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NetBeans

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Ratings

G2
4.1/5
(670)

NetBeans description

NetBeans is a free, open-source software platform designed for building a variety of applications, primarily for businesses. It supports popular programming languages like Java, PHP, and C/C++, and provides tools that streamline the coding process, making it faster and more efficient. NetBeans runs seamlessly on Windows, Linux, and Mac operating systems, offering flexibility for developers. Its key strength lies in its comprehensive set of features for creating applications, making it a versatile choice for businesses of all sizes.


Who is NetBeans best for

NetBeans is a free and open-source platform designed for building various applications. We find that it supports languages like Java, PHP, and C/C++, streamlining the coding process. Users appreciate its comprehensive features for coding and project management. However, some report slow startup times and high memory usage. Despite this, its extensive plugin ecosystem allows for customization, making it a versatile choice for businesses of all sizes.

  • Great for companies of any size, from startups to large enterprises, who need a versatile and free development environment.

  • Excellent fit for education, software, IT, telecommunications, and finance, banking, or insurance industries due to its versatility.


NetBeans features

Supported

Development Environment: NetBeans is a development environment, tooling platform and application framework.

Supported

Fast & Smart Editing: NetBeans provides fast and smart editing with syntax and semantic highlighting. It allows you to easily refactor code, with a range of handy and powerful tools.

Supported

Supports Multiple Languages: NetBeans provides editors, wizards, and templates to help you create applications in Java, PHP, and many other languages like JavaScript, HTML5, and CSS.

Supported

Cross Platform Support: NetBeans is a cross platform IDE and can be installed on all operating systems that support Java, i.e, Windows, Linux, Mac OSX and BSD. Write Once, Run Anywhere, applies to NetBeans too.

Supported

Java SE Applications: Develop Java SE Applications using NetBeans IDE.

Supported

PHP and HTML5 Applications: Develop PHP and HTML5 Applications using NetBeans IDE.

Supported

Integration with External Tools: NetBeans IDE allows Integration with External Tools and Services.

Supported

NetBeans Platform: Develop using NetBeans Platform.

Supported

Java SE Applications: Develop Java SE Applications using NetBeans IDE.

Supported

PHP and HTML5 Applications: Develop PHP and HTML5 Applications using NetBeans IDE.

Supported

Integration with External Tools: NetBeans IDE allows Integration with External Tools and Services.


NetBeans reviews

We've summarised 670 NetBeans reviews (NetBeans G2 reviews) and summarised the main points below.

Pros of NetBeans
  • Excellent for Java development, particularly GUI design with Swing.
  • Comprehensive features for coding, debugging, and project management.
  • Easy-to-use interface, especially for beginners.
  • Free and open-source, making it accessible to everyone.
  • Extensive plugin ecosystem allows for customization and extended functionality.
Cons of NetBeans
  • Slow startup and loading times are frequently reported.
  • High memory usage can lead to performance issues, especially on older machines.
  • Limited support for languages other than Java, hindering versatility.
  • UI design is considered outdated and less visually appealing compared to modern IDEs.
  • Occasional bugs and crashes can disrupt workflow.

NetBeans alternatives

  • Logo of Eclipse
    netbeans vs Eclipse
    Code smarter, not harder. Free, open-source IDE for any project.
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  • Logo of BlueJ
    BlueJ
    Simple Java coding and testing, perfect for learning.
    Read more
  • Logo of IntelliJ IDEA
    netbeans vs IntelliJ IDEA
    Smart Java and Kotlin coding, boosting productivity.
    Read more
  • Logo of Coder
    Coder
    Develop in the cloud, faster onboarding, enhanced security.
    Read more
  • Logo of Datalore
    Datalore
    Collaborative data science platform for teams to analyze and visualize.
    Read more
  • Logo of CLion
    CLion
    Smart C/C++ IDE for productive coding, debugging, and analysis.
    Read more

NetBeans FAQ

  • What is NetBeans and what does NetBeans do?

    NetBeans is a free and open-source platform ideal for building various business applications. We find it particularly useful because it supports popular programming languages like Java, PHP, and C/C++, and offers tools that simplify and speed up coding. It works well on Windows, Linux, and Mac, giving developers flexibility.

  • How does NetBeans integrate with other tools?

    NetBeans integrates with various external tools and services, enhancing its functionality. We find this expands its capabilities beyond core coding, allowing for a more streamlined workflow. It supports connections with version control systems, testing frameworks, and other development utilities.

  • What the main competitors of NetBeans?

    NetBeans competes with several IDEs. We find IntelliJ IDEA and Eclipse are its strongest rivals, offering similar features for Java development. Other alternatives include BlueJ (for beginners), CLion (focused on C/C++), and cloud-based IDEs like Coder.

  • Is NetBeans legit?

    Yes, NetBeans is a legitimate and safe open-source IDE. It's free to use and widely trusted by developers, especially within the Java community. We find it's a reliable choice for various development tasks.

  • How much does NetBeans cost?

    NetBeans is an open-source IDE, which means it is free to download and use. There are no pricing plans or paid add-ons to consider.

  • Is NetBeans customer service good?

    We find that NetBeans users appreciate the helpful and active community support. While the community-contributed plugins can sometimes be unreliable, the core IDE remains a valuable tool for many developers.


Reviewed by

MK
Michal Kaczor
CEO at Gralio

Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.

TT
Tymon Terlikiewicz
CTO at Gralio

Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.

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