Java IDE: Seven Best Java Editors for Java Development

Java editors, also known as Java IDEs (Java Integrated Development Environments), help streamline the Java programming process in many ways. They enable a Java developer to perform multiple tasks, such as writing, editing, and testing code, in one application – without the need to switch between separate applications. As a result, they can help shorten set-up times, accelerate development, detect (and fix) errors early, and standardize development practices across an entire team.

Choosing the right Java IDE for your project can be hard – especially if you don’t know why they are useful and what makes each one unique. Also, if you are outsourcing Java development, then you will want to know what Java IDE your team uses. The right editor will enable your team to build, test, deploy, and maintain your Java programming languages in the fastest and most efficient way.

What Is Java?

Java is a computer programming language developed at Sun Microsystems, Inc. by computer scientist James Gosling. It was released in 1995 and was pivotal in introducing multimedia and interactivity to the newly emerging World Wide Web. By the late 1990s, Java was being used to power dynamic web applications for the internet, along with applications for consumer devices, such as mobile phones, and applications for commercial solutions, such as retail and financial computer systems.

Used for object-oriented programming, Java closely follows the rules and syntax of C and C++, but it stands out from other languages due to the Java compiler, which turns code into a proprietary format called Bytecode. A JRE (Java Runtime Environment) then interprets the Bytecode and translates it into a format the host computer can understand. This is where the core philosophy of Java (“Write once, run anywhere”) comes from, as it means that developers need only write a Java application once for a computer to run it.

Benefits of a Java IDE

There are many benefits to using a Java IDE in software development. When the right Java IDE is chosen and used properly, they unlock a world of possibilities. They have the potential to help speed up development, assist in early error detection and correction, standardize development practices, and go beyond the capabilities of a standalone text editor with bonus features.

Centralized Environment

Most developers use Java IDEs to consolidate all their tools into one environment. This allows them to juggle multiple tasks at once, in the same familiar environment, without switching between separate individual applications. The three most common tools that Java IDEs centralize include a source code editor, debuggers, and compilers. Having access to all developer tools on one platform can be a huge time-saver.

Improved Error Detection

When a developer makes a mistake in a Java IDE, the visual debugger will let them know: where the mistake is, why it is a problem, and how to resolve it. As a result, the developer will know what code segments need revising, and – since the Java IDE is centralized, easy to share with other developers, and easy to collaborate in real-time – then the whole team will be up to date on the current status of the latest build.

Integrations and Plugins

Being able to integrate and stack existing plugins into a Java program is much faster than building new features from scratch. The good news? All Java IDEs support third-party integrations, so developers can integrate third-party plugins and libraries when writing Java programs, reducing manual coding time.

These plugins and integrations help extend the functionality of Java IDEs, making it easier and faster to do things that would otherwise take too long or not be possible to do in a basic text editor.

7 Popular Java IDEs for Java Development {#7-popular-of-java-ides}

Below is a list of the seven best Java IDEs that are on the market today. As of this writing, these Java IDEs are currently active and readily available, regularly updated, and have a strong developer community and support system. Read more about each Java editor to learn about their unique features and capabilities.

Choosing the Right Java IDEs for Java Programs

Hopefully, you’ve found this post helpful and will choose the right Java IDEs for your project. Or, if you’re a client looking at outsourcing Java development, then you can use your deeper understanding of other Java IDEs to choose the right team for your project. In addition, you’ll be able to ask different teams what Java IDEs they use, how they complement that specific team’s workflow, and how they can deliver the best outcomes for you.

Even if knowledge of Java development best practices isn’t essential to building and releasing a Java application, having this knowledge will help you “speak the language” of the Java developers a bit more easily and communicate with them on a level that you can both understand. And most importantly, you’ll find the working relationship more friendly and easygoing, resulting in a much smoother development process.

If you are searching for an outsourcing partner who can put together and manage a solid team of Java developers, Orient Software is here for you. We pride our dedicated team and IT staff augmentation services, and we can deliver the best solutions catered specifically to your needs and spending limits. Just tell us what you need, and we’ll take care of the rest.