Technology is all around us, and we’ve all seen self-driving cars like Tesla’s one. But in order for anything to work as expected, it must be programmed that way, and that’s where programming languages come in. You must be wondering: “Which languages should I learn, as there are so many?”
Well, let the market tell you – in one survey they found that 65% of the people use JavaScript, around 50% SQL, and more than 40% use Java. If you’re looking to start with website development, both JavaScript and SQL are great for that. However, if you’re looking to get a job in a company environment, one of our 10 best software to learn Java will be of utmost importance:
1. JRE
Before you start anything having to do with Java, you must have JRE (Java Runtime Environment) installed in order to programs other people wrote. Another base for writing and running your own Java programs is certainly JDK (Java Development Kit), which can be found under a different name too – SDK (System Development Kit).
Important to notice, if you’re using Windows, you’ll have to download JDK manually, but if you’re a Mac OS x owner, it’s already pre-installed, and all you have to do is check for updates.
2. BlueJ
We’re delving into the topic of IDEs now, which is essential for your Java programming. IDE stands for Integrated Development Environment and is a program for your computer that allows for editing, running, compiling, testing and debugging your programs.
It’s completely possible to compile and run Java programs from a command line, but programs like these make the process graphically pleasant, and just easier. BlueJ is one of the simplest – the UI is easy to use, and allows you to focus on the code. Error part of the interface is very useful and quickly points out the mistakes you’ve made so you can fix them easily.
3. DrJava
A very lightweight and straightforward programs to help you start writing your own code in no time. It was produced with students and beginners in mind, therefore it’s trying to dissolve your confusion about a new working environment. The interface is very intuitive and clear of clutter, and the program itself is constantly updated.
For example, the latest release at the moment brought a button called “Coverage” which runs all your unit tests and helps determine the code coverage of your unit tests. Sounds confusing, doesn’t it? Well, once you download it, things will get easier to understand.
4. JCreator
Another great option for you if you’re just beginning, and it provides quite a lot of functionality features. Project management and templates, code-completion, simple debugger interface, and syntax highlighting editor are just one of those. It is also very efficient, as it was written in C++, another very similar programming language, but it provides an edge compared to other IDEs.
5. NetBeans
We’re only about halfway in, but it doesn’t mean NetBeans or any other tool underneath is inferior to the ones at the top, not by a big margin, at least. It all comes down to your needs, and just what makes your brain work the best when writing a program.
This one is a completely free, modular IDE with a lot of add-ons to make your experience more pleasant. It allows you to build almost any kind of application and is used by a lot of developers around the world, even the more advanced ones.
6. Eclipse
Sixth on our list, and one I can recommend from personal experience, and experience of my close friends – Eclipse. It’s because of its functionality – the ability to create cross-platform Java applications for web, mobile, desktop and enterprise domains.
The main features are, for example, XML editor, Git client, pyDev, CVS client and others. It allows you to add plugins and expand your development to other languages like PHP, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, and many others making it a strong suit on your resume for your future job in a company.
7. IntelliJ IDEA
I just can’t hide the affection for the interface of IntelliJ IDEA, not only does it look amazing, but it’s also ready out-of-the-box. Literally, there are so many critical tools and features already integrated, that there’s barely any need to download additional add-ons and plugins.
It provides a static code analysis in an eye-soothing grey interface, helping you achieve an instant code completion by suggesting names of classes, methods and such. Plus, it’s not limited to Java only, thus assisting with SQL, HTML, JavaScript, and others.
8. JSource
Even though in today’s day and age we have HDDs of multiple TB of space, what if you have an old laptop you’d like to finish your work outside? That’s exactly where JSource comes in, providing a great option for Java developers, both beginners and advanced. It is not only lightweight, but it comes with all features you need to run, edit, compile and create Java programs. Of course, all the main features like syntax highlighting and Java tools integration are included.
9. Oracle JDeveloper
As we’re approaching the end of our journey, it’s valuable to notice that the Oracle, the company behind Java, has their own program. As you can see, it’s completely free, although hasn’t been updated in a few months, but if it isn’t broken, why fix it? It has all the tools you need to create your own Java applications without struggle and delay.
Everything is easy-to-understand and simplified, although some users did report their searching to be complicated and time-consuming. Here’s hoping they’ll fix that very soon.
10. jEdit
In the end, a tool you’ll just love because of the sheer effort people put into it. They mention hundreds of years when you count all the effort people put into making it as best as it can be and adding useful plugins to make your life easier.
However, it doesn’t look pretty, we’ll be honest with you. It’s a text-based editor intended for people that care about functionality rather than design. It supports more than 200 languages when it comes to syntax, as well as character encodings like UTF8, Unicode. jEdit runs on a plethora of operating systems – Mac OS X, Windows, Unix, VMS, and OS/2 are all on the list.