Java is a popular programming language used for developing web and mobile applications. To get the most out of Java, you need an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) or a code editor. Java IDEs are highly recommended by experts for building secure small-scale and large-scale applications.
This blog aims to explain the Java coding environment, why it’s an essential tool, and how to choose the best Java IDE or code editor for your project needs. Before we go any further, let’s first understand the basics of what an IDE and code editor are.
Whether a beginner or a certified development professional, you need a code editor for Java or an IDE to launch a market-dominating product, service, or solution.
An IDE is software that comprises common programming tools within a sole comprehensible Graphical User interface (GUI). Concretely, it has a source code editor to write software codes and an in-built program – debugger to test other programs. With an integrated development environment, developers can create a local build of the software, such as collecting computer source code via local build automation.
A code editor is another software backed by additional features. Unlike IDE, which contains various development tools, this software resembles a text editor. It has the potential to outline unique keywords and provide essential suggestions concerning the language used for programming and writing codes.
Now that you know what an IDE or a code editor exactly means, you shall understand the significance of a good Java coding environment better. So, without any further ado, let’s look at the considerations below.
Manage Time and Effort Effectively: The Java coding environment is designed to make the development process easier, faster, and more reliable. Whether you want to develop a single-page app or a dynamic web portal, its features and tools shall help your developers suggest shortcuts and offer error-free coding.
Follow Standards: When your company outlines the capabilities of the most popular Java IDE supported by predefined templates, it shall help your developers observe smooth operations. Besides, the company standards can be imposed within the coding environment if the code libraries are used by various developers working on the same project.
Manage Projects: Primarily, most Java IDEs have the potential to automate the process of developer comments, or it pushes programmers to type their comments in different parts. On the other hand, this coding environment helps gain a visual presentation of resources, making project management a lot easier.
Managing Resources: In app development, programming languages depend on resources like header files, code libraries, etc. A good Java IDE helps in managing these resources. It helps to spot errors at the initial development phase rather than identifying them in the build/compile phase.
Collect and Build: A contemporary Java-integrated development environment can interpret code from high-end languages to the object code of the required platform. This interpretation aid in rolling out a strong build/compile stage which later assists in establishing a platform owned by an intuitive UI.
Various Java IDEs and code editors available across the market provide an array of benefits. Remember that even if you choose the best IDE, you’ll also have to deal with certain limitations.
Here’s a collation of a few Java IDEs and code editors mostly used by developers across the globe.
IntelliJ is an easy-to-use and powerful IDE for Java development. It has features like smart completion, cross-language refactoring, and data flow analysis to make programming easier. There are two versions: a free and open-source community edition for Android and JVM development, and a paid ultimate edition for web and enterprise development.
Pros:
· This IDE is proactive in determining errors before compiling and identifying repetitive code blocks.
· You can alter the project structure at your convenience via a robust customization feature.
· Its interface proposes multiple theme options to choose from.
Cons:
· Its tool documentation is very basic, and it has a steep learning curve.
· The enterprise version is too costly, and when a large-scale application is involved, the coding environment can crash.
Supported Platform: Windows, Linux, Android, and Mac
Pricing: Free
Eclipse is a popular and free Java IDE with a vast plugin ecosystem. Its cloud version lets you code directly in a web browser. Eclipse offers numerous plugins, supports over 100 programming languages, and provides robust modeling, charting, and testing tools. It also integrates with Maven and Gradle.
Pros:
· It has a good user interface.
· Its autocorrection and syntax highlighting facility make it one of the best IDEs for Java.
· You can easily refactor and debug errors.
Cons:
· Sometimes, it displays slow navigation.
· Needs a huge improvement across implementation-related tasks like Salesforce integration.
Supported Platform: Linux, Windows, and Mac OS
Pricing: Paid
Managed by Apache Software Foundation, this open-source integrated coding environment enables apps to be created with an ambit of modular software components known as modules. It is recommended while working with HTML 5, C++, or web as well as mobile app development.
Pros:
· You can impose the code from its environment.
· Users can define and format standards for multiple languages.
· You can write similar pages concurrently with its code comparison feature
Cons:
· You need to have a lighter version as it exhibits slow processing.
· The plugins offered for Android and iOS development are basic.
Supported Platform: Windows, Linux, Solaris, and Mac
Pricing: Free
Its user-friendly interface resembles Microsoft Visual Studio, which is completely created for programmers who are passionate about coding. Developed by Xinox Software, JCreator has the potential to handle numerous JDK profiles for multiple projects.
Pros:
· Gives good readability with an auto-indent code facility.
· Proves a good coding environment for spell check, code completion, etc.
· Your project can be built and executed within the tool.
Cons:
· Only supports Windows OS.
· The addition of new features becomes complicated with a poor plugin framework.
Supported Platform: Windows, Linux, and Mac
Pricing: Paid
This IDE can be used to write Java programs which can later be evaluated and checked via its intuitive interface. Various Java programs illustrate various concepts. It’s a lightweight programming environment created and managed by students at Rice University, Texas (a project still in progress).
Pros:
· Your project can be quickly executed in this IDE.
· It’s lightweight and requires no primary setup.
· It supports faster testing and troubleshooting with its collaboration features.
Cons:
· It’s a basic programming environment with fewer functionalities and features.
· Not recommended for large-scale real-time apps
Supported Platform: Windows, Linux, and Mac
Pricing: Free
Eclipse is a powerful open-source Java coding environment strongly preferred for building robust Java apps. It has high compatibility with multiple languages and is well-equipped with a flexible plug-in system to support project customization.
