Java Tools: What Are the Different Options?

While it’s been around since 1995, Java just recently became the second most popular programming language globally. It’s popular because it’s easy to learn, platform-independent, and object-oriented.

But while the language can accomplish a lot, you need to work with various Java tools to get the most out of it. Some tools make it easier to write your code, while others ensure your code will work as intended. Let’s take a look at some of your Java tool options for programming in this language.

Java IDEs

If you’re going to write code, you need to start with a place to do that. Integrated development environments or IDEs are software packages for building applications that combine many of the common developer tools and utilities.

You can get started programming quickly because you don’t have to do any setup or configuration of everything you need. The IDE puts it all behind a single user interface to keep it simple. They typically have most of the things you need for programming like a code editor, compiler, and debugger.

You need to choose one specifically for Java, although some allow for programming in multiple languages. The most popular Java options are open-source platforms Eclipse and NetBeans and commercial IntelliJ IDEA, which has an open-source version as well.

Java Build Tools

Build tools automate all the small tasks needed to create, execute, and test programs. After you write the code in the editor, the build automation prepares it for production deployment.

These tools compile, assemble, and deploy your software, but they also can help with package management and continuous integration.

The most commonly used options for Java are Maven and Gradle. Keep in mind that Gradle’s the standard build tool for Android apps, and you do need a Java plugin to compile Java with it.

Static Code Analysis

The nature of software means you need a way to deal with code quality and security issues. Static code analysis tools check the source code of your program without actually running it.

These tools are looking for formatting errors, null pointer issues, and other simple things. They compare the code against a set of coding rules, looking for weaknesses that create vulnerabilities. While it could be done manually, automating it with a tool is more effective and efficient.

Java development services usually do this analysis early on in the development process so they can find problems at a point when it’s easier to fix them. The best tools are accurate and fast.

Common options for Java programmers include Retrace, FindBugs, and SonarQube. Your choice comes down to how deep you need your analysis to go.

Which Java Tools Do You Use?

The list of available Java tools is as long as your arm and offers lots of options depending on what you need to accomplish. IDEs, build tools, and status code analysis are the three big categories vital for anyone developing in Java to be familiar with and choose tools from.

If you found this article helpful, check out others on the site related to software development and programming Java applications in particular.