tools and frameworks is also impressive, with excellent support for popular Java frameworks like Spring and Hibernate and tools like Maven and Gradle.

Eclipse also shines when it comes to collaborative and team-based development, with features like version control integration and team management tools to make things easier when you're working on large-scale projects and development teams.

Being an open-source IDE, it also has a large and active community that contributes to plugins, extensions, and regular updates. This community-driven approach ensures that Eclipse stays up-to-date with the latest development trends and technologies.

Finally, Eclipse also supports many popular languages, like PHP, C++, JavaScript, and even Python with PyDev. This is awesome if you’re a developer who uses multiple languages regularly.

Features:

• Plugin-Based Architecture: Highly customizable, allowing extensions for various development tasks.
• Advanced Debugging Tools: Includes features like conditional breakpoints and an interactive console for efficient problem-solving.
• Strong Framework and Tool Integration: Supports Java frameworks and tools like Spring, Hibernate, Maven, and Gradle.
• Collaborative Development Features: Offers version control integration and team management tools.
• Strong Community Support: Benefits from a large open-source community contributing plugins and updates.
• Efficient Large Codebase Management: Capable of handling complex projects and multiple programming languages.
• Open-Source Platform: Provides a free and flexible development environment with broad accessibility.

3. Apache NetBeans

Taking the third slot on my list of Java IDEs is Apache NetBeans (co-developed by Oracle), which has really strong roots in the Java community thanks to its comprehensive toolset for Java development.

Which is no wonder, given it is more than 25 years old!

In fact, you'll probably find that most seasoned Java developers use any one of the top three choices in my list, but NetBeans is particularly well-respected for those working on large-scale applications and Java Enterprise projects.

For me, one of the standout features of NetBeans is its out-of-the-box support for Java SE, Jakarta EE (Java EE), and JavaFX, as well as integrated support for Maven and Gradle, making it a powerhouse for a wide range of Java projects.

NetBeans provides a straightforward and easy-to-navigate interface, which is great for both beginners and experienced developers. It also simplifies project setup and management, allowing developers to focus more on coding and less on configuration.

NetBeans also includes a user-friendly yet powerful debugger with the option for remote debugging, which is crucial for enterprise-level development and web applications.

Much like the top 2 IDEs on my list, NetBeans also excels in providing a rich set of plugins and extensions. These are great for enhancing the IDE’s functionality. Whether it’s version control, database access, or working with different programming languages, NetBeans has a plugin for it.

For web development, NetBeans also offers excellent HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS support, which is essential for full-stack Java development. Its integration with web frameworks is another plus, making it a comprehensive environment for developing modern web applications.

NetBeans also includes a built-in profiler. If you're not familiar with these, this is a tool that I find invaluable for optimizing performance and identifying memory usage issues in Java applications. This is especially useful in large-scale and complex applications where performance is critical.

Features:

• Comprehensive Java Support: Includes built-in support for Java SE, Java EE, JavaFX, Maven, and Gradle.
• Intuitive Interface and Project Management: Offers a user-friendly interface and simplifies project setup and management.
• Advanced Debugging Tools: Provides powerful debugging capabilities, including remote debugging features.
• Rich Plugin Ecosystem: Offers a wide range of plugins and extensions for enhanced functionality and customization.
• Full-Stack Web Development Tools: Supports HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS, along with web frameworks and tools.
• Built-In Profiler: Helps in optimizing performance and diagnosing memory usage issues in applications.
• Cross-Language Support: Facilitates development in other languages like PHP, C/C++, and HTML5 alongside Java.

4. Visual Studio Code (VSCode)

Developed by Microsoft for Windows, Linux, and macOS, Visual Studio Code, commonly known as VS Code, is one of my favorite coding environments for various applications, including Java.

And before you say anything, yes, you're right; it's actually a code editor, not an IDE! But for most developers, this distinction is probably not very important in 2024, as it's so richly featured that you likely wouldn't notice the difference.

What sets VSCode apart for me is its remarkable flexibility and extensibility. With the Java Extension Pack, VSCode transforms into a highly capable Java development environment.

This pack includes essential tools like Language Support for Java by Red Hat, Debugger for Java, Java Test Runner, and Maven for Java, equipping VSCode with features typically found in more heavyweight IDEs.

I also like that VSCode strikes a balance between functionality and performance. Plus, its clean and intuitive interface allows for quick navigation and coding, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced developers who prefer a more straightforward approach.

