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[lokesh05]

We know many IDE's available for coding in java. Some of these include:
1. Eclipse - Most popular. A must have tool for java pros.
2. JBuilder - Another IDE with loads of features.
3. Netbeans - A IDE from Sun microsystems themselves. Good for beginners.
4. Textpad- Good old text pad for starters.

Over the last two years, i have tried all the above four IDE's and even done a comparative study between Netbeans and Jbuilder.
I have reached to a conclusion that if you are new in the field of java, and want to get a quick grasp on the language, go for Netbeans!
Now the question would arise as to why netbeans and not the all popular eclipse!?
Well, for beginners, eclipse is quite a heavy set-up (base) and if you want to enhance it's useability, you have to get the plugins. Believe me, it's hard for beginners to get the eclipse to start to work for them smoothly the first time!
Now, Netbeans offers simplicity and it's setupis quite small, and all the plugins pack are available in neat packages as to suit your requirements.
The base layout of netbeans is simple and sleek!

Netbeans 6.1- The perfect IDE for Beginners

The base version has many features like javascript editing, web services, C++ programming, and much more.
Also, it is much faster in comparision to other IDE's whether it be in faster load times, execution time of code, code suggestions, debugging!

All in all, Netbeans according to me provides a cool and fun way of "LEARNING" the language and mastering it!
Give it try and believe me, you will love it!

YOU CAN ALSO ORDER A FREE DVD OF NETBEANS (ABSOLUTELY FREE) FROM HERE!

[victorj]

Netbeans truly is one of the best IDE's out there..I can vouch for that as I have myself worked on Netbeans over numerous projects..
For anyone who might have worked with Netbeans 3.6, they might have second thoughts about using Netbeans again because 3.6 was terribly unstable!

But the platform has seen a major upgrade since version 5 and 5.5 . It has increased stability and a more streamlined layout.

One point that lokesh05 missed out is the awesome integration with databases that Netbeans now provides.

[lokesh05]

yes, it's true that netbeans has evolved a lot from 3.6 to 6.1 (current).
The work has been enormous and the features and usability is at par with eclipse!

[Arkie]

I'm using eclipse for the heavier coding jobs and textpad for lightweight stuff. So, anyone tried IntelliJ IDEA ? ( http://www.jetbrains.com/idea/ ) it has a lot of features like eclipse and other populair IDE's but becauses IntelliJ IDEA is a paid roduct so i haven't used it yet.