8 Wonderful Java IDEs To Exploit In 2021–22

Emma Jhonson
Javarevisited
Published in
7 min readAug 16, 2021

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Java needs no introduction; it is known to all generations. Besides, it is the most popular programming language for creating robust web and standalone applications. Java developers are some of the most desired-for-projects programmers in the world, which means that there is always a need for them! However, with so many IDEs to choose from, it can be hard to know which one would be suitable for your needs.

In this post, we will glean insights into different Best Java IDE’s To Consider In 2021 and help you decide on the one that will work best for you.

1. Eclipse

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Eclipse is the most popular IDE for Java development. It has a humongous community behind it. Best of all, Eclipse is free to download, so you can experiment with it before deciding if you want to go ahead and buy a license.

Moreover, not just Java; it supports a number of programming languages and caters to a custom compiler. The processes like modeling, testing, and charting become easier with it.

Eclipse is a cross-platform IDE which means that it will work with any operating system. Best of all, Eclipse has built-in tools for debugging and profiling your code to ensure that threads are running as smoothly as possible!

One of the best parts about Eclipse is that it has a ton of plugins available for download. The platform can give you access to everything from data visualization tools to refactoring and debugging your code! There are also tons of tutorials online, which means that if you ever get stuck or need help figuring out how something works.

Why Choose?

  • Provide Runtime core
  • Easy Git and Apache Maven integration
  • Editing, browsing, debugging, and refactoring features
  • Custom compiler
  • Marketplace for installing plugins
  • Code completion

Price: Free

#2. NetBeans

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NetBeans is another popular Java Integrated development environment (IDE) of the decade, which is an open-source persuasive tool with an incredible feature that enables developers to multiple applications for desktop, mobile, and web.

NetBeans has a variety of built-in tools that allows Java programmers to build effortless codes.

Using this robust IDE platform, you can achieve ease and swiftness in Java applications development. Moreover, it has a number of extensions to enable you to work with other programming languages such as C, C++, PHP, JavaScript, HTML, and more.

Altogether, it can run on Linux, Solaris, macOS, and windows. Moreover, its refactoring and debugging tools provide accuracy and unmatched efficiency.

Why Choose?

  • Side-by-side code comparison
  • Easier plugin environment
  • Tools for Project management
  • Templates for script writing
  • Source code analysis to help enhance code
  • Available in 28 languages
  • Extends to mobile use
  • Maven support

Price: Free

#3. BlueJ

BlueJ is not as much as popular as other IDEs; however, being used by a significant number of Java programmers. The platform is free for Java coding and enables the developer to create micro-scale software solutions.

The platform was designed at the University of Kent, UK, and Deakin University, Australia, with the main purpose of using it for academics. This platform has a teaching perspective and a completely different fundamental design that benefits OOPs programmers.

Therefore, the design interface enables trainees and beginners to use the platform with no hindrance. Moreover, the visual format of the application helps beginners to get the idea of OOPs elements such as components and classes that are represented diagrammatically on BlueJ.

Why Choose?

  • Seamless GUI Ability to directly invoke Java expressions
  • Interaction among objects
  • Shows UML charts of your projects

Price: Free

#4. IntelliJ IDEA

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Being one of the best Java IDEs, IntelliJ caters to ergonomic features to boost productivity, and you also don’t need to compromise on the user interface. The platform comprises a number of tools that make programming seamless via smart completion, data flow analysis, cross-language refactoring, and interjection of language.

The two editions of IntelliJ: Apache 2, licensed IntelliJ IDEA is the most accepted Java IDE that provides incredible productivity to developers. Moreover, the platform supports languages like Java, Scala, Groovy, Kotlin, and more. In short, it is an incredible solution for java web development and creating enterprise solutions.

Altogether, it automates tedious development jobs. It also provides a built-in developer tool for unit testing, code completion, debugging, code refactoring, code inspection, and more. Besides, the framework also supports JPQL, SQL, JavaScript, and HTML.

