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An Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is an essential tool for programmers to write, test, and debug code efficiently. Java developers have several excellent IDEs to choose from based on features, usability, and pricing. This guide covers the top 10 best Java IDEs available in 2025 for Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.
1. Eclipse
Eclipse is an open-source, free Java IDE that is one of the most popular in the industry. It has an intuitive user interface and excellent code editor with advanced features like smart auto-completion, error highlighting, code templates, refactoring tools, fast searching, and more.
Key Features:
- Open-source and free
- Extensive plugin ecosystem
- Supports Java and other languages
- Advanced editor with coding assistance
- Integrated JUnit testing
- Remote development capabilities
- Database management tools
- Multiple themes and customization
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux
2. IntelliJ IDEA
IntelliJ IDEA is a premium Java IDE packed with advanced features and developer productivity enhancements. It has robust code analysis tools, refactoring capabilities, built-in frameworks, and excellent enterprise development features.
Key Features:
- Intelligent code editor
- Advanced code assistance and analysis
- Powerful refactoring tools
- Framework integration (Spring, JavaEE, etc.)
- Cloud and database tools
- VCS and devOps integrations
- Customizable UI with theme support
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux
3. NetBeans
Apache NetBeans is another excellent open-source Java IDE option available for free. It has a friendly UI and comes loaded with Java-specific features like smart code completion, automated refactoring, Ant-based project management, Maven support, and more.
Key Features:
- Open-source and free
- User-friendly interface
- Intelligent editor
- Java and JavaEE integration
- Built-in profiler
- Database tools
- Support for other languages
- Plugin ecosystem
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux
4. VS Code
VS Code is a lightweight yet powerful open-source code editor that supports Java development via extensions. It has a minimal interface for fluid coding but can be equipped with the necessary Java tools like debugging, IntelliSense, JUnit testing, Maven/Gradle support, and more.
Key Features:
- Lightweight editor
- Intelligent coding assistance
- Java extensions for added functionality
- Highly customizable
- Open-source and free
- Integrated terminal & debugging
- Git integration
- Extensive plugin ecosystem
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux
5. JDeveloper
JDeveloper is Oracle’s free IDE for Java EE development. It incorporates the full software lifecycle from design through coding, testing, profiling, and deployment. The visual IDE simplifies development with drag and drop building and a configurable UI.
Key Features
- Visual development tools
- Comprehensive Java EE support
- Code editor with syntax highlighting
- Integrated application testing
- Seamless database development
- CSS/JavaScript editing
- Built-in profiling
- Cloud & mobile development
Platforms: Windows, Mac
6. MyEclipse
MyEclipse is a powerful commercial Java IDE optimized for JEE development. It offers advanced capabilities for web, mobile, JPA, Spring, JSF, Struts development. Smart edit features, code quality tools, cloud integration, and other productivity enhancements speed up development.
Key Features:
- Intelligent Java & Java EE coding
- Angular, JavaScript, HTML5 support
- Visual editors for JPA and database
- Real-time error detection
- Powerful code search and refactoring
- Integrated unit testing
- Tools for web/mobile apps
- Customizable themes
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux
7. Spring Tool Suite
The Spring Tool Suite (STS) is an Eclipse-based IDE optimized for Spring app development. It pre-configures Eclipse with the necessary extensions for building Spring, Cloud, batch, and integration apps. Additional developer tools boost productivity.
Key Features:
- Free and open-source
- Pre-configured for Spring
- Advanced Spring project wizard
- Spring configuration editors
- Integrated runtimes for Cloud & More
- Git/Maven integration
- Customizable Eclipse IDE
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux
8. WebStorm
WebStorm is JetBrains’ IDE designed specifically for JavaScript development, making it suitable for frontend work. It has robust JavaScript support in addition to tools for Node.js, TypeScript, frameworks like Angular and React as well as Java/J2EE integration.
Key Features:
- Advanced JS editing & debugging
- Integration for frameworks
- Code quality assurance
- Built-in terminal
- Database management & REST clients
- Git/Subversion tools
- Custom themes & plugins
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux
9. BlueJ
BlueJ is a free Java IDE tailored to beginning developers who want to learn core object-oriented concepts. Its intuitive interface and interactive visualization features simplify the process.
Key Features:
- Free and open-source
- Simple interface for learning
- Interactive object visualization
- Inline documentation
- Integrated unit testing
- Limited advanced functionality
- Platform extensions
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux
10. Codota
Codota is a powerful Java code completion tool that integrates with popular IDEs like IntelliJ and Eclipse as an extension. It speeds up development by showing code context directly in the editor as you type with AI-powered suggestions.
Key Features:
- IntelliSense for methods, fields, types
- AI-powered code recommendations
- Fast inline documentation
- Code examples for reference
- Integrates with top IDEs
- Cloud-based, always up to date
- Customizable to user patterns
Platforms: Platform Independent
So those are the top 10 best Java IDEs spanning both free and paid options packed with features to boost productivity. While choice comes down to needs and budget, IntelliJ and Eclipse tend to have the most complete toolset for JEE and Spring developers. Try some out to find your favorite interface and capabilities.