1) jEit
jEdit is a free, mature, and well-designed programmer’s code editor that is written in Java and is highly customizable through plugins and options.
2) TextPad
Low-cost powerful, general purpose editor. Currently it only runs on Microsoft Windows and it has underpowered regular _expression support.
3) UltraEdit
Low-cost code editor that is stable and feature-rich. Only runs on Microsoft Windows.
4) NEdit
Free powerful multi-purpose text editor. Many advanced features for programmers. Though originally a Unix application, it now has Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows ports.
5) JPad Pro
Low-cost Java editor with many advanced features including visual debugger, code completion, and source browser. Only runs on Microsoft Windows.
6) Gel
Gel is an IDE for Java that features syntax highlighting (Java, JSP, HTML, XML, C, C++, Perl, Python, etc), unlimited undo and redo, column selection mode, block indent and unindent, highlighting of matching braces, spell checking, automatic positioning of closing braces, auto indent, regular _expression searches, find in files, code completion (Java and JSP), parameter hints, identifier hints, context sensitive help linked to Javadoc, class browser, project management, integrated support for ANT and JUnit, differencing tool to compare files, etc. It works only on Windows (it was not written in Java).
DrJava is an integrated development environment for Java, released under the GNU GPL, that allows you to interactively evaulate Java expressions.
BlueJ is a Java IDE that has a built-in editor, compiler, virtual machine and debugger for writing Java programs. It also has a graphical class structure display, supports graphical and textual editing, allows interactive object creation, interactive testing and incremental application building.
Jipe is a free Java IDE written in Java. It allows you to write and test Java applications and applets. Among its features are syntax highlighting, a Methods speedbar and project management. Since it’s written in Java, it is presumably portable to all operating systems that has a Java Virtual Machine. The author appears to have tested it on both Windows and Linux.
10) JCreator Java IDE LE (Light Edition)
The light edition of this IDE for Java has support for project management, a syntax highlighting editor, wizards, class viewer, package viewer, tabbed documents, JDK profiles (which allows you to work with multiple Java Development Kits), a customizable user interface, etc. JCreator runs on Windows 95, 98, NT4, 2000 (and presumably Windows ME too).
11) NetBeans
NetBeans is a cross-platform open source IDE for Java that comes with a syntax highlighting code editor that supports code completion, annotations, macros, auto-indentation, etc. It includes visual design tools (wizards) for code generation. It integrates with numerous compilers, debuggers, Java Virtual Machines and other tools.
12) RealJ
RealJ is a free Java development environment for Windows 95, 98 and NT, that: allows you to edit, compile and run Java applets and applications; has a class and function browser, syntax highlighting, integrated JDK reference in WinHelp format; and has the ability to go straight to the offending bit of source code by double-clicking on the compiler error message. You can also highlight a Java keyword or classname in the source editor, and go straight into the JDK reference by pressing F1. (Note: RealJ was formerly called FreeJava.)
Eclipse, JBuilder, and Sun Java Studio (in that order) appear to be the most popular choices, at least among the free and low-cost options.
- Eclipse. Free, open-source IDE. The most popular of the Java IDEs, but harder to set up and configure than the commercial ones. See this installation tutorial for setup help. Eclipse is the base IDE, but there are many Java-related plugins for Eclipse, and several commercial IDEs built on top of Eclipse. Here is information on a few:
- MyEclipse. Nicely packaged version of Eclipse with many of the best free J2EE plugins already installed. Free download; $29.95 for a 1-year subscription to upgrades. If you are new to Eclipse, start with this version.
- IBM WebSphere Studio. Powerful and popular J2EE IDE from IBM, the original developer’s of Eclipse.
- M7 NitroX. Expensive but very powerful J2EE IDE based on Eclipse.
- List of sites on Eclipse. Lists of Eclipse plugins, online forums, tutorials, etc.
- Sites and news re Eclipse plugins.
- Eclipse tutorials.
- Borland JBuilder. Borland JBuilder is a Java IDE for Windows, Solaris, and Linux. They offer a few different JBuilder versions:
- JBuilder Enterprise Edition (lots of J2EE support including UML and app server integration),
- JBuilder Developer Edition (missing some of the enterprise edition features, but still suppports applets, applications, JSP, servlets, Struts, unit testing, and team development).
- JBuilder Foundation Edition (free version offering most of the JBuilder capabilities).
- JBuilder WebLogic Edition (enterprise edition customized for BEA WebLogic)
Look at their feature matrix to compare and contrast the different versions.
- Sun Java Studio Creator. Java IDE for Windows, Solaris, and MacOS. Has very extensive drag-and-drop support for JavaServer Faces (JSF). Aims at making it easy for relative beginners to make complex server-side apps, but will be less popular for those not using JSF or for experts that prefer to work directly with the code. Built on the free, open-source NetBeans IDE.
- IBM WebSphere Studio Site Developer for Java. Java IDE for Windows and Linux. Expensive but very powerful IDE for servlets, JSP, and other J2EE development. Not limited to use with the WebSphere app server.