You can even make use of VSCode themes to add your own personality to your coding environment.

The heart of VS Code lies in its extension-based architecture. The editor is inherently lightweight, with the flexibility to expand its capabilities through an extensive library of over 30,000 VSCode extensions.

VSCode's debugging capabilities are also impressive, as the Java debugger provides a robust experience that includes features like breakpoints, call stack inspection, and variable exploration. This makes troubleshooting and resolving issues in Java code much more efficient.

Plus, given VSCode's enormous popularity among developers, it's no wonder that AI coding assistants like GitHub Copilot are also available to enhance coding efficiency and accuracy.

Another big advantage of VSCode is its Git integration, as the built-in source control management support simplifies version control operations, making it easier to manage changes and collaborate on projects.

Features:

• Java Extension Pack: Transforms VSCode into a powerful Java IDE with essential tools and features.
• User-Friendly Interface: Offers a clean and intuitive interface, facilitating ease of use and navigation.
• Robust Debugging Tools: Integrates with the Java Debugger for an efficient debugging experience.
• Extensive Plugin Ecosystem: Provides a wide range of extensions for customization and additional functionality.
• Build Automation and Project Management: Supports tools like Maven and Gradle for streamlined project workflows.
• Integrated Git Support: Simplifies source control management for effective version control and collaboration.
• Lightweight and Efficient: Delivers a powerful coding experience without the overhead of traditional IDEs.

5. Android Studio

Taking the fifth spot on my list, Android Studio is a no-brainer if you need a Java IDE for Android. It’s even the official IDE for Android app development, which is quite the endorsement, not to mention it’s in the top 5 for IDEs across all languages.

One of the best things about Android Studio is its deep integration with the Android platform, thanks to a tailored development experience with features like a rich layout editor, APK Analyzer, and fast emulator, all designed to streamline the process of building, testing, and debugging Android apps.

I love this, and this integration makes it an indispensable tool for anyone working in the Android app space.

It's also important to note that it's built using the Java code editor and dev tools from IntelliJ IDEA, so you know you're in safe hands!

As you'd expect with any decent Java IDE, it offers intelligent code completion, refactoring, and analysis specifically optimized for Android development. These features significantly enhance productivity and code quality, particularly when working with complex Android projects.

Its debugging tools are also exceptional, with an integrated debugger that offers a seamless debugging experience across both app code and Android framework code. It's also great if you inspect the state of apps and devices in real-time.

Android Studio also offers lots of support for performance tuning and optimization, with features like a memory profiler, CPU profiler, and network profiler to get deep insights into app performance.

If you're serious about app development, these are ideal features for optimizing your applications for speed and efficiency.

Plus, you also get support for version control systems like Git, which is ideal for collaboration and source code management. Plus, its Gradle-based build system streamlines the build process, making it easier to manage dependencies and variations of your app.

Android Studio is not just limited to Java; it also supports languages like Kotlin, which is also becoming popular for Android development. This versatility makes it an attractive choice for developers looking to work with the latest programming languages and technologies in the Android ecosystem.

Features:

• Deep Android Integration: Tailored tools like a layout editor, APK Analyzer, and fast emulator for Android app development.
• Optimized Code Editor: Intelligent code completion, refactoring, and analysis specifically for Android development.
• Integrated Debugging Tools: Advanced debugging capabilities for app and Android framework code.
• Performance Tuning Tools: Profilers for memory, CPU, and network to optimize app performance.
• Version Control System Support: Efficient collaboration and source code management with tools like Git.
• Gradle-Based Build System: Streamlines the build process for managing dependencies and app variations.
• Support for Multiple Languages: Accommodates Java and other languages like Kotlin, enhancing versatility.

6. AIDE Android IDE

Sticking with the Android development theme, the next IDE on my list is AIDE or Android IDE. Perhaps most uniquely, this is a Java IDE that you can install directly on your mobile Android device.

This means you can write, compile, and run Android applications on your phone or tablet, making development surprisingly accessible and portable. This is ideal if you're a developer who prefers or requires mobility or perhaps you don’t have regular access to a desktop environment.

AIDE also offers a comprehensive set of features for Android app development, with support for Java and XML editing, which are the staples of Android app development, along with a basic compiler and runtime environment.

This makes it ideal for creating and testing small to medium-sized Android applications on the go.

You also get standard features like code completion, error checking, and a visual editor for designing app interfaces. And sure, these features may not be as extensive as those in a desktop IDE like Android Studio,  but they're still impressive, given the constraints of a mobile platform.