Pros:
· Build tools like Maven and ANT can be easily integrated into this IDE.
· Various apps can be built on the same platform.
· It consists of an in-built debugging and code recommendation facility.
Cons:
· Lack of strong documentation and guidelines makes the initial setup complicated.
· Brings in a comprehensive authentication to HTML and JSP files.
Supported Platform: Windows, Linux, Solaris, and Mac
Pricing: Free
Launched by Oracle Corporation, this IDE successfully outlines the complete development lifecycle alongside offering end-to-end deployment for Oracle platforms and apps. This environment requires less coding and offers more productivity.
Pros:
· This integrated development environment has global customer support.
· It has a well-defined integration mechanism backed by software versioning components and agile development applications.
· Database connectivity is great, and users can also execute queries related to SQL.
Cons:
· Needs proper training as it has a steep learning curve.
· Using massive RAM makes it slower.
Supported Platform: Windows, Linux, and Mac
Pricing: Free
OnlineGdb is an online text editor that is potent enough to run, compile, and debug code in an effective manner. It has an embedded digital debugger and compiler tool for numerous languages such as Java, C++, C, etc.
Pros:
· Has multiple language support.
· It provides a debugging facility with an in-built debugger.
· Enables instructing command-line editing
Cons:
· Only supports Windows OS.
· It does not support printing values, entering expressions, or identical features using Pascal syntax.
Supported Platform: Windows
Pricing: Free
It’s a feature-rich virtual compiler designed with the motive of helping students and newcomers engage with programming language. It’s an online technology that helps compile and execute code in HTML, C, Python, Java, Ruby, C++, Perl, PHP, etc.
Pros:
· Its easy and speedy code compilation and execution make it the best text editor for Java.
· It offers a unique feature to share as well as save programs.
· It supports most Java libraries.
Cons:
· Sometimes, when you practice code for a multilevel inheritance, this online compiler shows errors.
· The performance can be improved.
Supported Platform: Windows
Pricing: Free
Repl is a simple digital tool that executes programs piecewise. It acts as a coding environment, editor, compiler, and interpreter that enables the development of programs in over 50 languages, including C++, Java, JavaScript, Python, C, and many more.
Pros:
· Supported by a huge community.
· Facilitates intuitive debugging.
· You can easily download add-ons.
Cons:
· The UI is very basic and hard to use
· Doesn’t save onto the cloud; you always have to stay connected to the internet.
Supported Platform: Windows
Pricing: Free
jGRASP is a simple and lightweight Java IDE with automatic software visualizations. It’s user-friendly and compatible with all computers. jGRASP has a work area, debugger, and diagrams to make coding easier. It generates static pictures of your code and even shows how it works.
It’s compatible with other programming languages like Python, C++, Objective-C, and Ada. Setting up jGRASP is easy; it works with a variety of compilers for different programming languages.
Pros:
· Well-documented with solid resources for easy learning.
· Offers integration with plugins for JUnit, Find Bugs, Checkstyle, etc.
· Useful for non-Java languages, providing a helpful code-editing tool.
Cons:
· Large projects may experience slow compilation and execution.
· Some users find the user interface to be lacking in strength and appeal.
Supported Platform: Linux, Mac OS, Windows
Pricing: Free
The best java development environment shall offer a myriad of tools for writing, testing, and debugging your code. However, remember to understand your development requirements clearly while choosing an IDE. Make sure you determine what you need from the environment to have the necessary tools.
To be precise, here’s a list of Java IDE tools you must look for while choosing a coding environment.
Debugging: Different Java IDEs have different debuggers. You must choose a programming environment that helps your developers highlight all the possible errors and step through the code.
Syntax Highlighting: It’s a must-have tool to improve efficiency and readability. This built-in highlighting ability shall help you identify potential errors in your code. It also helps you in verifying your code with utmost swiftness.
Build Automation: Ensure that the Java IDE you choose enables your developers to write and run your code in the same window. This process helps you in increasing the overall output of your programming.
Code Completion: One of the significant tools you need to have in your chosen Java coding environment, as it mitigates the risks associated with bugs and typos. The best Java IDE shall automatically recognize and insert code components, saving time.
Graphical User Interface (GUI): Another tool that can augment your operational competence is a proactive GUI. A good GUI enables your programmers to write clear and concise code by offering an innate development interface.
In addition, exploring various Java IDEs and code editors provides valuable insights into the role of an integrated development environment (IDE). Considering features, compatibility, pricing, and platform support enhances your understanding of the indispensable nature of an integrated development environment.
Selecting the right environment empowers your developers, fostering the creation of innovative products and services. This informed decision becomes a catalyst for success, propelling your endeavors to new heights within the industry.
In 2024, some of the top Java IDEs include IntelliJ IDEA, Eclipse, Android IDE, and NetBeans.These IDEs are designed to simplify the software development process by providing a unified platform for writing, testing, and deploying code, making the development process more efficient and streamlined.
When picking a Java IDE, consider programming language, frameworks, and build systems. IntelliJ IDEA is powerful and user-friendly, while Eclipse is flexible and has a strong plugin ecosystem.
Java IDEs provide developers with a comprehensive set of tools for writing, running, debugging, and Java applications. These tools automate repetitive tasks, offer syntax highlighting and code completion, and provide integrated debuggers and unit testing frameworks. This saves time and leads to higher-quality code.
IDEs are better than text editors for Java development. IDEs have specific features for Java, such as code completion, debugging tools, testing frameworks, and project management. Text editors do not have these features.
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