NetBeans IDELinux
vs
IntelliJ IDEAWindows
NetBeans IDE as a Linux alternative to IntelliJ IDEA
Updated
Our verdict
NetBeans IDE can replace IntelliJ IDEA for developers who work mainly with Java and need a free, open‑source solution. It offers full Java SE, EE, and JavaFX support, a built‑in debugger, refactoring, and Git integration. However, IntelliJ’s Kotlin support, advanced static analysis, and richer plugin ecosystem give it an edge for Kotlin or mixed‑language projects. NetBeans is best for teams that prefer a single, modular IDE without licensing costs.
- License
- Apache-2.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 31 (August 12, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both IDEs support Java compilation and debugging
- Both provide code completion, refactoring, and static analysis
- Both integrate Git and other VCS tools
- Both support Maven and Gradle build systems
- Both have plugin architectures for extensions
What is different
- IntelliJ has superior Kotlin support and a more mature Kotlin plugin
- IntelliJ offers a more polished UI and faster startup times
- NetBeans includes a GUI builder for Swing, absent in IntelliJ
- IntelliJ’s code inspections and quick fixes are more extensive
- NetBeans’ plugin ecosystem is smaller and less frequently updated
Opening your IntelliJ IDEA files
NetBeans cannot open IntelliJ IDEA project files (.iml, .idea) directly. To migrate, export the IntelliJ project as a Maven or Gradle build, then import that build into NetBeans. For pure Java projects, creating a new NetBeans project and copying source files is the simplest approach.
Switching from IntelliJ IDEA to NetBeans IDE, step by step
- Export the IntelliJ project as Maven or Gradle
- Create a new NetBeans project of the same type
- Import the exported build files into the new project
- Copy source, resource, and configuration files into the NetBeans project directory
- Reconfigure project settings if needed
- Verify build and run
Key features of NetBeans IDE
- Java SE, EE, and JavaFX project support
- Integrated debugger and profiler
- Code completion and refactoring tools
- Version control integration (Git, SVN)
- GUI builder for Swing applications
- Support for PHP, C/C++, HTML5, and JavaScript
- Modular plugin architecture
- Maven and Gradle build tool integration
How to install NetBeans IDE on Linux
flatpak install flathub org.apache.netbeansFrequently asked questions
Does NetBeans support Kotlin?
NetBeans does not have native Kotlin support; you would need a third‑party plugin, which is not as mature as IntelliJ’s Kotlin plugin.
Can I use NetBeans for Android development?
NetBeans has limited Android support and lacks the Android Studio integration that IntelliJ provides.
Is NetBeans faster than IntelliJ?
NetBeans generally starts up quicker and uses less memory, but IntelliJ’s incremental compilation and indexing can be faster for very large projects.
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