Netbeans seems to say in several places that it supports a library to just host the "Netbeans editor" widget in some other program. It has some weird documentation that seems to say a lot, but doesn't really say much about how to use it: http://bits.netbeans.org/dev/javadoc/org-netbeans-modules-editor-lib2/architecture-summary.html
I can't seem to find any download for the "Netbeans editor library" (1 or 2), and the documentation they provide says to download the entire mercurial repository, which doesn't really help me, since it doesn't tell me what is part of this "library" and what is not.
If someone could point me to a download for this library, or some minimal documentation about how to use it, that would be great. I've already seen the blog post here, but it doesn't really help with getting the library, and it seems to be talking about classes which I can't find in the Netbeans sources I downloaded (Maybe a different version?)
The NetBeans editor is part of the NetBeans platform and thus is part of either NetBeans IDE itself or the separate platform download.
The platform itself can be downloaded from here: http://platform.netbeans.org/platform-get.html
But I'm not sure if you can use a platform module outside a platform application. If that should be possible it most probably will be a very complicated thing to do.
You might want to have a look at this article:
http://platform.netbeans.org/tutorials/nbm-htmleditor.html which explains how to create a standalone HTML editor based on the NetBeans platform by simply customizing the platform.
Related
What type of developer are each of these IDEs aimed at? Is one IDE a superset/subset of the other? What can I do using one and not the other?
I'm looking to do mostly desktop based (Windows) work for now so I believe I am correct in ignoring the Java EE download and focusing on these two.
The comparison of features page isn't helpful as I'm still new to Eclipse and Java. For example "Code Recommenders Developer Tools" means nothing to me yet.
Eclipse standard has been downloaded 1.7 million times and is 246MB (as at 7-Sep-13). While Eclipse IDE for Java developers has been downloaded 430,000 times and is 151MB.
So I'm guessing Eclipse Standard is the way to go, but why do they offer the second option?
All the other answers are more or less true, but miss the point (in my opinion), The download page states it clearly:
Eclipse Standard ...
The Eclipse Platform, and all the tools needed to develop and debug it
versus
Eclipse IDE for Java Developers ...
The essential tools for any Java developer, including a Java IDE, a CVS client, Git client, XML Editor, Mylyn, Maven integration...
So if your focus is to develop for Eclipse itself, the Eclipse Standard includes all what you need (including the sources of all features and plugins).
If your focus is Java development (not Eclipse plugins), you should start with the Eclipse IDE for Java Developers.
If your focus is Java EE development, it is simpler to start with Eclipse IDE for Java EE Developers and so forth ...
The comparison page could certainly use some links, nevertheless a quick web search will tell you all about those plugin.
For your needs, you might look into the "for Java Developers" package, as it contains WindowBuilder, which let's you define GUIs visually in several frameworks.
(Code Recommenders is also nice, but I've personally found it a bit hit-or-miss)
However, you're fine installing any of the packages either way, since you can always install the plugins you need later on. My recommendation is to simply read about those plugins and make an informed decision on what you should install.
If you're doing GUI work then you might choose the Java Developers package as it comes with WindowBuilder.
Other similar questions are:
https://stackoverflow.com/questions/7835305/what-are-my-options-for-developing-a-gui-in-java-in-eclipse
Best GUI designer for eclipse?
Create GUI using Eclipse (Java)
The difference between the eclipse downloads are just the pre-installed plug-ins.
I'd go with standard and install the plug-ims i want, but take what fits you.
I worked on a Java project in which web services are used, values are to be modified in registry and there are some DLLs to be register with system. there are some environment variables to set, at the time of installation, keeping in mind these requirements , which Java installer is best, i also need a installer which is platform independent as my Java project is platform independent.
I think i may use IzPack
but i think you guys can help me better and suggest me an installer.
If a commercial product is an option, you could take a look at install4j, but I can't say anything about it.
IzPack seems to be the only open source Java installer that's still being actively developed. I've recently used it myself, and it has a lot of powerful features, but is not easy to get started with. There's a lot of documentation that describes some things in great detail, but unfortunately no simple "how to" for the most common case. Expect to spend a lot of time on trial-and-error.
I would use IzPack, its a great tool which bundles your installer in a jar. platform independent and with the possibility to only use some routines when special conditions a present. For example, only install DLL on Windows, mess with the registry (Custom Action) and so on.
I always enjoyed using IzPack and suggest you should give it a try.
The doc is also a great resource for the possibilities Doc
Now, don't get me wrong, I am a very competent programmer, but when I program, I typically develop things for the web using scripting languages like JavaScript, PHP, Python, SQL, etc. If I want to develop Java software (I am relatively experienced in Java), how do I distribute it?
Is there any good way to package up Java software in a nice little executable, send it out, and have it run? Alternatively, is there any good way to package up Java in some sort of installer, and send it out to be installed and run?
