Java remains one of the most reliable and widely used programming languages for building enterprise applications, Android apps, web services, and scalable backend systems. One major reason for its longevity is a mature ecosystem especially its development tools. A good Integrated Development Environment (IDE) can dramatically improve how you write, debug, refactor, compile, and deploy Java applications.
Today, developers have multiple powerful IDE options, each excelling in different areas like performance, intelligent coding, community support, cloud integration, or extensibility. Whether you are a beginner learning Java or a seasoned developer working on complex projects, choosing the right IDE can redefine your workflow.
Let’s explore the best IDEs for Java development, their strengths, ideal use cases, standout features, and why they continue to dominate developer preferences.
1. IntelliJ IDEA - The Most Intelligent IDE for Java
IntelliJ is often regarded as the gold standard for Java development. Built originally for JVM-focused languages, it offers some of the most advanced developer productivity features available today. Created by JetBrains, IntelliJ provides exceptionally deep code analysis and an industry leading refactoring engine. The IDE feels intuitive and almost predicts what a developer might do next.
There are two major editions: the free Community Edition and the paid Ultimate Edition. Even though the community version is sufficient for core Java development, many teams eventually switch to the Ultimate for framework heavy development like Spring Boot or Jakarta EE.
What makes IntelliJ exceptional is its intelligent auto completion, called "Smart Completion," which filters suggestions based on expected types. Another significant advantage is its first-class Gradle and Maven build tool support. Its debugger is powerful, yet user-friendly, and the UI remains clean without overwhelming new developers. It ships tons of built-in developer conveniences database tools, profiling, Docker integration, HTTP client, and even a microservices dashboard in Ultimate.
For developers who value productivity and elegance over deep configuration, IntelliJ remains unmatched for rapid enterprise and backend development. You will rarely find an IDE that makes refactoring and debugging such a stress-free experience.
2. Eclipse IDE - The IDE That Shaped Modern Java Development
Eclipse has been in the Java world for decades and continues to be a stable and massively adopted IDE, especially in large enterprises and academic environments. It is maintained by the Eclipse Foundation, an open-source consortium that oversees development.
One of the biggest strengths of Eclipse is plugin extensibility you can add nearly anything to it. From cloud deployment tools to server monitoring dashboards and UML diagram generators, Eclipse plugins create limitless customization possibilities.
Eclipse historically pioneered features like incremental compilation (rebuilding your code as you type) and smart refactoring. While its default UI may look less polished compared to modern IDEs, experienced Eclipse users appreciate its workspace driven project handling, built-in Git integration via EGit, strong support for JUnit testing, and solid memory handling for medium to large projects.
Performance can be heavier than IntelliJ depending on plugins installed, but minimal Eclipse setups remain fast and stable. Developers who prefer open source tools or who work in organizations already standardized on Eclipse ecosystems will continue to benefit from its seasoned reliability and ecosystem maturity.
Specialized packages such as Eclipse for Enterprise Java Developers or Eclipse for Java and Web Developers also come preconfigured for different project types, which reduces setup time.
3. Visual Studio Code - The Lightweight Powerhouse for Modern Java Workflows
While originally not built for Java, Visual Studio Code from Microsoft has emerged as a developer favorite due to its speed, modern UI, and growing Java support through extensions. Developers who like minimal editors but still want IDE-grade power increasingly choose VS Code, especially for cloud-native or polyglot projects where Java is one of several languages in the codebase.
Java support comes primarily from the Extension Pack for Java, which includes language support, Maven/Gradle integration, test runner, and debugger. Another standout extension is the Red Hat Java Language Support (powered by Eclipse JDT LS), enabling syntax understanding comparable to Eclipse or IntelliJ.
VS Code is resource efficient, starts in seconds, runs smoothly on low-spec systems, and allows custom keybindings, themes, profiles, and workspace configurations to suit personal workflows. Though it lacks some advanced out of the box refactoring capabilities compared to IntelliJ, it makes up for it through extensibility and third-party innovation.
It works especially well for teams building microservices, running serverless Java apps on cloud platforms, or using containers. It also integrates beautifully with cloud development through GitHub Codespaces and supports remote development via SSH or containers.
Developers who want fast startup, multi-language flexibility, and a modern environment without IDE overhead often settle on VS Code for everyday Java coding.
4. NetBeans IDE - The Beginner Friendly, Apache Backed IDE
NetBeans is a solid Java IDE that deserves far more credit than it gets. Initially released by Sun Microsystems, it is now maintained by the Apache Software Foundation. It provides a friendly learning curve for new Java developers, ships excellent Swing GUI builder support, and keeps core features open source and free.
