NetBeans

What is NetBeans?

NetBeans is a powerful, free, and open-source integrated development environment (IDE) originally developed by Sun Microsystems and now maintained by the Apache Software Foundation. First released in 1996, NetBeans has evolved from a Java student project into a comprehensive development platform supporting multiple programming languages including Java, PHP, HTML5, JavaScript, and C/C++. As one of the oldest and most established IDEs available, NetBeans has helped millions of developers worldwide create desktop, web, and mobile applications with professional-grade tools at no cost.

What makes NetBeans particularly valuable is its commitment to open-source principles and community-driven development. Unlike commercial IDEs that require subscriptions, NetBeans provides professional features including intelligent code completion, advanced debugging, profiling tools, and GUI designers completely free. The IDE receives regular updates from the Apache Foundation and a global community of contributors who ensure it stays current with evolving programming languages and development practices.

NetBeans has established itself as an excellent choice for developers who need a capable IDE without licensing costs. It’s particularly popular in educational settings, where its free availability and comprehensive features make it ideal for teaching programming. Enterprise teams also utilize NetBeans for Java development, appreciating its mature toolset and stability. With Apache’s stewardship ensuring continued development and improvement, NetBeans remains a relevant and capable option in the modern development landscape.

Key Features

• Smart Code Editor: NetBeans provides intelligent code completion, syntax highlighting, and code templates for Java, PHP, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS with context-aware suggestions that speed up development.
• Visual Debugger: Comprehensive debugging tools with breakpoints, watches, call stacks, and variable inspection allow developers to efficiently track down and fix bugs in their applications.
• GUI Builder: The Matisse GUI Builder enables drag-and-drop design of Java Swing interfaces, automatically generating clean code that can be customized and extended.
• Maven and Gradle Support: Built-in support for Maven and Gradle build systems with automatic dependency management, project creation wizards, and build lifecycle integration.
• Git Integration: Full Git support including cloning, committing, branching, merging, and viewing history with visual diff tools directly integrated into the IDE.
• Code Profiler: Performance profiling tools analyze CPU usage, memory allocation, and threading behavior to help identify bottlenecks and optimize application performance.
• Database Tools: Built-in database explorer and SQL editor supporting multiple databases including MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, and SQLite for data-driven application development.
• Web Development: Comprehensive support for HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript development including framework support, live preview, and browser debugging integration.
• Refactoring Tools: Safe refactoring operations including rename, move, extract method, and inline variable with automatic reference updates across the project.
• Plugin Architecture: Extensible through plugins that add support for additional languages, frameworks, and tools, allowing customization to specific development needs.

What’s New

The Apache NetBeans community has continued active development throughout 2024, delivering significant updates focused on Java platform modernization, improved performance, and enhanced developer experience.

• Java 21 LTS Support: Full support for Java 21 long-term support release including virtual threads, pattern matching improvements, and record patterns for modern Java development.
• Enhanced LSP Support: Improved Language Server Protocol integration enabling better support for additional programming languages and frameworks through standardized tooling.
• Performance Improvements: Significant startup time reductions and memory optimizations resulting in smoother IDE operation, especially on resource-constrained machines.
• Updated UI Components: Modernized user interface elements with improved icons, better high-DPI display support, and enhanced theme consistency across all platforms.
• Gradle Improvements: Enhanced Gradle support with better project import, faster dependency resolution, and improved synchronization between build files and IDE project structure.
• Jakarta EE Support: Updated support for Jakarta EE specifications enabling development of modern enterprise Java applications with current standards and APIs.
• PHP 8.3 Support: Added support for PHP 8.3 features including typed class constants, json_validate function, and improved readonly class handling.
• Better Container Support: Improved integration with Docker and container-based development workflows for modern deployment practices.

