An IDE is an application that brings together code editing, analysis, execution, and debugging. You can program with an editor and the console, but an IDE streamlines much of the daily work.
In Java, you’ll find options like Eclipse, NetBeans, IntelliJ IDEA, or VS Code. We’ll focus on IntelliJ IDEA and Visual Studio Code, two alternatives with different approaches.
IntelliJ IDEA
IntelliJ IDEA, by JetBrains, is one of the most widely used environments for developing with Java.
It is an environment built specifically for Java. It understands your code at a deep level. It knows which methods exist, suggests intelligent refactorings, and its debugger is wonderful.
Free features and Ultimate subscription
Since IntelliJ IDEA 2025.3, there is a single distribution. The same installer includes the basic free features and allows you to activate advanced tools for Spring, databases, and professional development via subscription.
For this course, the free set is enough. The open-source core continues to be available separately on GitHub, but you no longer have to choose between two official installers.
Installation and configuration
- Go to the JetBrains website and download IntelliJ IDEA.
- Install it like any other program (Next, Next).
- When you open it for the first time, it will ask you to configure the theme (Dark/Light).
- IntelliJ usually detects the JDK automatically. If it doesn’t appear, select it at
File > Project Structure > SDK.
My recommendation: For this course, if your computer supports it, use IntelliJ IDEA. It integrates Java tools without relying on multiple extensions.
Visual Studio Code
You might already use VS Code for JavaScript, Python, or Arduino. It is a lightweight code editor that, through extensions, can behave “almost” like an IDE.
The advantage is that you don’t have to install another heavy program. The disadvantage is that, for Java, it sometimes feels a bit “patched together” and consumes more resources than it seems when loading the Java extensions.
Installing the extension pack
VS Code by itself doesn’t understand Java. It needs help. Microsoft has packaged everything needed into one pack.
- Open VS Code.
- Go to the Extensions tab (the squares icon on the left).
- Search for “Extension Pack for Java” (by Microsoft).
- Install it. This pack includes:
- Language Support for Java (Red Hat): To read the code.
- Debugger for Java: For debugging.
- Maven/Gradle: For project management.
- IntelliCode: Basic AI autocomplete.
Once installed, VS Code will take a little while to index your JDK, but afterwards, you can run Java files by clicking “Run” on the main method.
Comparison: Which one should I choose?
To decide, we can compare the options in a quick table:
| Feature | IntelliJ IDEA | VS Code + extensions |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Specialized in Java/Kotlin. | Generalist (Web, Scripts, etc.). |
| Performance | Heavy at startup, smooth while working. | Light at startup, heavy with many extensions. |
| Intelligence | Outstanding. Understands the context. | Good, but sometimes fails. |
| Configuration | Java support included. | Requires installing and configuring extensions. |
| Learning curve | Medium (many menus). | Low (simple interface). |
If you come from C# and Visual Studio, you’ll feel more at home with IntelliJ IDEA (it’s powerful and structured).
If you come from Web/JS, you’ll feel more comfortable with VS Code.
