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Apache NetBeans

Free, open-source IDE from the Apache Software Foundation for Java, PHP and web development.

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About Apache NetBeans

Apache NetBeans is a free, open-source IDE and application platform, originally built at Sun Microsystems and donated by Oracle to the Apache Software Foundation, where it is now developed by volunteers and sponsoring companies. It has long been one of the easiest Java IDEs to start with: Maven and Gradle projects open without fuss, the editor highlights code both syntactically and semantically, and refactoring, debugging, profiling and a visual Swing GUI builder are included. It also supports PHP, JavaScript, HTML and CSS, and its platform is used to build other desktop applications. New versions come out four times a year under the Apache 2.0 licence, and it runs anywhere Java runs, including Windows, macOS, Linux and BSD. It is a common choice in teaching and for developers who want a capable Java IDE without licensing questions. Its plugin ecosystem and AI integrations are smaller than those of IntelliJ IDEA or VS Code, and its interface looks traditional.

Best for: Java and PHP developers and students who want a free IDE that works out of the box.

Pros and cons

What works

  • Free and open source under Apache 2.0
  • Java, Maven and Gradle support works without setup
  • Includes a visual Swing GUI builder and profiler

Why people leave

  • Smaller plugin ecosystem than IntelliJ IDEA or VS Code
  • Limited built-in AI features
  • Traditional, busy interface

Top Apache NetBeans alternatives

See all 4
  1. 1IntelliJ IDEA logo
    IntelliJ IDEA

    Deeper Java analysis and a free core, from the most popular Java IDE.

    81.5
  2. 2Eclipse IDE logo
    Eclipse IDE

    The other big open-source Java IDE, with a larger plugin ecosystem.

    62.6
  3. 3Visual Studio Code logo
    Visual Studio Code

    Lighter and free, with Java extensions for Maven and Gradle projects.

    61.8
  4. 4PhpStorm logo
    PhpStorm

    A paid IDE with stronger PHP framework support for professional PHP work.

    57.2

Why people left Apache NetBeans

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Apache NetBeans: common questions

Is Apache NetBeans free?

Yes. Apache NetBeans is free, open-source software.

Is Apache NetBeans open source?

Yes. The source code is on GitHub at apache/netbeans.

What platforms does Apache NetBeans run on?

Apache NetBeans is available for Windows, macOS and Linux.

What are the best alternatives to Apache NetBeans?

The highest-ranked Apache NetBeans alternatives right now are IntelliJ IDEA, Eclipse IDE and Visual Studio Code. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

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