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apache/netbeans

Apache NetBeans is an open source IDE, tooling platform, and application framework built mainly for Java developers.

Open-source alternative to:IntelliJ IDEAEclipse

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What is it?

Apache NetBeans is an open source development environment, tooling platform, and application framework. The codebase is written primarily in Java and is built with Apache Ant. The repository supports building different configurations, such as a basic set for Java features, a full set that includes more clusters, or the NetBeans Platform on its own.

Beyond the IDE, the project serves as a base for building desktop applications on the NetBeans Platform. Developers can build the project from source, open individual modules in NetBeans to run, rebuild, or debug them, and launch a portable distribution with options for user settings, cache directories, JDK path, and font size.

Requirements are Git, Ant, and JDK 21 or later. The project is hosted under the Apache Software Foundation, with mailing lists for users and developers and a Jenkins build for developer snapshots.

Key features

  • 01Builds configurable clusters, from a basic Java set to a full build or the NetBeans Platform alone.
  • 02Lets you open and debug individual modules directly inside NetBeans.
  • 03Ships a portable distribution that runs with custom user and cache directories.
  • 04Accepts launcher options for JDK path, UI font size, and JVM arguments.
  • 05Hosted under the Apache Software Foundation with public mailing lists and Jenkins builds.

Use cases

  • Contributing to the NetBeans IDE codebase or its modules.
  • Building a custom desktop application on the NetBeans Platform.
  • Developing and debugging Java projects in a full-featured IDE.
  • Creating a customized IDE build with selected clusters and modules.

Quick start

  1. 1

    Install Git, Ant and JDK 21 or above (requirements from the README)

  2. 2

    Build the default release config

    $ ant build
  3. 3

    Run the quick test run

    $ ant tryme

Things to know

  • Building requires JDK 21 or above, Ant and Git installed locally.
  • Full build from source is large and needs a significant local setup.

Topics

#ide#java#code-editor#netbeans-platform#desktop-app#ant#netbeans

FAQ

What is netbeans?
Apache NetBeans is an open source IDE, tooling platform, and application framework built mainly for Java developers. Apache NetBeans is an open source development environment, tooling platform, and application framework. The codebase is written primarily in Java and is built with Apache Ant. The repository supports building different configurations, such as a basic set for Java features, a full set that includes more clusters, or the NetBeans Platform on its own.
Is netbeans free to use? What license does it have?
netbeans is open source under the Apache-2.0 license. Check the license terms before using it in commercial products.
Is netbeans still maintained?
Actively maintained. The last commit to netbeans was on Oct 21, 2026.
What can I use netbeans for?
Contributing to the NetBeans IDE codebase or its modules. Building a custom desktop application on the NetBeans Platform. Developing and debugging Java projects in a full-featured IDE. Creating a customized IDE build with selected clusters and modules.
How do I install netbeans?
Install Git, Ant and JDK 21 or above (requirements from the README) Build the default release config: $ ant build Run the quick test run: $ ant tryme
Where can I get netbeans?
The source code and installation instructions are on GitHub: https://github.com/apache/netbeans

Summary generated by AI from the project's README. GitHub stats refresh daily.

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