Editor for Java

[flybub]

What editor is being used for Java on the Mac? I'm getting into Java in college and I've been watching tutorials but it looks like in all the videos the people are using a Windows machine. Obviously I can use a VM or Bootcamp but I'd rather stay in OS X. Can anyone point me in the right direction? I've been using Python on and off but Java is a different animal and I want to start off on the right foot. I have not downloaded XCode yet but I will in the near future for my iPhone app projects. From what I've read so far it seems like either Eclipse or Netbeans but most of those suggestions are from a year ago at least. Any suggestions?? Thanks for the help

 

[JoelTheSuperior]

Generally speaking for Java most people would suggest that you work with Eclipse - it's a cross-platform IDE for Java (it runs on Windows, Linux and OS X).

I'm not a huge fan myself but I know a lot of people swear by it - it's definitely worth taking a look.

 

[olup]

Netbeans loads faster than Eclipse does. Eclipse is very powerful, but also kind of bloated, hence the performance hits. Give both a try and see which one will work better for you.

 

[johngwheeler]

IntelliJ IDEA

I'd recommend having a look at IntelliJ IDEA as well. There is a free-version that removes some features, but this might be sufficient for your needs.

 

[flybub]

Thanks for all your suggestions, much appreciated. I installed eclipse and it is full of features but there is quite a bit of bloat as Joel suggested. I'll download the other suggestions and give those a go. Thanks again for the help

 

[fred_garvin]

IntelliJ is by far the best

IntelliJ is like using a Mac. Eclipse is like using Windows.

 

[elppa]

IntelliJ IDEA is good - but some of the better features are only available in the commercial version.

That said – if you are a student you can use all the commercial versions for free (lucky you).

If you are doing any Java Web stuff then NetBeans might be the way to go, because it comes bundled with Glassfish (optionally tomcat) and makes it very straight forward to get up and running.

 

[960design]

I switch back and forth between Eclipse and NetBeans.

 

[cd3267]

I use BlueJ

Pretty easy and straight forward to use.