NetBeans is not the fastest IDE in startup time compared to VS Code or IntelliJ, but it remains efficient in code editing, project management, GUI development, and static analysis. The IDE includes important developer tools like Maven/Gradle support, version control integration, debugging, profiling, JShell integration, and a drag-and-drop GUI builder for desktop apps.
One unique advantage is its native support for developing modular applications using the Java Platform Module System, and also for building JavaFX or Swing desktop applications.
Students and newcomers love it because it’s stable, self-contained, intuitive, and requires almost no configuration to start writing real Java code. If you are looking for a simple, full-featured, 100% free IDE to learn or prototype Java desktop applications, NetBeans remains an excellent choice.
5. Android Studio - The Required Choice for Android Java Development
Android development in Java is no longer possible without Android Studio from Google, which is itself based on IntelliJ IDEA. It provides the official Android SDK, a visual layout builder, device simulator, performance profilers, APK analyzers, and tightly coupled build tools through Gradle.
Even if Kotlin is the new age Android favorite, Android Studio remains a fully capable Java IDE for those maintaining legacy Android apps or writing new ones in Java. The IDE’s emulator is extremely advanced and allows developers to simulate multiple screen sizes, sensors, network conditions, and Android OS versions.
Java devs working exclusively on Android applications or mobile software consider Android Studio not just an IDE but an entire Android development ecosystem.
6. BlueJ - A Teaching Focused IDE Worth Mentioning
A smaller but meaningful Java IDE is BlueJ, created at King’s College London specifically for teaching object-oriented programming. It is not meant for enterprise development but remains incredibly valuable for people learning Java’s object interaction model visually.
It provides class structure visualization and interactive object creation, which makes it useful for understanding relationships, constructors, methods, and object states.
If your goal is to learn or teach Java elegantly before moving to professional IDEs, BlueJ remains a fantastic conceptual training tool.
7. MyEclipse - Enterprise Eclipse Enhancement Suite
For developers working in enterprises that use older Java frameworks or application servers like WebLogic or WebSphere, MyEclipse from Genuitec (built on Eclipse) becomes a highly relevant choice. While not open source, it adds commercial-grade tools to Eclipse, including visual designers, extra server connectors, deployment automation, database explorers, and enterprise scaffolding.
Many organizations continue using MyEclipse for large monolithic systems where stability and server toolchains matter more than fast startup or AI completions.
8. JDeveloper - Oracle Centric Java Workflow IDE
JDeveloper is Oracle's IDE built for enterprise apps that interact deeply with Oracle products like ADF and WebLogic. Developers using Oracle Application Frameworks, enterprise SOA, or database services often select this IDE because it offers ready integration with Oracle's ecosystem.
It provides strong visual application building, database tooling, and integrated deployment for enterprise Java stacks maintained inside Oracle environments.
9. AWS Cloud9 - A Browser Based IDE for Cloud-First Java Teams
Cloud-centric development teams that deploy Java microservices or serverless applications often work with AWS Cloud9. It runs in a browser, supports real-time team collaboration, integrates with AWS servers, runs code remotely, and removes dependency on local machine configuration.
It is ideal for developers who don't want local setups and prefer cloud runtime environments. Many teams working on scalable backend APIs prototype and debug code directly in Cloud9 cloud workspaces.
10. Fleet - JetBrains’ Next Generation Polyglot IDE
Though still evolving, Fleet has begun attracting interest among developers for lightweight, non project locked workflows. While not yet a full scale Java powerhouse like IntelliJ IDEA, it shows promise for multi-language teams working inside the JVM ecosystem.
Also Read: Best PHP Frameworks for Web Development
How to Choose the Right Java IDE for Your Needs
Every developer’s workflow is unique, and IDE choice often depends on experience level and project demands.
If you want the best out of the box assistance, premium refactoring, smart completions, and the most enjoyable Java experience, you will inevitably gravitate toward IntelliJ IDEA.
If your organization prioritises open-source standards, runs Java app servers, or depends heavily on plugins, Eclipse remains a mature and reliable platform.
If you want the fastest lightweight editor that behaves like a modern multi-language workspace, VS Code offers incredible flexibility without local resource strain.
If you are a student learning Java or a developer prototyping Swing or Java desktop tools visually, NetBeans provides immediate usability.
For Android development, Android Studio will always be the industry requirement.
For browser based cloud united runtime work, AWS Cloud9 opens opportunities for remote collaborative Java engineering.
Also Read: Best Code Editors for MacOS
Final Thoughts
The Java ecosystem continues to thrive in 2025, and so does its IDE tooling innovation. While IntelliJ and Eclipse stay at the top of the preference pyramid one for intelligence, the other for open source extensibility modern cloud editors like VS Code and Cloud9 reshape how Java codebases collaborate, deploy, and debug.
Source: Best IDEs for Java Development
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