Java is both a programming language and an operating system. It is a powerful, object-oriented, and secure high-level programming language. Sun Microsystems invented Java in 1995. (which is now owned by Oracle) and James Gosling is the “Father of Java”. It was known as Oak before Java. Oak was already a recognised company; James Gosling and his colleagues changed its name to Java.
Java applications, unlike other programming languages, are compiled independently of the platform. It is a programming language that is simple, object-oriented, distributed, interpreted, resilient, secure, portable, multi-threaded, and dynamic. Java Tools are software tools that aid developers in designing, testing, and deploying Java applications. These tools assist developers in monitoring, optimising, troubleshooting, and optimising the performance of Java applications.
Best Java Development Tools
The most common JAVA Development Tools for Java Build, Profiling, Coverage and Review are mentioned below.
Eclipse:
Eclipse is an integrated development environment (IDE) that supports practically every language through the use of plug-ins. It now has approximately 150 projects spanning all elements of software development. It is completely free. Because it is open source, anybody may use it for free.
Tool Specifications:
- It is a cloud-based open-source development environment.
- In addition to Java, it supports other languages via plug-ins such as C, C++, Perl, Python, and JavaScript.
- It features an SDK for Java development tools, which aids Java developers and enables development for Tomcat, GlassFish, and various other servers.
- This tool is more common and is utilised throughout companies. It simplifies code and makes it easier to comprehend and troubleshoot.
Pros:
- It is simple to write, compile, and debug
- Industrial Development Level
- Configurable and extensible
- Cross-platform
Cons:
- You must install plug-ins to support additional languages.
- Graphics design plug-ins are often only compatible with the Eclipse for Java or Eclipse for Mobile development releases.
NetBeans:
NetBeans is yet another IDE for building Java applications. It is compatible with practically every platform, including Windows, Linux, Solaris, and macOS. It, like Eclipse, is an open-source environment that can be used with various programming languages such as C, C++, JavaScript, and so on. Being an open-source IDE, it is completely free.
Tool specifications:
- It is a framework for the creation of Java Swing desktop applications.
- It is used to save and load any form of data.
- Wizard Framework now supports step-by-step conversations.
- Integrated development tools that are open source.
Pros:
- It has IDM, which stands for Integrated Development Modules for Java.
- It includes a drag-and-drop component in the form of Buttons and Textboxes.
- Swing GUI for desktop apps is simple to create.
- While debugging, it provides code optimisation tips and automatically inserts the correct code.
Cons:
- When compared to other IDEs, it takes longer to load.
- Memory allocation is more than those of the other IDEs.
Apache Spark:
Apache spark is an open-source framework for large-scale applications that run on clustered computers. It is also a parallel processing framework since it can handle batch and real-time data processing workloads. It is designed to accelerate Hadoop processing tasks.
It is an alternative to MapReduce, which was formerly associated with Hadoop. It is developed in Scala to connect with the Spark Core engine. It is quicker than MapReduce, which is why Apache Spark operates well.
Tool Specifications:
- It has a dynamic character.
- A high data processing speed in memory is 100x quicker than on disc.
- Code reusability.
- Applied for fault tolerance.
- Used for batch as well as real-time data processing.
- It supports a variety of programming languages, including Java, Scala, and Python.
- It is compatible with Hadoop systems.
Pros:
- It is really rapid and lively.
- It can handle streaming, machine learning, and SparkSql queries.
Cons:
- It lacks a file management system and is hence connected with Hadoop.
- Problems arise when you have to handle tiny files.
- There are fewer algorithms present.
IntelliJ IDEA:
JetBrains created it as an IDE. It is available as an Apache2 Licensed Community edition and a Proprietary edition. IntelliJ allows for code refactoring, an open-source ecosystem based on the Java programming language.
Tool Specifications:
- It supports Version Control.
- It also works with other build tools such as Maven, Ant, and Gradle.
- It is used to conduct simple unit testing.
- It has a built-in decompiler.
- Supports application servers such as Apache Tomcat, WebLogic, and Glassfish.
- Many languages are supported, including JavaScript, SQL, Scala, and Groovy.
- It contains keyboard shortcuts for an editor, Windows tools, and more.
- It detects code duplication and so aids in code optimisation.
Pros:
- Auto-refactoring.
- Used in live templates.
- Consistent support for Groovy and Clojure.
- Simple Debugging.
Cons:
- The number of plug-ins available is lower than in other IDEs.
- There is a little ecology present.
- It may be expensive to support various programming languages.
Android Studio:
It is used to create apps for all types of Android devices. Android Studio is an open-source Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for app developers. It is compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. The Studio supports all IntelliJ Idea programming languages, as well as Java. It is simple to develop and debug, and it offers a quick build/deploy mechanism. Google created it to be used for building the vast majority of Android apps you use on a daily basis. It has a drag and drops features for developing an Android application.
Tool Specifications:
- It supports the Gradle system.
- It has android based refactoring.
- Template-based wizards.
- Layout and colour preview editor.
- It has pro-guard capabilities.
Pros:
- Open source environment.
- Application modules, Library modules, and Test modules are all present.
- Jars are essential.
- The compilation process is quick.
- It is also employed in unit testing.
Cons:
- Developers must always stay up with new Android versions.
- Some programs do not have Ubuntu and Windows versions.
- It takes a little longer to open the Android Studio IDE.
Java Development Kit:
It is physically present and contains the Java Runtime Environment as well as development tools. It is open source and free.
Its development tools assist programmers in compiling, debugging, and running applets and applications. It has its own JVM, or Java Virtual Machine. The Java development kit is compatible with all operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS. Javac, jar, and archiver are all included.
Gradle:
Gradle is a groundbreaking new tool built on the Groovy programming language. It’s a free and open-source automation tool, is based on the Apache Ant and Apache Maven concepts. It is built around a directed acyclic graph (DAG) and is used for building many projects and artefacts. Dependencies or libraries are automatically downloaded and configured.
Tool Specifications:
- Extremely adaptable and expandable.
- Plug-ins for Java, Groovy, Scala, and other programming languages are included.
- It includes a DSL that is based on the Groovy programming language.
- Deep and comprehensive API for managing projects, tasks, dependency artefacts, and so forth.
- It is free and open source.
Pros:
- Dependency management and build support.
- Because of its dependencies and builds, migration is simple.
- Rapid in speed.
- Simple to read and use.
- It is stable, well-documented, and simple to install.
Cons:
- Gradle’s startup time is longer.
- Horrible performance.
- The build system is ineffective and prone to errors.
Sonarqube:
Since 2008, SonarQube has enabled developers to design cleaner and safer code. Its Java static analysis has over 600 unique criteria for detecting bugs, security vulnerabilities, security hotspots, and code smells in your Java code for improved dependability, security, and maintainability.
SonarQube provides support for Java 16, as well as standard ORMs and Java frameworks. SonarQube additionally provides industry-exclusive criteria for regular expression accuracy and robustness. Integrations with Maven, Gradle, and standard CIs facilitate analysis.
JSource:
It is built with Java and is a lightweight IDE that makes use of Swing components. JSource includes an editor for creating, editing, compiling, and running Java code. Syntax highlighting is supported for various programming languages.
It includes the JEdit syntax package, integrates with other Java open source development tools, and has been adjusted to work with the core JSource structure. It is completely free to use.
As Java becomes more extensively used throughout the world, there are a growing number of free development tools available for developers to utilise, which makes their job easier and faster and results in error-free code. The list of Java Tools provided above will assist you in selecting the best development tool for Java build, profiler, code coverage, and code review.
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