The Java IDE wars are in full swing and the past few years have produced some pretty neat versions of IntelliJ IDEA, Eclipse, and so on. If you are interested in the Java programming language, then finding the right IDE can seem daunting. The sheer number of options and different features that each IDE offers can make it hard to choose which one to go with.
7 Best Java IDEs to Use in 2022
There are several different Java IDEs out there, each with its own unique approach to improving Java development. Let’s take a quick look at the 7 best Java IDE options and the advantages associated with each.
1. BlueJ
BlueJ is a free best Java IDE that enables users to develop and test Java applications on any operating system. It is fully interactive; you can edit, run and debug your programs. To make things even better, BlueJ is open-source.
The Java IDE features syntax highlighting and online help for Java. Syntax errors are highlighted with a red wiggly underline. It aims to provide all the facilities that you need to develop standalone Java programs, applets, and applications.
Since it is written entirely in Java, BlueJ runs on any operating system that runs a Java Virtual Machine. The best feature of BlueJ is that it provides a graphical environment as opposed to a boring command line-based configuration for most of the tasks.
2. DrJava
Delivering a robust yet lightweight Java development environment, DrJava is a feature-rich IDE for beginners and advanced users alike. The fully-featured integrated development environment is small enough to run on tablets and phones. It features a simple, easy-to-use interface, and also allows advanced users to modify its complete source code.
It is one of the best Java IDEs used by programmers to create, compile and execute Java programs instantly. When you write code in DrJava, it compiles the code instantaneously and executes it on the fly.
3. Codenvy
It is an Eclipse-based, next-generation cloud IDE designed for developing and debugging software. Codenvy combines everything you love about offline IDEs with the flexibility of working remotely on any operating system from a single codebase. It improves productivity by providing the tools to manage, build, run and debug software projects.
Codenvy is for developers building web-based and mobile applications in Java J2EE and PHP (LAMP) stacks. Also, since you do not need to install anything on your computer, this means you get more space for other apps. It’s available for any project, from small-scale to full-fledged. Build, run and debug on multiple platforms through a single Java IDE.
4. Eclipse
Eclipse can help you manage your code with auto-completion and great syntax checking. Another thing people found great is the debugging and building abilities. You have the option of running your program Live or building it to run as an executable file. This is helpful when trying to debug a program because you don’t really want to run it every time you want to test something new (it takes too long).
5. Greenfoot
It is the best Java IDE for creating interactive graphical applications. In Greenfoot, you visually design and simulate the objects in your application. Greenfoot enables the creation of interactive applications to be used both as stand-alone demonstrations as well as modules in course curricula.
Greenfoot makes it easy to design elegant user interfaces without having to worry about the fundamentals of the underlying programming logic. Not only does it support the Android stack, but also it has several features that improve productivity. Using this application, you can manage your source code with ease and also create games.
6. IntelliJ IDEA
IntelliJ IDEA is a really good, highly customizable IDE for Java. It features a plethora of tools to make development in Java easier and nicer. Moreover, it is very flexible because it’s based on the concept of Java interface.
Over the years, IntelliJ IDEA became a popular Java IDE due to its useful plugins, good refactoring support, and code inspection. It features lots of tools to make development easier and nicer. Given that its target market is developers who are often very opinionated, it’s no surprise that IntelliJ has so many fans.
It also has a wide adoption rate among start-ups and larger corporations due to its advanced code analysis tools, efficient refactoring capabilities, top-notch debugging tools including powerful expression evaluation, Python support, and a load of other features that make it an excellent choice for professional software development.
7. JCreator
JCreator is a powerful IDE that supports multiple programming languages and tools. It provides an easily accessible, interactive interface to a set of free open-source development tools. JCreator is also a project management software specifically designed for freelancers and small to mid-sized teams.
The IDE makes the development of any kind of application easier, keeping them organized and maintainable. Additionally, it offers a way to create modules that enhances encapsulation and functionality.
Conclusion
Java developers have a wide range of IDE options to choose from when designing and building Java software, ranging from fully-featured commercial IDEs to free or open-source ones. However, the selection of the appropriate tool is dependent on the project at hand as well as personal preferences.
The IDEs listed in this article are among the best ones out there. So, you can try them and choose one that suits your requirements the best.
People Who Read This Article Also Read:
- 10 Best Chrome Extensions for Web Developers to Use in 2022
- REST API – Overview and Design Principles
- 5 Most Popular Machine Learning Libraries to Learn in 2022
- A Simple Guide to SDLC Methodologies and Their Benefits
I am an experienced content writer and digital marketing expert, with a proven track record of writing engaging, informative content. My diverse expertise creates powerful marketing campaigns that generate ROI across a wide range of industries.