Best Java IDEs and Code Editors

License Type: Free/open-source (Community Edition), Paid (Ultimate Edition)

Supported Programming Languages:

• Java
• Kotlin
• Groovy
• Scala, and others via plugins

Platform Compatibility:

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux

User Interface and Experience:

• Clean, intuitive interface that is highly customizable
• Responsive and consistent performance across different platforms

Customization Options:

• Extensive plugin ecosystem to extend functionality
• Theme and font customization for personalized coding environments

Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:

• Advanced syntax highlighting for better code readability
• Real-time code and design differences

Code Autocompletion: Yes

Integrated Debugging Tools:

• Step-through debugging with breakpoints
• Inline variable values and expression evaluation
• Thread and process management tools

Version Control Integration: Yes

Community and Support:

• Active community forums and extensive documentation
• Regular updates and professional support are available

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License Type: Free/open-source

Supported Programming Languages:

• Java
• C/C++
• JavaScript
• PHP
• Python, and others via plugins

Platform Compatibility:

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux

User Interface and Experience:

• Flexible and configurable workspace with a modular interface
• Multiple perspectives and views tailored to different development needs

Customization Options:

• Rich plugin marketplace for extending functionality
• Layout and perspective customization to suit user preferences

Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:

• Advanced syntax highlighting adaptable to various languages
• Visual representations of code hierarchies and dependencies

Code Autocompletion: Yes

Integrated Debugging Tools:

• Powerful source debugger with conditional breakpoints
• Integration with build and release tools
• Real-time code analysis and error reporting

Version Control Integration: Yes

Community and Support:

• Large and active community providing plugins, tools, and support
• Extensive official documentation and tutorials

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License Type: Free/open-source

Supported Programming Languages:

• Java
• JavaScript
• PHP
• HTML5
• CSS, and others

Platform Compatibility:

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux

User Interface and Experience:

• Streamlined interface suitable for beginners and professionals alike
• Integrated development tools for a seamless experience across coding, testing, and debugging

Customization Options:

• Customizable workspace with support for multiple themes
• User-configurable shortcuts and toolbars for enhanced productivity

Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:

• Dynamic syntax highlighting for improved code readability
• Visual aids for debugging and real-time code analysis

Code Autocompletion: Yes

Integrated Debugging Tools:

• Comprehensive debugging tools with breakpoints, watch windows, and value inspection
• Code stepping and flow control for a thorough examination
• Easy-to-use interface for managing complex debugging tasks

Version Control Integration: Yes

Community and Support:

• Supported by a dedicated community offering a wide range of plugins
• Regular updates and active forums for troubleshooting and learning

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License Type: Paid

Supported Programming Languages:

• Java
• JavaScript
• TypeScript
• HTML, CSS, and others

Platform Compatibility:

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux

User Interface and Experience:

• Modern and highly customizable interface designed to increase developer productivity
• Integration of both desktop and cloud development environments

Customization Options:

• Extensive set of themes and layouts
• Configurable workspaces and toolsets tailored to project needs

Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:

• Advanced syntax highlighting for multiple programming languages
• Code visualization tools to understand project architecture and dependencies

Code Autocompletion: Yes

Integrated Debugging Tools:

• State-of-the-art debugging capabilities, including remote debugging
• Integration with performance monitoring and profiling tools
• Seamless debugging of desktop, web, and mobile applications

Version Control Integration: Yes

Community and Support:

• Dedicated support and maintenance from the vendor
• Access to a large repository of tutorials, forums, and documentation

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License Type: Free/open-source

Supported Programming Languages:

• Java

Platform Compatibility:

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux

User Interface and Experience:

• Simple and intuitive interface tailored for beginners and educational purposes
• Visual representation of classes and objects to aid in understanding object-oriented concepts

Customization Options:

• Limited customization aimed at keeping the environment straightforward and easy to use
• Some options to change themes and layout to suit personal preferences

Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:

• Basic syntax highlighting to improve code readability
• Simple class structure visualization to assist with learning and teaching

Code Autocompletion: No

Integrated Debugging Tools:

• Basic debugging tools such as breakpoints and code stepping
• Easy-to-use interface for monitoring and modifying object values
• Interactive testing to directly manipulate objects and methods

Version Control Integration: No

Community and Support:

• Strong educational community support with lots of learning materials and tutorials
• Actively maintained by a dedicated team, providing updates and educational resources

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License Type: Free

Supported Programming Languages:

• Swift
• Objective-C
• C
• C++

Platform Compatibility:

• macOS

User Interface and Experience:

• Streamlined and intuitive interface designed for efficiency and ease of use specific to Apple’s design guidelines
• Integrated with a Simulator for testing iOS and Mac apps within the IDE

Customization Options:

• Limited theme customization, focusing on a clean and unified user experience
• Ability to customize the layout and behavior of the development and debugging workspace

Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:

• Advanced syntax highlighting tailored to Swift and Objective-C
• Graphical interface builder to visually construct UIs with Storyboards and SwiftUI

Code Autocompletion: Yes

Integrated Debugging Tools:

• Powerful graphical debugger for tracking down source code issues
• Performance analysis tools to monitor and optimize application speed and efficiency
• Integration with Instruments for memory and resource profiling

Version Control Integration: Yes

Community and Support:

• Extensive developer documentation directly integrated into the IDE
• A large community of developers and a comprehensive ecosystem supported by Apple.