I'd also say that AIDE is fantastic for learning Android development, especially for beginners who might find desktop IDEs overwhelming. AIDE simplifies the learning curve by providing an integrated development and learning environment in a mobile-friendly format.

So, if you're intrigued, you can join the 2 million+ developers that have downloaded AIDE from the Play Store to take advantage of interactive lessons for new developers, web dev support, Dropbox and Git integration, refactoring, and intelligent code completion (helps with tricky typing!).

Features:

• Mobile Development Environment: Allows for coding, compiling, and running Android applications directly on Android devices.
• Java and XML Support: Provides essential tools for editing and managing Java and XML files used in Android development.
• Basic Compiler and Runtime: Facilitates the creation and testing of Android apps within the mobile environment.
• Code Completion and Error Checking: Enhances coding efficiency and accuracy on a mobile platform.
• Visual Interface Editor: A simplified tool for designing Android app interfaces on the go.
• Ideal for Learning: Offers a user-friendly environment for beginners to learn Android app development.
• Git Integration: Supports version control for effective collaboration and code management.
• Direct Code Execution: Allows for immediate testing and debugging of apps on the device.

7. Codenvy

Next up, we have Codenvy, which sets itself apart by being a cloud-based development environment.

This means you can code, build, and test Java applications entirely in the cloud, a significant advantage for teams looking for flexibility and collaboration.

Another great feature of Codenvy is its support for collaborative development. Being cloud-based, it enables multiple developers to work on the same project simultaneously from different locations, which is ideal for distributed teams.

I also appreciate Codenvy's automated workspace management, which automatically configures development environments based on the project’s requirements,  saving time and reducing the potential for configuration errors.

You also get integration with Docker and Kubernetes, which is great if you want to create custom development environments that are containerized and scalable.

This cloud-based Java IDE also offers built-in version control system support, including Git, which is great to see given how many of us depend on Git for source code management, not to mention for teams to collaborate on code, track changes, and maintain version history.

And while we're focusing on Java, Codenvy is versatile enough to support various languages like PHP, Python, JavaScript, and more, which is fantastic if you find yourself wearing many language ‘hats’.

But when it comes to Java, you get a rich set of features, including intelligent code completion, debugging tools, and a powerful editor.

Features:

• Cloud-Based Development: Allows coding, building, and testing entirely in the cloud, enhancing flexibility and accessibility.
• Collaborative Development Support: Enables real-time collaboration for distributed teams, improving productivity.
• Docker and Kubernetes Integration: Supports containerized and scalable development environments.
• Built-In Version Control System: Integrates with systems like Git for effective source code management.
• Rich Java Development Features: Includes intelligent code completion, debugging tools, and a powerful editor.
• Automated Workspace Management: Automatically configures environments based on project needs.
• Language Versatility: Supports Java, among other programming languages, suitable for diverse development projects.
• Scalable and Accessible: Offers easy access and scalability, ideal for remote work and flexible development setups.

8. BlueJ

As one of the most beginner-friendly Java IDEs, BlueJ is definitely a throwback, but still a solid choice for Java beginners. I still remember giving it a whirl when I first learned Java during my undergraduate degree!

One of the key features of BlueJ is its intentionally minimalist design. This makes it an ideal learning tool, as it reduces complexity and focuses on the fundamental concepts of object-oriented programming in Java.

Put simply, it’s perfect for beginners who might feel overwhelmed by more complex IDEs.

BlueJ also takes a unique pedagogical approach with a visual representation of classes and objects. This is really effective for helping students to interactively create and test objects.

If you're new to OOP, this interactive and visual approach can certainly help you to understand object-oriented concepts, which is why it's so popular in educational settings.

The simplicity of BlueJ also extends to its setup and ease of use. It doesn’t require extensive configuration, which makes it accessible for newcomers to programming. The interface is clean and user-friendly, focusing on the core functionalities needed to learn and practice Java programming.

Another advantage of BlueJ is its integration with educational resources. It’s often accompanied by teaching materials and exercises, which are specifically designed to complement the IDE’s features and help students grasp the basics of Java programming.

There’s even a Java book you can use to learn BlueJ, further highlighting its educational roots!

Despite its simplicity, BlueJ offers essential development tools such as an editor with syntax highlighting, a debugger, and code inspection features. These tools, while basic compared to those in more advanced IDEs are more than sufficient for beginners to learn and practice coding in Java.

