Top 10 best Java IDEs for 2023
While you can write your Java programs in a simple text editor, a Java IDE with helpful tools will drastically increase your efficiency. An IDE will include a source code editor, build automation tools, and a debugger to make Java programming easier. But with so many options on the market, it can be hard to determine which IDE is best for you.
Today, we’ll discuss the basic requirements to consider when selecting a Java IDE and the top 10 best Java IDEs for 2023.
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Java is one of the most sought after and widely used programming languages in the tech industry, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. It runs on everything from phones to game consoles to data centers. This path is perfect for you if you already have experience programming, but are new to Java. It’ll help you become an employable Java developer with incredibly valuable skills, ready to jump in and contribute to real-world projects.
What makes a good Java IDE?
An Integrated Development Environment (IDE) bundles all the tools you need to write, debug, and test your code. An IDE allows developers to work in a single environment and improve their programming workflow. Each IDE has different resources, but they all include a text editor, build tools, and a debugger.
When deciding on a Java IDE, it’s important to first determine what you need out of it to ensure that it has the essential tools for your needs. No matter your experience level, there’s an ideal Java IDE for you.
Essential Java IDE tools
- Debugging: While debuggers vary among different IDEs, it’s important to have a tool to highlight potential errors and help you step through your code.
- Syntax highlighting: Built-in highlighting is crucial for readability and efficiency. This tool can help you find errors in your code and allows you to sift through your code at a quicker speed.
- Build automation: A good IDE will allow you to write and run your Java code in the same window, increasing the productivity and efficiency of your program.
- Code completion: This tool identifies and inserts code components to save you time and lower the risk of typos and bugs.
- Graphical User Interface (GUI): An effective GUI enables an intuitive programming interface.
Top 10 Java IDEs
Eclipse
Eclipse is one of the most popular Java IDEs on the market. It’s free, open-source, and has an extensive plugin ecosystem that allows users to customize functionalities for application development.
The Eclipse IDE comes in both desktop and cloud editions, with the cloud edition allowing developers to code in a web browser.
Eclipse is a top choice because of its development tools. Eclipse offers the Eclipse Marketplace that contains a variety of plugins available for download, along with a Plugin Development Environment that allows developers to create their own features.
Eclipse supports over 100 programming languages, including JavaScript, Groovy, and Scala, and it has a robust set of modeling, charting, and testing tools. Eclipse also supports the popular Java build tools, Maven and Gradle.