Categories:

#10

NetBeans is ranked #10 in the Integrated Development Environments product directory based on the latest available data collected by SelectHub. Compare the leaders with our In-Depth Report.

NetBeans Pricing

Based on our most recent analysis, NetBeans pricing starts at $0 (Free, Open-Source).

Price
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Starting From
$0
Pricing Model
Free, Open-Source
Free Trial
No

Training Resources

NetBeans is supported with the following types of training:

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars

Support

The following support services are available for NetBeans:

Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Help Desk
Knowledge Base
Tickets
Training
24/7 Live Support

NetBeans Benefits and Insights

Why use NetBeans?

Key differentiators & advantages of NetBeans

  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: NetBeans runs seamlessly on Windows, macOS, and Linux, allowing developers to work in their preferred operating system without compatibility issues.
  • Integrated Development Environment: Offers a comprehensive suite of tools for coding, debugging, and testing, streamlining the development process within a single application.
  • Support for Multiple Languages: Provides robust support for Java, PHP, HTML5, JavaScript, and more, enabling developers to work on diverse projects without switching tools.
  • Modular Architecture: Its modular design allows developers to extend functionality by adding or removing modules, tailoring the IDE to specific project needs.
  • Efficient Code Refactoring: Features powerful refactoring tools that help improve code structure and readability, reducing technical debt and enhancing maintainability.
  • Version Control Integration: Seamlessly integrates with Git, Mercurial, and Subversion, facilitating efficient source code management and collaboration among team members.
  • Rich Plugin Ecosystem: A wide array of plugins are available to extend NetBeans' capabilities, from additional language support to advanced debugging tools.
  • Comprehensive Debugging Tools: Offers advanced debugging features such as breakpoints, watches, and step-through execution, aiding in the swift identification and resolution of code issues.
  • Built-in Profiler: Includes a profiler to monitor application performance, helping developers identify bottlenecks and optimize resource usage.
  • Project Management Features: Facilitates efficient project organization with features like project templates, task lists, and dependency management.
  • Community Support: Backed by a vibrant community that contributes to its development and provides extensive documentation, tutorials, and forums for troubleshooting.
  • Free and Open Source: As an open-source tool, NetBeans is freely available, reducing costs for businesses and encouraging community-driven enhancements.
  • Customizable User Interface: Allows developers to personalize the workspace layout, themes, and keyboard shortcuts, enhancing productivity and comfort.
  • Rapid Application Development: Features such as code templates and auto-completion accelerate the coding process, enabling faster delivery of applications.
  • Seamless Integration with Java EE: Provides built-in support for Java Enterprise Edition, simplifying the development of enterprise-level applications.
  • HTML5 and JavaScript Development: Offers specialized tools for web development, including a live preview feature that reflects code changes in real-time.
  • Database Connectivity: Facilitates easy connection to databases, allowing developers to manage and query data directly from the IDE.
  • Comprehensive Testing Support: Integrates with testing frameworks like JUnit and TestNG, promoting robust test-driven development practices.
  • Educational Resources: Offers a wealth of learning materials, making it an excellent choice for educational institutions and self-learners alike.
  • Consistent Updates: Regular updates ensure that NetBeans stays current with the latest technologies and security standards, providing a reliable development environment.

Industry Expertise

NetBeans is known for its user-friendly interface and strong support for Java development, making it a good choice for beginners and those working on smaller projects. It also offers support for web development, particularly with HTML5, and is popular among independent developers.

NetBeans Reviews

Average customer reviews & user sentiment summary for NetBeans:

User satisfaction level icon: great

320 reviews

84%

of users would recommend this product

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Based on an aggregate of NetBeans reviews taken from the sources above, the following pros & cons have been curated by a SelectHub Market Analyst.

Pros

  • User-Friendly: NetBeans is known for its intuitive interface, which makes it easy for both new and experienced programmers to use effectively.
  • Feature-Rich: It comes with a comprehensive set of tools, including debugging features, code completion functionality, and support for multiple programming languages, eliminating the need for numerous external plugins.
  • Seamless Integration: NetBeans integrates smoothly with popular tools like Maven and Git, simplifying project management and version control for development teams.