Plus, if you prefer a portable Java IDE, you can run BlueJ from a USB drive.

Features:

• Minimalist Design: Focuses on fundamental Java programming concepts, ideal for beginners.
• Pedagogical Approach: Offers a visual and interactive way to learn object-oriented programming.
• Easy Setup and Use: Simplifies the learning curve with a straightforward, user-friendly interface.
• Educational Resource Integration: Often paired with teaching materials, enhancing the learning experience.
• Essential Development Tools: Includes basic tools like a syntax-highlighted editor, debugger, and code inspection.
• Customizable with Plug-Ins: Allows extensions to enhance teaching and learning capabilities.
• Focused on Education: Particularly suited for academic settings and introductory programming courses.

9. Greenfoot

Continuing our theme of educational Java IDEs, Greenfoot is another solid choice thanks to its strong emphasis on interactive and visual learning. As

What made Greenfoot stand out for me is the focus it placed on creating graphical applications, particularly games and simulations, via ‘actors’ that demonstrate what your code is doing.

This is a highly effective approach for making programming more tangible and enjoyable, especially for beginners and younger learners.

It also allows students to see the immediate results of their code in a visual and interactive environment, which is a powerful motivator and learning aid.

Greenfoot’s simplicity also means that it lowers the barrier to entry for new programmers. But this simplicity doesn't sacrifice functionality, as Greenfoot still provides all the necessary tools to learn and practice Java in a meaningful way.

Much like BlueJ, Greenfoot is also often accompanied by comprehensive teaching materials, including tutorials, examples, and assignments, which are specifically designed to align with the tool’s capabilities and educational goals.

Similarly, Greenfoot also promotes an understanding of object-oriented programming concepts by visualizing objects and their interactions in a clear and intuitive way for students to grasp.

Perhaps the biggest benefit of using Greenfoot is that it encourages creativity and experimentation.

Students can easily create interactive applications, experiment with code, and immediately see the impact of their changes in the graphical output.

I'm a huge fan of this experimental learning approach, as it's highly effective in retaining interest and enhancing understanding.

Features:

• Graphical Application Focus: Ideal for creating games and simulations, making learning programming engaging and enjoyable.
• Simple and Accessible: User-friendly interface suitable for beginners and younger learners.
• Educational Curriculum Integration: Comes with teaching resources, aligning with its educational capabilities.
• Object-Oriented Programming Visualization: Helps students understand object-oriented concepts through visual representation.
• Encourages Creativity and Experimentation: Enables students to experiment with code and see immediate graphical results.
• Effective Learning Tool: Particularly suited for introductory programming courses and younger audiences.
• Interactive and Engaging Approach: Makes programming tangible and interesting, enhancing the learning experience.

10. DrJava

DrJava is another example of a simple, lightweight, and interactive Java IDE initially designed for students who want to learn Java. And much like BlueJ or Greenfoot, it’s completely free.

This means there are lots of commonalities here, with DrJava also adopting a lightweight and uncluttered interface that's easy to navigate and use. Again, the idea is that this simplicity makes it an excellent choice for newcomers to Java programming as it avoids overwhelming users with complex features.

DrJava’s interactive console is a standout feature, as it lets you immediately execute Java statements, providing quick feedback and a smooth learning curve for understanding Java syntax and concepts.

This is particularly helpful for students and newcomers to programming, as it encourages experimentation and hands-on learning.

Another benefit of DrJava is its focus on pure Java development as it's specifically designed to support the Java language without the additional complexity of multi-language support or extensive project management tools.

You also get the basics like syntax highlighting, a debugger, and the ability to interact with JUnit for testing. These tools provide all the necessary functionality for beginners to write, test, and debug Java applications effectively.

It's also nice that by being so lightweight, DrJava requires minimal system resources and can be easily installed on various platforms, making it accessible to a broad range of users.

That said, being an older Java IDE, you’ll have to use Java 8, which may exclude some of the newest features. All the same,  it’s a great stepping stone to learning Java.

Features:

• Lightweight and Uncluttered Interface: Ideal for beginners and students, providing a straightforward Java programming environment.
• Interactive Console: Offers immediate execution of Java statements for quick feedback and hands-on learning.
• Focused on Java Development: Tailored specifically for Java, without the distraction of multi-language support or complex project management.
• Essential Development Tools: Includes a syntax-highlighting editor, debugger, and JUnit testing integration.
• Facilitates Learning Progression: Suitable for both introductory and more advanced Java concepts.
• Portable and Accessible: Lightweight design ensures compatibility and easy installation across multiple platforms.
• Ideal for Educational Settings: Recognized for its effectiveness in teaching and learning Java in academic environments.