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License Type: Free/open-source

Supported Programming Languages:

• Python
• JavaScript
• Java
• C++
• Go
• PHP, and many more.

Platform Compatibility:

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux

User Interface and Experience:

• Highly efficient, clean, and modern interface that supports a wide range of workflows and developer preferences.
• Customizable interface with themes, layouts, and iconography adjustments.

Customization Options:

• Extensive extensions are available for adding languages, debuggers, and developer tools.
• Full customization of keyboard shortcuts, user settings, and editor configurations.

Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:

• Robust syntax highlighting with support for custom themes.
• Visual aids such as bracket matching, code folding, and inline suggestions.

Code Autocompletion: Yes

Integrated Debugging Tools:

• Integrated debugger supports numerous languages with extensions, featuring breakpoints, call stacks, and an interactive console.
• Debugging code directly from the editor, with an inline display of variable values.
• Configurable for complex debugging scenarios including remote debugging.

Version Control Integration: Yes

Community and Support:

• An extensive and active community providing continuous updates, extensions, and support.
• Comprehensive documentation, tutorial videos, and a large repository of community-contributed knowledge.

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License Type: Free

Supported Programming Languages:

• Java
• SQL
• XML
• HTML
• JavaScript, and PL/SQL

Platform Compatibility:

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux

User Interface and Experience:

• Robust and feature-rich interface tailored for enterprise-level development.
• Integrated with Oracle Application Development Framework (ADF) to simplify building complex applications.

Customization Options:

• A customizable environment with a variety of layouts and themes.
• Ability to extend IDE functionality using Oracle extensions or custom plugins.

Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:

• Advanced syntax highlighting for multiple languages supported by the IDE.
• Visual and diagrammatic tools for better understanding of code and database structure.

Code Autocompletion: Yes

Integrated Debugging Tools:

• Comprehensive debugging tools that allow developers to troubleshoot issues effectively.
• Includes features like breakpoints, watch windows, and real-time value inspection.
• Supports debugging of PL/SQL and offers integrated SQL tuning.

Version Control Integration: Yes

Community and Support:

• Strong support is provided by Oracle, with extensive documentation, tutorials, and community forums.
• Regular updates and patches to ensure compatibility with the latest Oracle technologies.

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License Type: Free version available; Pro version is paid.

Supported Programming Languages:

• Java.

Platform Compatibility:

• Windows

User Interface and Experience:

• The streamlined interface resembles Microsoft Visual Studio, providing a familiar environment for those transitioning from other development platforms.
• Quick and responsive, designed to optimize Java development tasks without heavy resource usage.

Customization Options:

• Limited compared to larger IDEs, focusing on simplicity and core functionality.
• Customizable syntax coloring and font settings to enhance code readability.

Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:

• Basic syntax highlighting tailored for Java development.
• Does not typically include advanced visualization tools; and focuses on straightforward code editing.

Code Autocompletion: Yes

Integrated Debugging Tools:

• Basic debugging tools including breakpoint management, code stepping, and variable inspection.
• Suitable for educational purposes and smaller projects.

Version Control Integration: No

Community and Support:

• Smaller user communities compared to larger IDEs; resources may be less extensive.
• Basic support is available, focusing on essential troubleshooting and guidance.

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License Type: Free/open-source

Supported Programming Languages:

• Java

Platform Compatibility:

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux

User Interface and Experience:

• Minimalistic and straightforward interface, designed to be approachable for beginners without overwhelming features.
• Provides a single-pane environment with basic editing, compiling, and debugging features.

Customization Options:

• Limited customization options, focusing on simplicity and ease of use.
• Allows basic adjustments such as font size and style to improve readability.

Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:

• Basic syntax highlighting to help distinguish elements of Java code.
• Lacks advanced visualization tools, sticking to essentials suitable for beginners.

Code Autocompletion: Limited to basic suggestions, not as advanced as in more comprehensive IDEs.

Integrated Debugging Tools:

• Includes essential debugging tools like breakpoints and step execution.
• Offers an interactive “Interactions” pane for testing snippets of code directly.

Version Control Integration: No, DrJava does not include built-in support for version control systems like Git.

Community and Support:

• Supported by an active community of educators and students.
• Extensive documentation and tutorials geared towards new programmers.

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