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Java remains the most popular programming language, and with the market share of over 20%, it’s not going anywhere any time soon. Java developers need a suitable Integrated Development Environment (IDE) to work on their projects with ease. Oracle JDeveloper is one of the most powerful and feature-rich IDE for Java development. However, this software is expensive and requires high specs for installation, which makes it unsuitable for small and medium-sized businesses.
In this blog post, we’ll introduce you to the top six alternatives to Oracle JDeveloper, along with their features and pros and cons.
Video Tutorial:
What Is Oracle JDeveloper?
Oracle JDeveloper is an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for Java developers. It’s a comprehensive toolkit that allows developers to design, develop, and deploy Java-based applications, web services, and mobile applications. JDeveloper is equipped with advanced features like code profiling, debugging, testing, and deployment capabilities. It’s a complete tool that covers every aspect of the Java development lifecycle.
Top Alternatives to Oracle JDeveloper
Top 1: Eclipse
Eclipse is one of the most popular open-source IDE for Java development. It’s widely used by developers around the world for its flexibility, simplicity, and powerful features. Eclipse is a highly customizable tool that supports different languages, including Java, C++, Python, PHP, and many others. The software also provides various plugins and extensions that allow developers to enhance the functionality of the IDE.
Pros:
- Free and open-source
- Highly customizable
- Supports multiple languages
- Large community of developers
Cons:
- Steep learning curve
- Slow performance for large projects
- Requires plugins to enhance functionality
FREE TRIAL:
Eclipse is free and open-source software.
PRICE:
Eclipse is free software.
EASE-OF-USE:
Eclipse has a steep learning curve.
VALUE FOR MONEY:
As an open-source software, Eclipse is a valuable tool for Java development.
Top 2: IntelliJ IDEA
IntelliJ IDEA is a popular and reliable IDE for Java development. It’s a comprehensive tool that offers advanced features like intelligent code completion, testing, and debugging. The software also provides plugins and extensions that add additional functionalities to enhance the IDE’s overall usefulness.
Pros:
- Highly customizable
- Advanced debugging and testing features
- Supports multiple languages
- Frequent updates and improvements
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other IDEs
- Not suitable for beginners
- Steep learning curve
FREE TRIAL:
IntelliJ IDEA offers a 30-day free trial.
PRICE:
IntelliJ IDEA’s Community Edition is free, but the Ultimate Edition costs $499 per year.
EASE-OF-USE:
IntelliJ IDEA is not suitable for beginners due to its steep learning curve.
VALUE FOR MONEY:
IntelliJ IDEA is expensive, but the software is packed with advanced features and capabilities that make it a valuable tool for Java development.
Top 3: NetBeans
NetBeans is a free and open-source IDE for Java development. The software is a complete tool that offers advanced features like code highlighting, debugging, and testing. NetBeans also provides plugins and extensions that enable developers to add additional functionalities to the IDE.
Pros:
- Free and open-source
- User-friendly interface
- Supports multiple languages
- Easy to install and use
Cons:
- Slow performance for larger projects
- Less customizable compared to other IDEs
- Less frequent updates
FREE TRIAL:
NetBeans is free software.
PRICE:
NetBeans is free software.
EASE-OF-USE:
NetBeans is easy to install and use.
VALUE FOR MONEY:
As an open-source software, NetBeans is a valuable tool for Java development.
Top 4: Visual Studio Code
Visual Studio Code is a lightweight, free and open-source IDE for Java development. It’s an extendable tool that offers advanced features like code highlighting, debugging, and testing. Visual Studio Code also provides plugins and extensions that enable users to enhance the functionality of the IDE.
Pros:
- Free and open-source
- User-friendly interface
- Supports multiple languages with extensions
- Intelligent code completion
Cons:
- Less advanced debugging features
- Inferior performance compared to other IDEs
- Less customizable compared to other IDEs
FREE TRIAL:
Visual Studio Code is free software.
PRICE:
Visual Studio Code is free software.
EASE-OF-USE:
Visual Studio Code is user-friendly.
VALUE FOR MONEY:
Visual Studio Code is a valuable tool for Java development, considering it’s a free software.
Top 5: BlueJ
BlueJ is a free IDE for Java development that’s easy to use and understand. It’s designed for beginners learning Java programming. The software offers features like syntax highlighting, code completion, and debugging.