11. JCreator

JCreator takes the final spot on my list of Java IDEs thanks to its user-friendly interface and performance.

Being a lightweight Java IDE, it loads quickly and runs smoothly, even on less powerful computers. This efficiency is a significant advantage for developers who need a responsive and fast development tool.

JCreator’s user-friendly interface is another stand-out, making it accessible for beginners and efficient for experienced Java developers. In general, this IDE doesn’t overwhelm with complex functionalities, but chooses to focus on providing a clean and organized workspace.

You still get all the essential tools for Java development, including a code editor with syntax highlighting, a debugger, and project management capabilities. These tools, while not as extensive as those in larger IDEs, offer the fundamental functionality you need for efficient Java coding.

I should point out that it’s one of the older Java IDEs in my list, with support only extending to Java 8, meaning it won’t allow you to work with the latest and greatest features in Java. Plus, it's only for Windows only, so Mac and Linux users need to look elsewhere.

JCreator also offers support for common Java libraries and frameworks, which simplifies the development of more complex applications.

And despite being a simpler IDE, JCreator also offers customizability features, meaning you can tailor the environment to your liking with adjustable settings, layouts, and tool configurations to optimize your workflow.

I particularly like JCreator’s project template feature for jumpstarting new projects, as it offers various templates for different types of Java applications, reducing the initial setup time and helping you get to coding more quickly.

Features:

• Speed and Efficiency: A lightweight IDE that offers quick loading times and smooth performance.
• User-Friendly Interface: Easy to navigate, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced developers.
• Essential Java Development Tools: Includes a code editor with syntax highlighting, debugger, and project management features.
• Support for Java Libraries and Frameworks: Facilitates the development of complex applications with library and framework integration.
• Customizable Environment: Allows users to tailor settings and layouts for an optimized workflow.
• Project Templates: Offers templates for various types of Java applications, streamlining the setup process.
• Focused on Java: Designed specifically for Java development, ensuring a dedicated and tailored coding experience.

Wrapping Up

So there you have it! The 11 best Java IDE and code editors in 2024, including Java IDE options for experienced developers, Android app developers, and total beginners.

Whether you’re looking for a professional Java IDE, a lightweight code editor, or a simple Java IDE to help you learn, there’s something for you on our list.

What do you think? What's your favorite Java IDE? Let us know in the comments, and as always, happy coding!

Want to sharpen up your Java development skills? Check out:

Coursera's Java Specialization for Object-Oriented Programming

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which Is the Best IDE for Java?

This depends on what you need from a Java IDE. If you’re learning Java or you’re new to programming, BlueJ or Greenfoot are great interactive Java IDEs for beginners.

Equally, if you’re more experienced, IntelliJ IDEA, Eclipse, or Apache NetBeans are excellent choices. Take a look at each Java IDE in our list; there’s bound to be one that is best for you.

2. What Does IDE Mean in Java?

A Java IDE (Integrated Development Environment) is a coding tool that can help you boost your productivity via various features like debugging, code completion, refactoring, syntax highlighting, and more.

3. Which Free Java IDE Is Best?

If you’re an experienced developer and you're looking for the best free Java IDEs, you should try out the free versions of IntelliJ IDEA, Eclipse, and Apache NetBeans to see which one you click with.

If you’re a mobile developer, you cannot go wrong with Android Studio, and if you’re brand new to Java and programming, consider BlueJ or Greenfoot, as they’re both used in educational settings.

4. What Is Java IDE and JDK?

A Java IDE (Integrated Development Environment) is a coding tool that can help you boost your productivity via features like debugging, code completion, refactoring, syntax highlighting, and more.

JDK (Java Development Kit) is a cross-platform software development environment that bundles development tools, Java libraries, the Java Runtime Environment (JRE), and the Java Virtual Machine (JVM).

References

1. Stack Overflow. Stack Overflow Developer Survey 2023: Most Popular Technologies - Programming, Scripting, and Markup Languages [Internet]. Stack Overflow; [date unknown; cited 2024 Jan 15]. Available from: https://survey.stackoverflow.co/2023/#section-most-popular-technologies-programming-scripting-and-markup-languages