May 4, 2024

Best Spring Boot IDEs and Code Editors

Best Spring Boot IDEs and Code Editors

Are you scrolling down many articles to look for the perfect IDE for your developmental requirements? With numerous best spring boot IDEs available how will you choose the right one? But we have got it covered!

This blog will help you know the best spring boot IDE for Windows and the best spring boot IDE for Mac. Read the article fully to know which IDE is best for Spring Boot.

10 Best Spring Boot IDEs and Code Editors – Overview

Here’s an overview of the 10 best Spring Boot IDEs and Code Editors:

S.No.IDE NameLicense TypePlatform CompatibilityVersion Control IntegrationDownload Link
1IntelliJ IDEAFree / PaidWindows, macOS, LinuxYesDownload
2EclipseFreeWindows, macOS, LinuxYesDownload
3Apache NetbeansFreeWindows, macOS, LinuxYesDownload
4MyEclipse IDEPaidWindows, macOS, LinuxYesDownload
5BlueJ IDEFreeWindows, macOS, LinuxNoDownload
6XCode IDEFreemacOSYesDownload
7Visual Studio CodeFreeWindows, macOS, LinuxYesDownload
8Oracle JDeveloperFreeWindows, macOS, LinuxYesDownload
9JCreator IDEFree / PaidWindowsNoDownload
10Dr Java IDEFreeWindows, macOS, LinuxNoDownload

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Top 10 Spring Boot IDEs for Developers

Below are the top 10 Spring Boot IDEs for developers:

1. IntelliJ IDEA

IntelliJ IDEA is a comprehensive IDE designed specifically for Java development and is the best IDE for Spring Boot.

It offers a robust set of tools and features to enhance productivity for students and professionals alike.

License Type: Free/open-source (Community Edition), Paid (Ultimate Edition)

Supported Programming Languages:

  • Java
  • Kotlin
  • Groovy
  • Scala, and others via plugins

Platform Compatibility:

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux

User Interface and Experience:

  • Clean, intuitive interface that is highly customizable
  • Responsive and consistent performance across different platforms

Customization Options:

  • Extensive plugin ecosystem to extend functionality
  • Theme and font customization for personalized coding environments

Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:

  • Advanced syntax highlighting for better code readability
  • Real-time code and design differences

Code Autocompletion: Yes

Integrated Debugging Tools:

  • Step-through debugging with breakpoints
  • Inline variable values and expression evaluation
  • Thread and process management tools

Version Control Integration: Yes

Community and Support:

  • Active community forums and extensive documentation
  • Regular updates and professional support are available

Download Now

2. Eclipse

Eclipse IDE is a versatile and widely used integrated development environment for Java, among other programming languages.

It offers comprehensive tools and features to support educational and professional development.

License Type: Free/open-source

Supported Programming Languages:

  • Java
  • C/C++
  • JavaScript
  • PHP
  • Python, and others via plugins

Platform Compatibility:

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux

User Interface and Experience:

  • Flexible and configurable workspace with a modular interface
  • Multiple perspectives and views tailored to different development needs

Customization Options:

  • Rich plugin marketplace for extending functionality
  • Layout and perspective customization to suit user preferences

Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:

  • Advanced syntax highlighting adaptable to various languages
  • Visual representations of code hierarchies and dependencies

Code Autocompletion: Yes

Integrated Debugging Tools:

  • Powerful source debugger with conditional breakpoints
  • Integration with build and release tools
  • Real-time code analysis and error reporting

Version Control Integration: Yes

Community and Support:

  • Large and active community providing plugins, tools, and support
  • Extensive official documentation and tutorials

Download Now

3. Apache Netbeans

Apache NetBeans is an open-source IDE primarily for Java development but also supports other languages.

It facilitates easy and efficient management of projects from concept through completion.

