Apache NetBeans for Mac

A free, open-source Integrated Development Environment for software developers. You get all the tools you need to create professional desktop, enterprise, web, and mobile applications with the Java language, C/C++, and even dynamic languages such as PHP, JavaScript, Groovy, and Ruby.

Apache NetBeans for Mac is easy to install and use straight out of the box and runs on many platforms including Windows, Linux, Mac OS X and Solaris.

Java Shell is a new tool included in JDK9 defined in JEP 222 to introduce REPL (read-eval-print-loop) capabilities to Java. The program provides integrated console-like UI for the Java Shell, leveraging the tool editor capabilities.

The app can support the tool with the user project configuration, so the Java Shell is set up to work with project classes and libraries, providing autocompletion out of the box in the editor.

Also, the app greatly extends the capabilities of the commandline tool. Apache NetBeans for macOS can execute the shell as an agent, similar to a debugging agent, on the debugged or run application (currently only J2SE applications are supported, both Ant and Maven-based).

Snippets written in JShell can be redefined and tested, even against a running code. When the prototype is ready, it can be saved to a regular Java source file and integrated with the project.

Features and Highlights

Java
JDK 8 support: tools and editor enhancements for working with Profiles, Lambdas, and Streams. Java SE Embedded support to deploy, run, debug or profile Java SE applications on an embedded device, such as Raspberry PI, directly from the Net Beans IDE. Java ME Embedded 8 support.

Java EE
New PrimeFaces code generators, to generate complete PrimeFaces skeleton CRUD applications with connection to databases. Tomcat 8.0 and TomEE support, including out-of-box JPA, JSF and JAXRS configuration and data sources. More flexibility for JPA hints, which can be disabled, enabled, and warning level changed.

Maven
New Maven graph layout switcher. Navigator shows POM goals and improved Maven performance when re-running Web applications. Improved Maven performance of "Apply Code Changes" while debugging.

JavaScript
AngularJS navigation via hyperlinking from view to controllers. Many enhancements for AngularJS in code completion between artifacts, such as code completion in the view to properties defined in controllers. Debugging of JavaScript code executed in Nashorn (JDK 8+) script engine is supported.

HTML5
Android 4.4 WebKit debugging supported for Cordova 3.3+. New Karma test runner support and New Grunt build support. Avatar.js is available in the Plugin Manager, via Tools | Plugins. After installation, you're able to create Avatar.js projects.

PHP
Support for PHP 5.5. Enhancements for Twig, Latte, and Neon. Composer supported by New Project Wizard.

C/C++
New Breadcrumbs feature for navigation in the editor. New GDB Console to enable usage of command line GDB mode. New hints and code completions. Improved remote performance.

User Interface

It offers an intuitive and user-friendly interface. The IDE features a clean, organized layout with a menu bar, toolbars, and multiple customizable Mac for source code editing, project management, and output monitoring.

The dark and light themes cater to different preferences, making it easy on the eyes during long coding sessions. The drag-and-drop GUI builder is a standout feature, simplifying UI design.

Installation and Setup

Installing the IDE is straightforward. You can download the installer from the official website and follow the step-by-step instructions provided in the installer wizard. The installation process usually takes only a few minutes.

During installation, you can choose the desired plugins and extensions to include, tailoring the IDE to your specific needs.

How to Use

Creating a New Project

• Launch the program and click on "File" > "New Project."
• Select the project type and configure project settings.
• Click "Finish" to create the project.

Code Editing

• Open source files in the editor.
• Use code templates, code completion, and error highlighting for efficient coding.

Building and Running Projects

• Click "Run" to build and execute your project.
• Debug and profile your code as needed.

Managing Plugins

• Navigate to "Tools" > "Plugins" to access the plugin manager.
• Install, update, or remove plugins to extend functionality.

Version Control

• Integrate your project with version control systems.
• Perform commits, updates, and other VCS operations from within the IDE.

FAQ

Is Apache NetBeans for Mac completely FREE to use?
Yes, Apache NetBeans is open-source and FREE to use, with no licensing fees.

Can I use Apache NetBeans for non-Java programming languages?
Yes, it supports multiple programming languages, including PHP, HTML5, and C/C++.

Are there any limitations to the FREE version of NetBeans for PC?
No, there are no limitations; it offers full functionality out of the box.

How can I update or install additional plugins in NetBeans?
You can access the plugin manager under "Tools" > "Plugins" to install, update, or remove plugins.

Is NetBeans suitable for professional software development?
Yes, NetBeans is widely used by professional developers for various types of projects.

Alternatives

Visual Studio Code: A lightweight, open-source code editor with extensive language support and a large collection of extensions. Ideal for web development and scripting.

Eclipse IDE: Another popular open-source IDE that supports various programming languages, including Java, C/C++, and Python. It offers a vast plugin ecosystem and strong community support.

Pricing

The IDE software is completely FREE and open-source, with no associated costs for usage or support.

This makes it an attractive choice for individuals, students, and organizations on a budget.

System Requirements

• Operating System: macOS
• Processor: 1.5 GHz or faster
• RAM: 2 GB minimum (4 GB recommended)
• Disk Space: 1.5 GB free space

PROS

• Open-source and free of charge
• Extensive plugin ecosystem
• Multi-language support
• Visual GUI designer
• Version control integration
• Cross-platform compatibility

CONS

• May have a steeper learning curve for beginners
• Slower startup compared to some other IDEs

Also Available: Download NetBeans IDE for Windows