System Requirements

Windows

• Operating System: Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
• Processor: Intel Core i3 or equivalent
• RAM: 2 GB minimum (4 GB recommended)
• Storage: 1 GB available space for installation
• Java Development Kit: JDK 11 or later required

macOS

• Operating System: macOS 10.14 or later
• Processor: Intel or Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3)
• RAM: 2 GB minimum (4 GB recommended)
• Storage: 1 GB available space
• Java Development Kit: JDK 11 or later

Linux

• Distribution: Ubuntu 18.04+, Fedora, Debian, or compatible
• Processor: 64-bit processor
• RAM: 2 GB minimum (4 GB recommended)
• Storage: 1 GB available space
• Java Development Kit: JDK 11 or later

How to Install NetBeans

Windows Installation

1. Download the NetBeans installer from the Apache website
2. Ensure JDK 11 or later is installed on your system
3. Run the NetBeans installer executable
4. Follow the installation wizard to select components
5. Launch NetBeans from the Start menu or desktop shortcut

# Using Windows Package Manager
winget install Apache.NetBeans

# Using Chocolatey
choco install netbeans

# Verify JDK is installed
java -version

# Verify NetBeans installation
netbeans --help

macOS Installation

1. Download the macOS DMG from Apache NetBeans website
2. Open the DMG file and review the license
3. Drag NetBeans to the Applications folder
4. Launch from Applications (may require security approval)
5. Configure JDK path if not automatically detected

# Using Homebrew
brew install --cask netbeans

# Verify installation
open -a "NetBeans"

# If JDK is needed
brew install openjdk@21
sudo ln -sfn /opt/homebrew/opt/openjdk@21/libexec/openjdk.jdk /Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines/openjdk-21.jdk

Linux Installation

# Using Snap (Ubuntu/Debian)
sudo snap install netbeans --classic

# Using Flatpak
flatpak install flathub org.apache.netbeans

# Manual installation from Apache
wget https://dlcdn.apache.org/netbeans/netbeans-installers/21/Apache-NetBeans-21-bin-linux-x64.sh
chmod +x Apache-NetBeans-21-bin-linux-x64.sh
./Apache-NetBeans-21-bin-linux-x64.sh

# Verify installation
netbeans --version

# Ensure JDK is available
sudo apt install openjdk-21-jdk

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Completely Free: NetBeans is fully free and open-source with no feature restrictions, subscription fees, or commercial licensing requirements, making professional development tools accessible to everyone.
• Multi-Language Support: Out-of-the-box support for Java, PHP, JavaScript, HTML5, and C/C++ enables developers to work on diverse projects without switching between different specialized IDEs.
• Excellent Java Support: As one of the original Java IDEs, NetBeans provides deep Java understanding with features like the GUI builder, profiler, and comprehensive framework support.
• Visual GUI Designer: The Matisse GUI builder for Swing applications remains one of the best visual designers available, enabling rapid interface development without manual layout coding.
• Low Resource Usage: Compared to some commercial IDEs, NetBeans runs reasonably well on modest hardware, making it accessible for developers without high-end workstations.
• Apache Foundation Backing: Stewardship by the Apache Software Foundation ensures long-term maintenance, security updates, and community-driven development priorities.
• Educational Value: The free license and comprehensive features make NetBeans ideal for learning programming, used extensively in universities and coding bootcamps worldwide.

Cons

• Slower Updates: As a community-driven project, NetBeans sometimes lags behind commercial IDEs in adopting the newest language features and development trends.
• Less Polished UI: The user interface, while functional, lacks some of the polish and modern design elements found in commercial alternatives like IntelliJ IDEA or VS Code.
• Smaller Plugin Ecosystem: The plugin marketplace is considerably smaller than competitors, limiting options for specialized tools and integrations.
• Java Dependency: NetBeans itself requires Java to run, which adds a setup step and can occasionally cause compatibility issues with certain JDK versions.
• Less Community Activity: Compared to the VS Code or IntelliJ communities, NetBeans has a smaller active user base, resulting in fewer tutorials, Stack Overflow answers, and third-party resources.

NetBeans vs Alternatives

Who Should Use NetBeans?

NetBeans is ideal for:

• Students and Learners: Those learning programming who need professional-grade tools without cost barriers, making NetBeans perfect for educational environments and self-taught developers.
• Java Desktop Developers: Developers creating Swing-based desktop applications who benefit greatly from the Matisse GUI builder’s visual design capabilities and code generation.
• Budget-Conscious Professionals: Professional developers who need capable IDE features but cannot justify subscription costs for commercial alternatives, especially in smaller companies.
• PHP Developers Seeking Free Tools: PHP developers looking for free IDE options with features beyond basic text editors, though not quite matching PhpStorm’s depth.
• Open Source Advocates: Developers who prefer using and supporting open-source software and want their tools aligned with community-driven development principles.
• Enterprise Java Teams: Organizations developing Java EE applications who need reliable tooling with Jakarta EE support and no per-seat licensing costs.