Cons

  • Resource Intensive: NetBeans can be a resource hog, demanding a significant amount of memory and processing power, especially when handling large projects. This can lead to slowdowns and sluggish performance on systems with limited resources.
  • Slow Startup: Users frequently report slow startup times with NetBeans, particularly when loading large projects. The indexing process, while essential for the IDE's functionality, can contribute to this initial lag, impacting productivity.
  • Occasional Sluggishness: Even after startup, some users experience occasional slowdowns and performance hiccups, particularly during resource-intensive operations like debugging or compiling large projects. This intermittent sluggishness can disrupt workflow and decrease efficiency.

Researcher's Summary:

Is NetBeans all it's cracked up to be, or will it leave you feeling bean-countered? While NetBeans may not be the most glamorous IDE on the market, it consistently receives positive feedback from users who appreciate its user-friendly interface, especially those who are new to Java development. Users highlight its intuitive design and comprehensive features, such as robust debugging tools and seamless integration with popular version control systems like Git, as major advantages. This makes it easier for developers to identify and rectify coding errors efficiently, streamlining the development process. However, some users have pointed out that NetBeans can feel sluggish and consume a significant amount of system resources, particularly on older hardware, which can lead to performance issues.

One of NetBeans' standout features is its exceptional support for Maven, a software project management tool. Developers praise NetBeans for its straightforward approach to handling Maven projects, making it easier to manage dependencies and streamline the build process. This tight integration with Maven makes NetBeans a popular choice among developers who heavily rely on this tool for their projects. While NetBeans may not boast the same level of popularity as some of its counterparts like IntelliJ IDEA or Eclipse, its focus on simplicity, performance, and a user-friendly experience makes it a strong contender in the realm of Java IDEs.

In conclusion, NetBeans proves to be an excellent choice for Java developers, particularly those who prioritize ease of use and appreciate its robust Maven support. Its intuitive design and comprehensive features make it an ideal environment for both novice and experienced programmers to develop and manage Java projects effectively. However, developers who prioritize performance and require extensive support for languages other than Java might find alternative IDEs more suitable for their needs.

Key Features

Notable NetBeans features include:

  • Modular Architecture: NetBeans is built on a modular architecture, allowing developers to extend its functionality with plugins tailored to specific needs.
  • Multi-Language Support: It supports a wide range of programming languages including Java, PHP, HTML5, JavaScript, and C/C++.
  • Project Management: The IDE offers robust project management tools, enabling easy organization and navigation of large codebases.
  • Code Editor: NetBeans provides a powerful code editor with syntax highlighting, code folding, and bracket matching for improved readability.
  • Refactoring Tools: It includes advanced refactoring tools that help developers restructure code efficiently without altering its external behavior.
  • Version Control Integration: Seamless integration with version control systems like Git, Mercurial, and Subversion is available for collaborative development.
  • Debugging and Profiling: The IDE offers comprehensive debugging and profiling tools to identify and resolve performance bottlenecks and bugs.
  • GUI Builder: NetBeans features a drag-and-drop GUI builder for creating user interfaces with ease, particularly for Java applications.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: It runs on various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring flexibility for developers.
  • Ant and Maven Support: Built-in support for Apache Ant and Maven allows for streamlined build processes and dependency management.
  • Java EE and Web Development: NetBeans provides tools for developing Java EE applications and web services, including support for popular frameworks like Spring and Hibernate.
  • HTML5 and JavaScript Development: The IDE includes features for HTML5 and JavaScript development, such as a live preview and JavaScript debugging.
  • Customizable Interface: Users can customize the interface to suit their workflow, with options to rearrange windows and toolbars.
  • Extensive Plugin Ecosystem: A rich ecosystem of plugins is available, allowing developers to add new features and integrations as needed.
  • Code Templates: NetBeans offers code templates to speed up coding by providing predefined snippets for common code patterns.
  • Task Management: Integrated task management features help developers track and manage tasks directly within the IDE.
  • Database Integration: The IDE supports database integration, enabling developers to connect to and manage databases directly from the interface.
  • Comprehensive Documentation: Extensive documentation and community support are available, aiding developers in troubleshooting and learning.
  • Continuous Integration Support: NetBeans can be integrated with continuous integration tools to automate testing and deployment processes.
  • Free and Open Source: As an open-source project, NetBeans is freely available, encouraging community contributions and transparency.
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