For fast and simple development, there are numerous Java IDEs available with huge amounts of components to expand the engineer’s productivity by enhancing code quality and execution.  Most of these software development tools are available free of charge, cater to different levels of expertise and some even allow the user base to directly contribute to the advancement of the IDE by developing plugins. The following is a comprehensive rundown of the most popular and easy-to-use IDEs for Java.

1. Netbeans – The smarter, faster and bug free way to code

NetBeans is an IDE for Java, PHP, C/C++ and HTML5 applications with HTML, JavaScript, and CSS.  It can be used on Windows, OS X, Solaris and Linux operating systems. Applications created utilizing NetBeans depend on modules, and they can likewise be extended by developers. NetBeans is an open source application, which allows other developers or companies to contribute to it’s development, in addition to being able to use it for free

2. Eclipse – Cloud based Java IDE

Eclipse is a standout among the most famous IDEs for Java that is cloud based, but also has a desktop version. One of the most popular features of Eclipse is its code auto-completion, which saves time as the developers never have to look at the API documents. Just like NetBeans, Eclipse is open source, so the users can contribute to both the cloud based and desktop IDEs by creating their own plug-ins to customize Eclipse to meet their specific needs.

3. IntelliJ – The most intelligent Java IDE

IntelliJ is an IDE for Java with two versions, the Ultimate Edition, which unlike NetBeans or Eclipse isn’t free, and the Community Edition, which is free and open source. IntelliJ is known for catching developer’s mistakes during coding, which saves time and improves development productivity.

4. Android Studio – Android IDE based on IntelliJ IDEA

Android Studio by Google is an IDE that is based on the IntelliJ IDEA, and it is specifically for for Android developers. Android Studio can be used on multiple platforms: Windows, Mac OS X and Linux.  Android studio is available for free.

5. jCreator – Java IDE

jCreator is an IDE that claims to be the most productive and reliable because it is written in C++. It is used by beginners and experts alike, and it takes pride in some its features which include a robust customization, easy debugger interface, integrated project management and code auto-completion. Unlike some of the earlier mentioned IDEs, jCreator does not have a free version.

6. jBuilder – Java IDE

jBuilder is a development tool for creating enterprise Java applications originally developed by Borland, but later purchased by Embarcadero. jBuilder concentrates on improving efficiency by providing new and existing comprehensive code, and by increasing code quality and performance. jBuilder is a closed-source software, and its source code cannot be changed, studied or distributed.

7. Dr. Java – Java IDE

Dr. Java is another Java development software used for educational purposes by junior developers and students. Dr. Java does come with various features for more professional users and yet it is available for free under a BSD-style licence.  Dr. Java is also under constant development at Rice University.

8. SnapCode (formly Java Inventor) – Java IDE

SnapCode is a free Java IDE for creating applications and sites by junior developers. SnapCode reduces the learning curve for Java by allowing its users to quickly create apps, graphically design pages, create tables and queries, as well as manage data. SnapCode enables its users to create rich applications full of interesting features without having to learn a stockpile of other technologies.

9. jDeveloper – Java IDE by Oracle

jDeveloper is an IDE by Oracle that aims to facilitate the process of application development by producing a leading-edge coding environment while focusing on the visual and declarative features of application development. jDeveloper offers different code editors and expands the developers’ productivity utilizing components, for example, code auditing, integrated testing and profiling.

10. BlueJ – Beginners Java IDE

BlueJ is a free IDE outfitted towards junior Java engineers and utilized generally for education, so its configuration is somewhat different compared with other IDEs. BlueJ concentrates on items for applications that are under development, and its clear interface makes it an easy to use IDE for beginners.

11. jGRASP – Java IDE

jGRASP is another popular IDE for Java that is centered around visualization, and can be used on Windows and Mac OS, as well as on Linux, but only in a form of a ZIP file. jGRASP concentrates on the representation of the application that is being made with a specific end goal to make the source code more readable. jGRASP is accessible for free and its advancement has been supported by the National Science Foundation.

Creating applications utilizing one of the IDEs for Java can be a rewarding experience given the fact that there is a plethora of different tools and software features available to developers with diverse levels of ability.