Modular development environment
As a developer, you want the most accessible, consistent, and well-thought out modular architecture available. Look no further than NetBeans IDE. It is a leading integrated development environment for Java-based applications. In fact, NetBeans’ infrastructural plumbing is so good that every developer cannot live without it; it helps them write formulas for a persisting application state, connect actions to menu items, widow management and so much more. By providing you out of the box solutions, you spend less time on coding and more time focusing on enhancing your client’s experience. Let’s say, you’re an e-commerce developer. Wouldn’t you want to focus on your customers’ buying behavior than the display windows of the app? With NetBeans, you can! If you want to know this program’s other features, go on and read the review below.
Coding made easy
Often, applications tend to run multiple features performing tasks. NetBeans offers to solve these issues through very heavy use of abstractions.
The modular format of NetBeans makes it easy to code even the most complex requirements. Along with the Versioning feature in each module, you will be confident that your modules will work together while having strict control over public APIs. You can use standard NetBeans modules or – if you’re IDE savvy – OSGi bundles to start integrating third-party modules or start developing your own.
Heavy-handed abstraction
For example, using FileObject is necessary whenever you interact with a file. Rather than directly interacting with menus and toolbars, you can use the NetBeans Platform Action classes. You could also create custom components or opt for the top-of-files abstraction called Nodes. In general, you’re going to find it convenient that the high-level abstractions handle most cases found in software development. This will allow you to be flexible with your time and handle low-level tasks if the need arises.
Lifecycle management
If you’re familiar with application servers, you would know that it understands webs and EJB module composition as well as other related artifacts into a single web application. NetBeans is just the same, but for Java desktop applications. This way, you won’t even need to create the main method for your design because NetBeans already has one. It even provides support for persisting user settings throughout restarts like ‘by default,’ size and positions of windows.
Versatile pluggability, infrastructure, and file system
Your users are better off with pluggable applications because they’re always able to update new features in the middle of release cycles. At runtime, NetBeans modules can be installed, uninstalled, activated and deactivated. The flexibility creates an infrastructure for you to register and retrieve service implementations, which allows you to minimize direct dependencies between each module. Even loosely coupled architecture is activated through built-in strategies supporting ‘high cohesion and low coupling.’ This virtual file system organizes user settings, including a unified API. The stream-based gives you access to any file you need, whether they’re disk-based files, hard drive, or XML docs, NetBeans can access it for you.
Data-focused GUI
Creating a good interaction between multiple windows is not an easy task. So, it’s awesome how the NetBeans window system lets you maximize/minimize, dock/undock, and drag-and-drop windows without asking you to provide any code. Standard UI toolkits like JavaFX and Swing can be used with NetBeans IDE. You can even change the appeal of your design through the ‘Look and Feel’ support in Swing or CSS integration in JavaFX. This allows GUI components to work on any operating system and incorporate other free and commercial third-party Swing and JavaFX components.
Convenient bundles
Take your designs to the next level with NetBeans IDE bundles. These are tailored to your development needs. Although you can download and install other features some other time, you can opt for a one-time installation.
Where can you run this program?
To access the JavaFX 8 features, NetBeans IDE 8.2 requires Java Development Kit 8. Don’t worry, you won’t have to install them one-by-one. JavaFX is bundled with JDK 8 for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Is there a better alternative?
Entering the world of programming can be overwhelming. Just the sheer number of programs alone can make your head spin. If you’re just looking to dabble or even start a career in code, the best software to start is NetBeans. It’s straightforward, light and hassle-free. But, if you’re looking to expand your skillset like customize plugins or modeling, Eclipse is for you.
It is an open-source IDE that offers modular architecture. It mainly offers Java and C/C++ development, but offers support to other computer languages as well – so plays around with it! This is the go-to software to work on your own Plugin Development Environment (PDE). With customization, GUI building, and reporting, you can access GUI elements on any operating system. Be it Windows, Mac OS X or Linux, Eclipse guarantees a seamless and powerful program.
Our take
NetBeans takes away the demanding and nerve-wracking task of creating an application by laying down all the essentials for you. By encouraging lifelong development practices, it’s no wonder why this program is popular for both new and experienced programmers.
Should you download it?
For up-and-coming programmers, this is the only coding software you should download. As for users with more experienced, do set your expectations when it comes to customization options.