License Type: Free/open-source

Supported Programming Languages:

  • Java
  • JavaScript
  • PHP
  • HTML5
  • CSS, and others

Platform Compatibility:

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux

User Interface and Experience:

  • Streamlined interface suitable for beginners and professionals alike
  • Integrated development tools for a seamless experience across coding, testing, and debugging

Customization Options:

  • Customizable workspace with support for multiple themes
  • User-configurable shortcuts and toolbars for enhanced productivity

Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:

  • Dynamic syntax highlighting for improved code readability
  • Visual aids for debugging and real-time code analysis

Code Autocompletion: Yes

Integrated Debugging Tools:

  • Comprehensive debugging tools with breakpoints, watch windows, and value inspection
  • Code stepping and flow control for a thorough examination
  • Easy-to-use interface for managing complex debugging tasks

Version Control Integration: Yes

Community and Support:

  • Supported by a dedicated community offering a wide range of plugins
  • Regular updates and active forums for troubleshooting and learning

Download Now

4. MyEclipse IDE

MyEclipse is a powerful, commercially available IDE that builds on the open-source Eclipse platform, adding enterprise-grade features aimed particularly at enterprise web and mobile application developers.

It integrates advanced tools for Java, web, and mobile development.

License Type: Paid

Supported Programming Languages:

  • Java
  • JavaScript
  • TypeScript
  • HTML, CSS, and others

Platform Compatibility:

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux

User Interface and Experience:

  • Modern and highly customizable interface designed to increase developer productivity
  • Integration of both desktop and cloud development environments

Customization Options:

  • Extensive set of themes and layouts
  • Configurable workspaces and toolsets tailored to project needs

Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:

  • Advanced syntax highlighting for multiple programming languages
  • Code visualization tools to understand project architecture and dependencies

Code Autocompletion: Yes

Integrated Debugging Tools:

  • State-of-the-art debugging capabilities, including remote debugging
  • Integration with performance monitoring and profiling tools
  • Seamless debugging of desktop, web, and mobile applications

Version Control Integration: Yes

Community and Support:

  • Dedicated support and maintenance from the vendor
  • Access to a large repository of tutorials, forums, and documentation

Download Now

5. BlueJ IDE

BlueJ is an integrated development environment (IDE) specifically designed for teaching and learning object-oriented programming, primarily using Java.

It is widely used in educational settings due to its simplicity and basic features.

License Type: Free/open-source

Supported Programming Languages:

  • Java

Platform Compatibility:

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux

User Interface and Experience:

  • Simple and intuitive interface tailored for beginners and educational purposes
  • Visual representation of classes and objects to aid in understanding object-oriented concepts

Customization Options:

  • Limited customization aimed at keeping the environment straightforward and easy to use
  • Some options to change themes and layout to suit personal preferences

Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:

  • Basic syntax highlighting to improve code readability
  • Simple class structure visualization to assist with learning and teaching

Code Autocompletion: No

Integrated Debugging Tools:

  • Basic debugging tools such as breakpoints and code stepping
  • Easy-to-use interface for monitoring and modifying object values
  • Interactive testing to directly manipulate objects and methods

Version Control Integration: No

Community and Support:

  • Strong educational community support with lots of learning materials and tutorials
  • Actively maintained by a dedicated team, providing updates and educational resources

Download Now

6. XCode IDE

Xcode is Apple’s integrated development environment (IDE) for macOS, used for developing software for macOS, iOS, watchOS, and tvOS.

It includes a suite of software development tools designed by Apple for building apps for all Apple platforms.

