Apache NetBeans
Verified working Aug 6, 2026
A free, cross-platform IDE for Java, PHP, web, and desktop projects.
Apache NetBeans is an open-source integrated development environment for writing, editing, refactoring, and building software. It supports Java along with PHP, JavaScript, HTML5, CSS, and other languages, and also serves as a tooling platform and application framework.
Why it stands out
- Apache Software Foundation project with an open governance and contribution model.
- Combines an IDE, extensible tooling platform, and application framework rather than only a code editor.
- Strong Java heritage while still covering PHP and common web development languages.
- Runs across major desktop operating systems that support Java, including Windows, Linux, macOS, and BSD.
- Maintains plugin and source-building paths for users who need to extend or customize the environment.
Good to know
- Requires a desktop installation on an operating system with Java support.
- The site notes that tutorials are being reviewed, so some learning material may be in transition.
- Language support is broad but the homepage highlights Java, PHP, JavaScript, HTML5, and CSS rather than every modern stack.
Under the radar: Before assuming a framework or language feature is missing, check the Plugins section; NetBeans capabilities often come through add-ons maintained outside the core download.
Photos
Java, PHP, and web developers who want a no-cost desktop IDE with refactoring, templates, and project tooling in one place. Build and maintain Java applications across Windows, macOS, Linux, or BSD. Edit mixed front-end projects using HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript support. Use wizards and templates to start common application structures faster. Contribute to the IDE through pull requests, issue reports, or documentation work.
Syntax and semantic code highlighting, refactoring tools, language-specific editors, project wizards, templates, plugin support, documentation and community help channels, source builds, current and previous release downloads, and cross-platform desktop installation on Java-supported operating systems.
Alternative listings
A fast desktop code editor built for teams and AI-assisted coding.
Open Source & Free Software AlternativesZed is a cross-platform code editor focused on performance, real-time collaboration, and AI-assisted development. Built in Rust by people behind Atom and Tree-sitter, it combines a lightweight editing experience with shared projects, chat, screen sharing, extensions, and agent-based coding workflows.
0 votesVisit siteManage GitHub issues, pull requests, and repos from your terminal.
Open Source & Free Software AlternativesGitHub CLI is an open-source command-line app for working with GitHub without leaving a shell. It supports common repository workflows around pull requests, issues, authentication, and GitHub-hosted environments across macOS, Windows, and Linux.
0 votesVisit site
Similar sites elsewhere
- Eclipse IDE — eclipseide.org
- IntelliJ IDEA — jetbrains.com/idea
- Visual Studio Code — code.visualstudio.com
- KDevelop — kdevelop.org
1 of 5