I'm using Launch4J http://launch4j.sourceforge.net/ it will generate an .exe executable for Windows, if the targeted system don't have JVM, it will tell user to download and get JVM.
You can package Java applications in so called jar-files using the jar tool or any competent Java IDE. These jar-files are self-contained and seldom need any installer.
These .jar files can easily be distributed and executed.
If you're used to web-development, you may also be interested in the Java Webstart technology.
Some links to get you started.
Export to a .jar-file in Eclipse
Lesson: Java Webstart
I have found two approaches to work well, depending on the needs of the end user.
1) Java WebStart - allows for central distribution and easy maintenance, but works best for online users. Require you to have a web site to locate the files - these days this is easy to do on the Google Application Engine.
2) Wrapping up the Java program in a single jar using one-jar, and then using jsmooth to generate an .EXE file which ensures Java is available, extracts the jar-file and invokes Java on it. This works well for users not always on the net, where you want the launch process to be transparent, but is less easy to upgrade than the webstart approach.
I use Maven to handle all the dependencies of my projects and that way when you utilise Maven to build your projects they will compile into one nice executable jar that contains everything so you dont need to worry about getting all your third-party jars in the right place etc.
There are a couple of ways: one is to create an installer that allows your user to install and run it. For this you can take a look at NSIS.... or you can just use Java Web Start where your user can just click the link and launch your application.
Here you will find a large set of options: Open Source Installers Generators in JavaIt is very useful for the "naive" customer or user of your application, to make the installation process as painless as possible. Let them install whatever is needed, DBMS, JVM, JMF and additional options via one installer.
You can also consider use one of the rich client platforms available for Java. The learning curve is probably a lot higher than just creating a jar file and ship it, but you will get a lot for free when it comes to distribution. (Think Eclipse with auto update through an update site).
Do a search for "Eclipse RCP" and "Netbeans RCP" and you'll find the two biggest contenders here. I also performed a serach for "eclipse RCP installer" and one of the hits seems interesting:
http://download.instantiations.com/RCPPackagerDoc/integration/latest/docs/html/gettingstarted/GenInstaller.html
I personally like izpack. It generates a jar file installer that you could wrap up in launch4j, supports things like windows specific shortcuts, is highly customisable through XML and hooks directly into ant.
OneJar is great for smaller stuff, but for larger programs or applications it's nowhere near as flexible and in my experience is rather slow.
Hello you can make an installer for your application.
In the link below you will find a nice help about izpack installer.
http://www.imrantariq.com/blog/?p=89
Link below contains a detailed pdf to make installer with izpack.
http://www.imrantariq.com/blog/?attachment_id=112
cheers
I'm looking for the following:
A nice debugger that allows me to easily view variable values if I use breakpoints.
Works very nicely in Windows 7.
Has something similar to the Toolbox pane in Visual Studio.
Built in intellisense, and code completion with the TAB key.
Long term support. I mean something that will last and stay in active development for years. I don't want a pet project IDE that will stop developing in a year. I'm just learning so it'll be very dificult at first to switch IDE's.
I'm new so I don't really know which IDE provides what I need between the two. Any help?
Well, I switched from Eclipse to Visual Studio, and I use both just about every day.
I found it hard to get used to the little differences at first, but now I am proficient in both IDEs.
I can't speak to whether or not Netbeans would be easier to learn, but Eclipse shouldn't be hard at all.
Both IDEs will provide all of the features that you have listed, and you should be able to customize both of them to get them to work almost exactly like Visual Studio.
So you want to learn Java and your first question is about which IDE to learn ? I suggest you look at BlueJ which is an IDE designed for people who want to learn Java. From my, I admit limited, experience with the IDEs you mention, BlueJ is the one which gets least in one's way when trying to learn Java as opposed to learning the IDE. Once you've exhausted BlueJ's capabilities there is an easy progression to NetBeans through a plug-in but you would probably not find it too difficult to step up to Eclipse instead.
Yes, I know you want to choose between Eclipse and NetBeans but BlueJ might be of interest.
This is a common debate, and there are obviously merits on both sides (this might be better served as a community wiki page). I prefer Eclipse, but to answer your questions as well as I can briefly:
Works very nicely in Windows 7.
Both are fine.
Has something similar to the Toolbox pane in Visual Studio.
Sorry, not familiar. Neither are short on panes, though Eclipse has a richer cache of third party plugins that might give you the experience you want.
Built in intellisense, and code completion with the TAB key.
I believe both are Ctrl-Space by default. If you're working in Java in Eclipse, there's an automated pop-up after a half second delay each time you type a separator (.) character.
Long term support. I mean something that will last and stay in active development for >years. I don't want a pet project IDE that will stop developing in a year. I'm just >learning so it'll be very dificult at first to switch IDE's.
Both are very mature products. I'd imagine Eclipse's fortunes are a little more secure simply because NetBeans might experience some turbulence during the Oracle acquisition of Sun.