License Type: Free

Supported Programming Languages:

  • Swift
  • Objective-C
  • C
  • C++

Platform Compatibility:

  • macOS

User Interface and Experience:

  • Streamlined and intuitive interface designed for efficiency and ease of use specific to Apple’s design guidelines
  • Integrated with a Simulator for testing iOS and Mac apps within the IDE

Customization Options:

  • Limited theme customization, focusing on a clean and unified user experience
  • Ability to customize the layout and behavior of the development and debugging workspace

Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:

  • Advanced syntax highlighting tailored to Swift and Objective-C
  • Graphical interface builder to visually construct UIs with Storyboards and SwiftUI

Code Autocompletion: Yes

Integrated Debugging Tools:

  • Powerful graphical debugger for tracking down source code issues
  • Performance analysis tools to monitor and optimize application speed and efficiency
  • Integration with Instruments for memory and resource profiling

Version Control Integration: Yes

Community and Support:

  • Extensive developer documentation directly integrated into the IDE
  • A large community of developers and a comprehensive ecosystem supported by Apple

Download Now

7. Visual Studio Code

Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is a highly popular and versatile code editor developed by Microsoft. It supports a wide range of programming languages and development tasks.

It is renowned for its performance, flexibility, and powerful extension ecosystem.

License Type: Free/open-source

Supported Programming Languages:

  • Python
  • JavaScript
  • Java
  • C++
  • Go
  • PHP, and many more

Platform Compatibility:

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux

User Interface and Experience:

  • Highly efficient, clean, and modern interface that supports a wide range of workflows and developer preferences.
  • Customizable interface with themes, layouts, and iconography adjustments.

Customization Options:

  • Extensive extensions are available for adding languages, debuggers, and developer tools.
  • Full customization of keyboard shortcuts, user settings, and editor configurations.

Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:

  • Robust syntax highlighting with support for custom themes.
  • Visual aids such as bracket matching, code folding, and inline suggestions.

Code Autocompletion: Yes

Integrated Debugging Tools:

  • Integrated debugger supports numerous languages with extensions, featuring breakpoints, call stacks, and an interactive console.
  • Debugging code directly from the editor, with an inline display of variable values.
  • Configurable for complex debugging scenarios including remote debugging.

Version Control Integration: Yes

Community and Support:

  • An extensive and active community providing continuous updates, extensions, and support.
  • Comprehensive documentation, tutorial videos, and a large repository of community-contributed knowledge.

Download Now

8. Oracle JDeveloper

Oracle JDeveloper is a comprehensive and free integrated development environment (IDE) provided by Oracle. It is specifically designed to build service-oriented applications using the latest standards for Java, XML, Web services, and SQL.

JDeveloper supports the complete development lifecycle with integrated features for modeling, coding, debugging, testing, profiling, and deploying applications.

License Type: Free

Supported Programming Languages:

  • Java
  • SQL
  • XML
  • HTML
  • JavaScript, and PL/SQL

Platform Compatibility:

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux

User Interface and Experience:

  • Robust and feature-rich interface tailored for enterprise-level development.
  • Integrated with Oracle Application Development Framework (ADF) to simplify building complex applications.

Customization Options:

  • A customizable environment with a variety of layouts and themes.
  • Ability to extend IDE functionality using Oracle extensions or custom plugins.

Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:

  • Advanced syntax highlighting for multiple languages supported by the IDE.
  • Visual and diagrammatic tools for better understanding of code and database structure.

Code Autocompletion: Yes

Integrated Debugging Tools:

  • Comprehensive debugging tools that allow developers to troubleshoot issues effectively.
  • Includes features like breakpoints, watch windows, and real-time value inspection.
  • Supports debugging of PL/SQL and offers integrated SQL tuning.

Version Control Integration: Yes

Community and Support:

  • Strong support is provided by Oracle, with extensive documentation, tutorials, and community forums.
  • Regular updates and patches to ensure compatibility with the latest Oracle technologies.

Download Now

9. JCreator IDE

JCreator is a lightweight development environment specifically designed for programming in Java. It is favored for its speed and efficiency compared to other Java IDEs, like Eclipse or IntelliJ IDEA.

JCreator offers an interface similar to Microsoft Visual Studio, making it familiar to those accustomed to that layout.

License Type: Free version available; Pro version is paid.

