5 Best Java IDEs in 2025

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The best Java IDE consists of a source code editor and a variety of tools designed for application development. IDE stands for Integrated Development Environment. Thanks to it, you can optimize your workflow when creating apps with your team.

Top 5 Java IDEs

  1. Eclipse - Huge collection of libraries
  2. DrJava - For advanced programmers
  3. NetBeans - Data flow analysis
  4. BlueJ - Designed for teaching
  5. JCreator - Text formatting capabilities

If you are looking for the best Java IDE, you might have already heard something about Eclipse and NetBeans. However, other useful IDEs might be even more suitable for your needs.

When making your choice, you need to pay attention to several things. Check whether an IDE supports many languages, requires an OS and comes at an affordable price.

1. Eclipse - Our Choice

Huge collection of libraries
  • Modelling and control language
  • Development environment
  • Interfaces to third-party solvers
  • Runtime core
  • None

Verdict: Eclipse is an open source software project based on the Java platform, originally developed by Sun Microsystems. Mainly this application works as a programming platform and it can compile and debug programs in various languages, but it is most popular with Java programmers.

However, the modularity of this framework allows it to be used for programming in C, Python, and many other languages. You cam also use laptops for programming at an affordable prices.

eclipsejava ide interface

2. DrJava

For advanced programmers
  • Lightweight
  • No need to set up a project
  • DrJava integrates into Eclipse via a plugin
  • Has a consistent appearance on different platforms
  • Light on features

Verdict: DrJava, a lightweight cross-platform Java development environment, is an open-source, extensible environment for developing portable, efficient, robust and compliant software applications. Originally designed and maintained by the JavaPLT team at Rice University, DrJava is designed primarily for novice users and actively developed and supported by the Java community at Sun Microsystems.

DrJava targets the low-level programming model that runs on the Java platform, offering a friendly environment for programming.

drjava java ide interface

3. NetBeans

Data flow analysis
  • Working synchronously with Github
  • Visual Web Pack feature
  • Efficient in code development
  • Support cross-platform
  • Slow than competitors

Verdict: NetBeans is a full-featured, web-based IDE (integrated development environment) that supports the PHP, Perl, Ruby on steroids. NetBeans was initially developed as an easy to use publishing platform. Since its inception it has evolved into a much more comprehensive web IDE, including support for a wide variety of web server side technologies.

NetBeans provides a great level of support and assistance for the professional developers. With its full support for the full range of Java frameworks and features, even the most experienced programmer can easily migrate to a new development environment.

netbeans java ide interface

4. BurnAware4. BlueJ

Designed for teaching
  • UML start view
  • Great IDE for beginners
  • Easy to learn
  • Lack of features

Verdict: BlueJ is a versatile open-source IDE, developed mainly for the Java coding language, but also quite suitable for small-scale personal software development as well. It offers many tools such as Intellisense, which guides you through the code easily, and a host of related tools that aid in the navigation of the project.

One of the most attractive features of BlueJ Java IDE is its Intellisense support. Intellisense is a code navigation tool that highlights the use of keywords and the associated functions. I also recommend you using special keyboard for programming for creating and testing the code.

bluej java ide interface

5. JCreator

Text formatting capabilities
  • Customizable user interface
  • Full-fledged editor with code-folding
  • Doesn’t require additional resources
  • Not free

Verdict: JCreator is an open source Java IDEs built by Xinox Software in Germany. In fact, many users claim that JCreator is much faster than competing Java IDEs because it's programmed entirely in C ++. Another advantage of JCreator is that you can choose the path to install the Java Development Kit (JDK), thereby avoiding the need to manually configure the path for the application to work.

This program is so good that you only have to choose the best monitor for programming and continue using this app.

jcreator java ide interface

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Eva Williams is a talented family photographer and software expert who is in charge of mobile software and apps testing and overviewing in the FixThePhoto team. Eva earned her Bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts from NYU and work 5+ years assisting some of the city’s popular wedding photographers. She doesn't trust Google search results and always tests everything herself, especially, much-hyped programs and apps.

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