Which IDE/Code Editor is best for Java Developer 2025.

Hello everyone! If you’re a Java developer or a programmer, you know how important it is to use the right tool to write code. It’s always good to use an efficient tool to make coding tasks easier and less frustrating. In this article, I’m going to talk about the best IDE for Java development based on my experience of over 10 years.

I’ve used several IDEs for Java development, including Eclipse, STS (Spring Tool Suite), VS Code, and IntelliJ IDEA (Community and Ultimate Edition). Let’s explore which one is the best for Java programming.

Eclipse IDE:

When I began Java programming, I chose Eclipse as my IDE because it was free and easily accessible on the Internet. Writing core Java code was straightforward using this IDE, and creating and running Core Java projects was a breeze.

However, before the Spring Boot era, building and running Rest APIs using libraries was quite challenging. We had to manually add various components like the Tomcat server, which consumed a lot of time. Consequently, Eclipse wasn’t well-suited for actual REST API development during that time. I wasn’t aware of other options available a decade ago, and we had to make do with what we had. Our reliance was mostly on plugins.

Here are some pros and cons of using Eclipse:

Pros:

• Abundance of plugins available in its ecosystem.
• Eclipse has a well-designed, user-friendly interface.
• I appreciate its stability and the effectiveness of its debugger.

Cons:

• It tends to consume a significant amount of computer memory, slowing down the system.
• Achieving Spring dependency management was a challenging task.
• Compatibility issues with plugins were also observed.

STS (Spring Tool Suite):

In the middle of my career, I transitioned to STS as it became the go-to tool for Spring-Boot and Spring projects.

Pros:

• Specifically designed for Spring framework development, making it easier to set up, configure, and manage Spring projects.
• In-built Maven plugin support for downloading dependencies.
• Built-in support for running Spring Boot projects like a server such as Tomcat.

Cons:

• Similar to Eclipse, it tends to slow down when working with larger projects.
• Not suitable for projects involving multiple technologies.
• Primarily intended for Java development.

VS Code

You can use VS Code for Java programming, but it presented a learning curve for me and wasn’t easily adaptable coming from a Java background.

Pros:

• Lightweight and fast, with integrated Git support and cross-platform compatibility.

Cons:

• Steep learning curve.
• Project management is challenging when working on multiple projects.
• Not a dedicated IDE for Java development, resulting in a less-than-ideal GUI.

IntelliJ IDEA (Community and Ultimate Edition):

IntelliJ IDEA stands out as an excellent IDE for Java Developers, and I’ve been using it for quite a while. It was specifically designed for Java Development.

Here are some advantages:

• The Code Assistance feature is a standout, aiding in code completion and quick fixes, significantly boosting my productivity.
• Refactoring code is straightforward, making tasks like renaming and changing method signatures easy.
• The Debugger is robust and helps in identifying and fixing bugs. It supports various debugging features, including inline variable values, expression evaluation, and remote debugging, simplifying the process of troubleshooting code issues.
• Maven Integration works seamlessly, automatically synchronizing projects and dependencies.
• The IDE has built-in Git Version control, facilitating easier check-ins, checkouts, and speedy version control operations.

Downsides:

IntelliJ IDEA comes in two editions. The Community Edition is free, while the Ultimate Edition requires payment. The Ultimate Edition offers fantastic features but is not free. If your employer provides you with a license, that’s great; otherwise, use the Community Edition. Keep in mind that there is a learning curve to become familiar with IntelliJ.

My recommendation is to go for the IntelliJ idea, I know we have to invest some time to get familiar with it but the advantages of it are huge and you will be surprised with its features each day.

Believe me, I’ve found IntelliJ to be incredibly beneficial in this regard. It simplifies coding, accelerates start and stop times, and significantly reduces lagging compared to Eclipse and STS. Writing JUnit tests is a breeze, and its Git version control support is fantastic with just a few clicks. Plus, its Maven build tool support is excellent. And now, with the addition of GitHub Copilot, an AI assistance tool, you can expedite the coding process, ensuring your code is less buggy and more standardized. Additionally, there are plenty of new shortcuts for refactoring and more.

Thanks for reading! Let me know which IDE is your favorite and why you love using it.

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