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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, open-source IDE best suited for Java development, particularly for GUI design. Users praise its comprehensive features and ease of use, especially for beginners. However, some find its performance and outdated UI to be drawbacks. It's ideal for developers seeking a free and feature-rich Java IDE but who may need to consider performance limitations.
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Ideal for small, medium, and large businesses.
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Well-suited for Software, IT, and Telecommunications; suitable for various other industries like Healthcare, Finance, and Media.
NetBeans features
| Supported NetBeans supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and Solaris. |
| Supported NetBeans supports code completion to speed up coding and reduce errors. |
| Supported NetBeans supports code refactoring with tools for renaming, extracting methods, and more. |
| Supported NetBeans has syntax highlighting to improve code readability. |
| Supported NetBeans offers debugging tools like breakpoints, stepping, and variable inspection. |
| Supported NetBeans supports multiple languages in one project through its modular architecture. |
| Supported NetBeans automatically formats code based on predefined and customizable rules. |
NetBeans reviews
We've summarised 670 NetBeans reviews (NetBeans G2 reviews) and summarised the main points below.
- 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.
- 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
DataloreBetter for collaborative data science projects. Cloud-based, unlike the locally installed NetBeans IDE. Datalore is growing faster and has more momentum. More suitable for enterprise companies.Read more
Visual StudioBetter suited for larger organizations and enterprise development. Broader industry fit, but less focused on specific sectors like finance or education. Not open-source and requires paid licenses for full functionality. Has more momentum currently.Read more
SuneidoMore suitable for medium-sized businesses. A NetBeans alternative for building and running business applications. Limited industry applicability and feature information available.Read more
netbeans vs EclipseBetter suited for software developers in larger enterprises. More popular and growing faster. Supports broader language compatibility beyond Java.Read more
Apache TomcatBetter for running Java web applications. More suitable for users comfortable with server administration.Read more
UndakuBetter for those seeking a no-code platform. Caters to businesses of all sizes, especially startups and SMEs. Focuses on SaaS product development and launch with no coding required. Offers application building, scaling, and business management features. More positive user reviews, although fewer in number. NetBeans alternative.Read more
NetBeans FAQ
What is NetBeans and what does NetBeans do?
NetBeans is a free, open-source IDE for developing desktop, mobile, and web applications. It supports Java, PHP, C/C++, and other languages, providing tools for coding, debugging, and project management. While praised for its comprehensive features and ease of use, some users find it resource-intensive.
How does NetBeans integrate with other tools?
NetBeans integrates with various tools and technologies through its plugin ecosystem. It supports multiple languages like Java, PHP, and C/C++, enhancing its versatility for different project needs. This modular architecture allows developers to customize their environment and extend functionalities as required.
What the main competitors of NetBeans?
Top NetBeans competitors include IntelliJ IDEA, Eclipse, and Visual Studio. These alternatives offer similar features for software development, often with varying focuses on supported languages and integrated tools. For example, IntelliJ IDEA excels with Java and Kotlin, while Visual Studio caters to a broader range of development needs.
Is NetBeans legit?
NetBeans is a legitimate and safe open-source IDE. It's free to use and popular for Java development, especially GUI design. However, some users report slow startup times and high memory usage.
How much does NetBeans cost?
NetBeans is an open-source IDE, meaning it's free to use. There are no pricing tiers or paid add-ons for this product. This makes NetBeans a cost-effective choice for individual developers and businesses.
Is NetBeans customer service good?
Based on the reviews, NetBeans' open-source nature fosters a helpful community that assists with development challenges. However, the reliability of community-contributed plugins can be inconsistent, sometimes causing compatibility issues.
Reviewed by
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.
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.