Pros:
- Easy to learn and use
- User-friendly interface
- Designed for beginners learning Java programming
- Free and open-source software
Cons:
- Primarily suited for small projects
- Less customizable compared to other IDEs
- Less advanced features compared to other IDEs
FREE TRIAL:
BlueJ is free software.
PRICE:
BlueJ is free software.
EASE-OF-USE:
BlueJ is easy to learn and use.
VALUE FOR MONEY:
BlueJ is a valuable tool for beginners learning Java programming due to its user-friendliness and being free software.
Top 6: CodeWarrior
CodeWarrior is a powerful IDE for Java development that provides features like debugging, testing, and profiling. The software also supports multiple languages, including Java, C++, and Assembly. CodeWarrior offers plugins and extensions that enable users to enhance the functionality of the IDE.
Pros:
- Supports multiple languages
- Advanced debugging and testing features
- User-friendly interface
- Large community of developers
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other IDEs
- Steep learning curve
- Less customizable compared to other IDEs
FREE TRIAL:
CodeWarrior offers a 30-day free trial.
PRICE:
CodeWarrior costs $1499 per user per year.
EASE-OF-USE:
CodeWarrior has a user-friendly interface.
VALUE FOR MONEY:
CodeWarrior is expensive, but the software provides a wide range of advanced features and capabilities that make it a valuable tool for experienced Java developers.
Comprehensive Comparison of Each Software
| Free Trial | Price | Ease-of-Use | Value for Money | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eclipse | Free and open-source software | Free software | Steep learning curve | Valuable |
| IntelliJ IDEA | 30-day free trial | $499 per year for Ultimate Edition | Steep learning curve | Valuable if advanced features are needed |
| NetBeans | Free software | Free software | Easy to learn and use | Valuable |
| Visual Studio Code | Free software | Free software | User-friendly | Valuable for a free software |
| BlueJ | Free software | Free software | Easy to learn and use | Valuable for beginners |
| CodeWarrior | 30-day free trial | $1499 per user per year | Steep learning curve | Valuable if advanced features are needed |
Our Thoughts on Oracle JDeveloper Alternatives
Oracle JDeveloper is a powerful IDE for Java development. However, its high cost and system requirements make it unsuitable for small and medium-sized businesses. The alternatives to Oracle JDeveloper offer comparable features and capabilities to Oracle’s IDE but at a lower cost.
Eclipse is a popular open-source IDE for Java development that offers a highly customizable environment with support for many languages. IntelliJ IDEA provides an excellent debugging and testing environment but is a bit expensive. NetBeans is ideal for novices, while Visual Studio Code is suitable for small to medium-sized projects. BlueJ is a free software and perfect for beginners, and CodeWarrior is suitable for experienced Java developers looking for advanced features.
Overall, the alternative IDEs to Oracle JDeveloper provide suitable alternatives that developers can choose depending on the project scope and expertise.
FAQs about Oracle JDeveloper Alternatives
Q1: Is Eclipse better than Oracle JDeveloper?
A: Eclipse is a highly customizable and flexible IDE that supports multiple languages, making it a suitable alternative to Oracle JDeveloper. However, the choice between the two depends on the project scope and the user’s preference.
Q2: Which is the best IDE for Java development?
A: The best IDE for Java development depends on the project scope, user’s expertise and preferences, and the features needed. IntelliJ IDEA and Eclipse are among the most popular and feature-rich IDEs.
Q3: Can I use NetBeans for Java development?
A: Yes, NetBeans is an excellent IDE for Java development. It’s free and offers a complete toolset that includes debugging, testing, and profiling.
Q4: Is Visual Studio Code suitable for Java development?
A: Yes, Visual Studio Code is a lightweight IDE and suitable for small to medium-sized Java projects. The software is an extendable tool that provides advanced features such as code highlighting and debugging.
Q5: Which IDE is ideal for beginners?
A: BlueJ is an IDE designed explicitly for beginners to Java development, and it’s simple and easy to use.
In Conclusion
Oracle JDeveloper is an excellent tool for Java development with robust features and capabilities. However, its high cost and system requirements make it unsuitable for small and medium-sized businesses. The six alternatives that we’ve introduced provide suitable replacements that cater to different needs and preferences. Eclipse and IntelliJ IDEA are excellent choices for advanced features, while BlueJ and NetBeans are ideal for novices. Visual Studio Code and CodeWarrior lie in-between and offer unique features and benefits that make them valuable tools for Java development.