BlueJ

Free integrated development environment for Java

BlueJ is a simple, easy-to-use, and efficient integrated development environment for Java, (one of the most popular programming languages). This Java IDE has been primarily designed for educational purposes. It’s a free application ideal for beginners as well as students working in the Java environment. The app comes with all the essential features you need to work in Java.

Compared to Eclipse, XML Notepad, and other similar tools, BlueJ is considered to be the most reliable choice among development apps. While it suffers from some minor stability issues, it comes with a user-friendly interface. With this IDE for Java, you can quickly start working in the programming environment. It’s worth mentioning that BlueJ covers only the basics, and hence, it’s not ideal for handling large applications.

Easy to set up, customizations, and debugging tools

BlueJ is one of the most popular Java IDEs for students and beginners who wish to learn Java programming. The program comes with quick installation, and lets you set up the application within seconds. Also, you can get started with programming within seconds of installation. The simple interface comes with a standard window and a basic structure. In addition to this, it features a PDF manual or instruction booklet, which offers all the information you need to get started.

How’s the interface?

With this IDE for Java, creating a new project is straightforward and simple. It only needs you to mention the file name and saving directory. You can conveniently create a new class and enter the type and name. The class types include abstract calls, interface, applet, and more. 

Then, you need to insert a basic ‘uses’ relation between the two classes you’re working with, followed by inserting ‘inheritance’. In addition to this, the development app lets you build a new package or rebuild existing ones. It’s also possible to add different classes from a file, import directories, and use a library class.

What are the features?

Despite the basic and simple design, BlueJ comes with a range of features required to learn everything about Java programming. The Java IDE comes with text and graphic editing. It also has a built-in editor. With this program, you can easily understand how certain objects are created in the development environment. Additionally, you can catch a glimpse of whatever’s stored in the system’s memory.

BlueJ also features some debugging tools to help you practice your programming skills. The application checks for syntax errors. It’s worth mentioning that everything learned in BlueJ can be officially used in the Java programming environment to further your skills, course, or even career.

This IDE for Java provides you with comments in each section of the source code. Also, you can check out examples of various methods used in programming. As such, the development app gives you a much better understanding of the entire programming process. 

BlueJ comes with a range of customizations. With this application, you can easily configure keyboard shortcuts or change the entire UI language. You can also customize various editor properties, including syntax highlighting and font size. Last but not least, you can even reset the virtual machine.

Is BlueJ a good choice for developers?

BlueJ proves to be a good choice for Java programming. However, if you’re an advanced or experienced programmer working with Java, you could find the app’s features to be less appealing. Compared to other IDEs for Java, this one comes with only a few features targeted at novice users or beginners.

For instance, while the program comes with syntax highlighting, this function is minimal and doesn’t offer much in terms of customization options. This Java IDE also lacks code completion and handles only simple applications. In case you’re looking to work with some heavy or large projects, BlueJ could feel too basic.

A good choice for beginners and novice developers

Overall, BlueJ is a robust development app, which can be used for training or teaching students about programming skills. While this IDE for Java is simple, it comes with sufficient and essential elements required for Java programming. It runs on Windows PCs (including Windows 11) without any lags and features various documentation and guides to help learners. Having said that, BlueJ intends to target beginner users. Thus, if you’re an experienced programmer or developer, you may want to choose an alternative program.