Supported Programming Languages:

  • Java

Platform Compatibility:

  • Windows

User Interface and Experience:

  • The streamlined interface resembles Microsoft Visual Studio, providing a familiar environment for those transitioning from other development platforms.
  • Quick and responsive, designed to optimize Java development tasks without heavy resource usage.

Customization Options:

  • Limited compared to larger IDEs, focusing on simplicity and core functionality.
  • Customizable syntax coloring and font settings to enhance code readability.

Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:

  • Basic syntax highlighting tailored for Java development.
  • Does not typically include advanced visualization tools; and focuses on straightforward code editing.

Code Autocompletion: Yes

Integrated Debugging Tools:

  • Basic debugging tools including breakpoint management, code stepping, and variable inspection.
  • Suitable for educational purposes and smaller projects.

Version Control Integration: No

Community and Support:

  • Smaller user communities compared to larger IDEs; resources may be less extensive.
  • Basic support is available, focusing on essential troubleshooting and guidance.

Download Now

10. Dr Java IDE

DrJava is a lightweight integrated development environment (IDE) designed primarily for students and beginners in Java programming.

License Type: Free/open-source

Supported Programming Languages:

  • Java

Platform Compatibility:

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux

User Interface and Experience:

  • Minimalistic and straightforward interface, designed to be approachable for beginners without overwhelming features.
  • Provides a single-pane environment with basic editing, compiling, and debugging features.

Customization Options:

  • Limited customization options, focusing on simplicity and ease of use.
  • Allows basic adjustments such as font size and style to improve readability.

Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:

  • Basic syntax highlighting to help distinguish elements of Java code.
  • Lacks advanced visualization tools, sticking to essentials suitable for beginners.

Code Autocompletion: No

Integrated Debugging Tools:

  • Includes essential debugging tools like breakpoints and step execution.
  • Offers an interactive “Interactions” pane for testing snippets of code directly.

Version Control Integration: No

Community and Support:

  • Supported by an active community of educators and students.
  • Extensive documentation and tutorials geared towards new programmers.

Download Now

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are some of the best free Spring Boot IDEs and code editors available?

Some of the best free Spring Boot IDEs and code editors available are:

  • Visual Studio Code with the Spring Boot extension pack
  • IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition
  • Eclipse

2. What is the key difference between Spring Boot IDE and Code Editor?

The key difference between Spring Boot IDE and Code Editor is that an IDE offers comprehensive features like debugging, project management, and build automation, whereas a code editor is typically lighter and more flexible, focusing primarily on editing and syntax highlighting.

3. What are the key features to look for in the best Spring Boot IDEs and code editors?

The key features to look for in the best Spring Boot IDEs and code editors include Spring-specific code assistance, built-in support for databases and version control systems, robust debugging tools, and integration with build automation tools.

4. Which Spring Boot IDEs have strong community support and reliable customer service?

IntelliJ IDEA and Eclipse (with Spring Tools 4) are renowned for their strong community support and reliable customer service.

5. What tools are available in Spring Boot IDEs for debugging code?

Tools available in Spring Boot IDEs for debugging include integrated debuggers, conditional breakpoints, and the ability to inspect variables and manage application state.

6. What Spring Boot IDEs have the best integration with version control systems like Git?

IntelliJ IDEA and Visual Studio Code have the best integration with version control systems like Git.

Wrapping Up

These 10 IDEs for Spring Boot clear your doubts about choosing the right personalized platform for your learning and development.


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author

Aarthy R s

Aarthy is an passionate technical writer with experience across various domains such as web development, Web 3.0, AI, ML, technical documentation for product development, software testing, and, course content development. She has won over 6 national-level technical hackathons and blogathons.

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Aarthy is an passionate technical writer with experience across various domains such as web development, Web 3.0, AI, ML, technical documentation for product development, software testing, and, course content development. She has won over 6 national-level technical hackathons and blogathons.

Subscribe