Why Choose?

  • Robust customization features
  • Enable support for JVM-based programming languages like Kotlin
  • Robust plugin and integration support
  • Gradle build system
  • Multiple programming language support
  • Built-in version control support
  • Powerful compiler

Price: Free Community edition, and ultimate edition on $49.90/month

#5. JDeveloper

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You might have hardly heard about JDeveloper, but it is a freeware IDE catered by Oracle. The platform consists of features for application development in a number of programming languages, including XML, SQL, PHP, JavaScript, and more.

It covers the complete cycle of application development, including coding, designing, optimizing, profiling, debugging, and deployment. Moreover, it offers visual and declarative editors that directly provide application editing from the coding environment.

Moreover, Oracle Application Development Framework provided by the company also simplifies development. For a Java development company, the integrated development environment is the source of bliss.

Why Choose?

  • Robust infusion with agile development and software versioning components
  • Visual HTML 5 editor
  • Entire lifecycle management
  • Ability to execute SQL queries seamlessly
  • Robust connection with the database

Price: Free

#6. JGRASP

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Being an incredible lightweight IDE for Java, jGRASP offers an integrated debugger and workbench that simplifies application development. Besides, it enables developers to generate complexity profile graphs and UML class diagrams to gauge performance.

The major purpose of developing this system was to automate the software visualization and improve the IDES of the software. It is also capable of creating static visualization of source code and data structure in runtime.

jGRASP works as an essential source code editor for other non-java languages and enables it to work with a variety of free and commercial compilers for a variety of programming languages.

Why Choose?

  • Automatically generates software visualizations
  • Simple to learn and provide solid documentation
  • Useful source code editor for non-Java languages
  • Provides plugins for Junit, check style, Find Bugs, etc.

Price: Free

#7. Greenfoot

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The initial intention for developing Greenfoot was to educate high school and undergraduate students, but later it turned out to be a critical platform for Java application development for two-dimensional graphical apps. Besides, it can be used to develop simulations and interactive games.

The platform is supported by Oracle and offers access to animated graphics and sounds. The interactive design of the platform is developed to illustrate the essential abstraction and concepts of OOPs programming.

Moreover, another significant intent to create this Java Framework was to simplify Java programming for young developers.

This Java framework is attractive to both beginners and accomplished developers, providing them to interact online. Companies that hire Java developers are looking for one who has knowledge of Greenfoot.

Why Choose?

  • Strong online community
  • Better Find and Replace
  • Worldwide interactive experience
  • Scope highlighting
  • Easy to learn
  • New navigation view

Price: Free

#8. JCreator

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It is another lightweight Java Framework that provides the simplest visual interface, just like Microsoft Visual Studio. The compact size and higher speed of the platform make it the most attractive platform for every Java beginner.

The platform includes three versions: Pro-edition, Life pro edition, and lite edition. Moreover, it has been built on C++, which means there is no JRE to execute Java code, and you don’t need it at all. With a very intuitive user interface, features like code completion, syntax highlighting, wizards, and project templates, it is sought-after among young developers.

It has the potential to handle a variety of JDK profiles for multiple projects and provide API guidelines that help developers. If you want to ensure an effortless application development using Java, you should pick this IDE for micro-projects and simple solution designs.

Why Choose?

  • The paid version has Ant support
  • Workspace structure
  • Source code navigation
  • Runtime configurations
  • Integrated CVS JDK tools
  • Auto-indentation

Price: Pro version is available for $79

Wrapping UP

Given integrated development environments for Java are reliable and provide ease in java web development. That’s the reason every java web development company is using either of these platforms. If you want to develop a seamless, high-performance, and lightweight application, you can pick any of these.

However, you must have to take a brief analysis of your application development needs to pick the right Java IDE to ensure effortless application development.

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Emma Jhonson
Javarevisited

I am a technical expert, a passionate writer, and a seasoned IT professional for the last 5 years at www.ValueCoders.com