NetBeans may not be ideal for:

• Cutting-Edge Framework Users: Developers working with the newest frameworks and tools who need immediate support may find NetBeans adoption slower than commercial alternatives.
• Large Enterprise Projects: Teams with very large codebases requiring maximum code intelligence and refactoring capabilities may find commercial IDEs more capable.
• Those Needing Extensive Plugins: Developers requiring specialized integrations or extensive customization may find the plugin ecosystem limiting compared to VS Code or IntelliJ.
• Users Preferring Modern UI: Those who prioritize sleek, modern interfaces may find NetBeans’ utilitarian design less appealing than newer alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is NetBeans really free for commercial use?

Yes, Apache NetBeans is completely free for any use, including commercial development. It’s released under the Apache License 2.0, which permits use, modification, and distribution without any licensing fees. This means businesses of any size can use NetBeans for developing commercial software without paying anything. The Apache Foundation maintains the project with community contributions, ensuring it remains free and open while receiving regular updates and security patches.

Which Java version does NetBeans require?

NetBeans requires JDK 11 or later to run the IDE itself. For your projects, you can configure different JDK versions (8, 11, 17, 21, etc.) as needed. It’s recommended to install the latest LTS version of the JDK for running NetBeans, while configuring project-specific JDKs based on your deployment requirements. Apache NetBeans 21 and later versions work best with JDK 17 or 21 for optimal performance and access to all features.

How does NetBeans compare to Eclipse for Java development?

Both NetBeans and Eclipse are free, capable Java IDEs, but they have different philosophies. NetBeans provides more integrated functionality out-of-the-box with a cleaner initial experience, while Eclipse is more modular, requiring plugins for many features but offering deeper customization. NetBeans’ GUI builder (Matisse) is generally considered superior to Eclipse’s WindowBuilder. Eclipse has a larger plugin ecosystem and is more commonly used in enterprise settings. Your choice often depends on team preferences and specific project needs.

Can NetBeans be used for web development?

Absolutely. NetBeans provides solid support for web development including HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and TypeScript. It includes built-in support for Node.js, npm, and popular frameworks. The IDE offers live preview capabilities, browser debugging integration, and code completion for modern web standards. While dedicated web IDEs like WebStorm may offer deeper JavaScript intelligence, NetBeans provides a capable free option for full-stack developers working with both Java backends and web frontends.

How often is NetBeans updated?

Apache NetBeans follows a regular release schedule with new versions approximately quarterly. Major releases typically come in early spring and fall, with patch releases addressing bugs and security issues in between. The Apache Foundation coordinates releases through community voting, ensuring stability and quality. You can track upcoming releases and roadmap items through the Apache NetBeans website and mailing lists, and update notifications appear in the IDE when new versions become available.

Final Verdict

NetBeans stands as a remarkable achievement in open-source development tooling, providing professional-grade IDE features completely free to developers worldwide. Under Apache Foundation stewardship, the IDE has matured into a reliable platform for Java, PHP, and web development that competes effectively with commercial alternatives for many use cases.

The key strengths of NetBeans lie in its zero-cost accessibility combined with genuinely useful features. The Matisse GUI builder remains one of the best visual designers available for Java desktop development. The integrated profiler, debugger, and database tools provide capabilities that would cost hundreds of dollars annually in commercial IDEs. For students, startups, and budget-conscious developers, NetBeans democratizes access to professional development tools.

While NetBeans may not match the polish and cutting-edge features of commercial alternatives like IntelliJ IDEA, it delivers impressive value for its cost (free). Developers who prioritize open-source principles, need a capable free IDE, or work in educational settings will find NetBeans an excellent choice. Those requiring maximum productivity, the latest framework support, or extensive plugin ecosystems may prefer alternatives. For anyone seeking a solid, free, and reliable development environment, NetBeans remains a compelling option that has stood the test of time.