My only other comment is that it's always seemed to me that Netbeans had far nicer "click-and-go" project templates out of the box, while Eclipse offered richer third party library integrations and a better debugger.
Probably both will do. Personally, I'd rather use Netbeans, because it's easier to get started right-out-of-the box. Eclipse depends more on plugins.
Why not try both and see which one suits your individual tastes more?
Both are find but if you want to build GUI's, Netbeans has the edge as it has a built in GUI builder, including a toolbox of controls to use with it.
Eclipse does not have a GUI builder. The commercial Eclipse distribution, MyEclipse does have a GUI builder - it's actually the one from Netbeans.
Neither Intellij IDEA is the Cadillac of Java IDEs
Netbeans = Great out of box experiance
Eclipse = Highly customizable with plugins and (so I've heard) slightly better intellisence-like capabilities.
If possible, I'd say try both (despite the bandwidth problem). If you get basic Java Development versions, the sizes aren't that big (48 MB for NetBeans and 92 MB for Eclipse)
I personally prefer NetBean's in-built capabilities since I don't like having to install plugins to make my experience the way I want it (and not all Eclipse plugins are free) but most of my fellow java devs prefer Eclipse's simplicity and ease of use.
I think you should try Intellij Idea, it the most powerful-intuitive java IDE I've never seen (http://www.jetbrains.com/idea/index.html). The new Community Edition is free and more than enough for java developpement. As it is highly configurable you can choose 'TAB' for auto completion, but I think you can learn from existing combinations that are well design.
Regards.
Java has some really nice IDEs available and many will do what you require.
I dont know you, but I use VS with Resharper so I m very used to those shortcuts, if you do too then have a look at IntelliJ ( they have a comunity edition)
Otherwise you can get eclipse and get the IntelliJ keymap ( or try to get the default VS keymap)
Netbeans is nice too, but I had some problems with it ( ie didnt build, rancomly crashing, etc)
Also most offer Source Control integration ( in Eclipse you have many flavours of subversion for example)
I guess you ll have to play around and find what suits you
Cheers
Emacs and Java change propagation
Hi,
I'm mostly used to code in IDE like Eclipse but I wanted to try emacs. Because I keep hearing about how much better it is than big IDE like Eclipse and Visual Studio.
So I was looking at what emacs provides for Java (with the JDEE extension) but it doesn't seem as complete as Eclipse.
One of the most important thing I look for in a Java editor is change propagation and error notification. For example if I rename a class, I want to be able to have all the declarations of this class renamed automatically. And if I delete a method, I want to be able to see all the place where this creates errors.
I didn't find those things in emacs, and this is a showstopper for me, I can't see how I could work on big projects without those features.
So my question is : those features don't exist or is it just me that haven't looked at the right place?
Emacs can be better that Eclipse, but the question is "for what"? Emacs (and VIM) are generally smaller, faster and optimized for text editing and navigation*. In recent versions Eclipse are quite capable for editing and navigating java code but with different "style".
If you are willing to learn Emacs then learn it. You will get experiences on your own and it is very important for a developer (you are the only one can decide what is work for you). But learning Emacs does not mean to "throw out" Eclipse, they can co-exist quite well if you use ant or maven-based project building and a source control system. You can for example do all editing in Emacs while for debugging and refactoring use Eclipse.
There are some interesting thought in this thread about Emacs and java development. Also there is an interesting read and conclusions about Emacs and Eclipse from someone who tried both environment.
If you are not an expert Eclipse user yet you should look at the powerful editing and navigating features of Eclipse before starting Emacs:
10 Eclipse navigation shortcuts every java programmer should know
Effective Eclipse: shortcut keys
Effective Eclipse: custom templates
Effective Eclipse: fix it quickly
Back to the question: there is an Emacs extension called Xrefactory for Java but it does not support Java 1.5 features so it is useful only if you use Java 1.4 or older.
(*) of course they are much more, I know :)
Emacs is an incredible editor, with good support for developing in C. For developing in Java there is much better support in one of the Java IDE's which has deep knowledge about the programs being edited. You probably want something like Eclipse, JDeveloper or Netbeans.
In my opinion you will not be satisified with developing Java with Emacs, and you should use another tool.
I don't know much about Emacs (so you may regard the following as off-topic), but I work with both Eclipse and VIM.
I use Eclipse for big Java projects, and I can't live without the large-scale features (cross-project renaming/refactoring etc.). I use VIM for small scale stuff (e.g. knocking up code for StackOverflow examples in multiple languages).
Eclipse and VIM have very different capabilities and consequently I use each bearing this in mind. I don't expect VIM to do the heavy lifting, but on the other hand I don't expect Eclipse to start in a keystroke and to be able to write a new (small) project in a few seconds (in whatever language I require - not restricted to Java). Perhaps you should look at the Emacs/Eclipse pair in a similar light ?