Choosing Java tools (IDE and compiler) for beginners [closed]

Answer 1

As a beginner, it's good to use the basic notepad or notepad++ to write the Java code and compile & execute it using the command prompt. It will help to understand the fundamentals such as how the compiler works and how code is built etc. For professional development, I'd prefer IntelliJ IDEA.

Answer 2

Dr. Java is brilliant for newbies. It doesn't have code completion/project tools that scare you. Instead it's simple to use and also has an interactive shell I use to check my syntax

Answer 3

Just for the record. If all you want to do is actually just do some minor editing, compile and run, you can do nicely with your favorite editor along with javac from the Java Development Kit (as opposed to the Java Runtime).

Have a look at the Java Tutorial which tells you all you need to know. http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/getStarted/cupojava/index.html

Answer 4

Though for learning Java, I'm tempted to suggest that you start with the SDK and no IDE but a decent programming editor and compile and run by hand for the first program. There are also some very light-weight IDE/editor hybrids for Java - though I can't produce a name right now.

I think the big Java IDE have too many features and stuff going on for a newbie. On the other hand they correct many errors on their own. Can't make up my mind if this is a good or a bad thing for a newb.

Answer 5

Two obvious suggestions are NetBeans and Eclipse.

Both are free and great for Java Development.

Which you use is a matter of choice. For Java Development I personally probably prefer NetBeans. As NetBeans is produced is usually very up to date with latest developments in Java. I also like how the project build is all done via Ant but again this is down to personal taste.

Although I'm currently using Eclipse as the Google Plug-in for Android development is only for Eclipse. I would say this usually the case with a lot of Plug-ins.

Answer 6

You should also take a look at BlueJ. This is a small but powerful Java IDE, designed with a strong focus on education. BlueJ is part of an approach to learn OO programming in general and java in particular. BluJ fills the gap between bare bones JDK tools and advanced professional IDE's like Eclipse and NetBeans. It may be exactly what you want and and need for your purpose.