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Apache NetBeans

netbeans.apache.org

Free plan WindowsmacOSLinux
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Spec score 8.3 #4 of 23 in Java IDEs

What it is

Apache NetBeans is a development environment, tooling platform, and application framework for Linux, macOS, and Windows. Its editor highlights code by syntax and meaning and supports refactoring. Editors, wizards, and templates cover Java, PHP, and other languages, with plugins and linked support for JavaFX and JavaScript. The NetBeans Platform is a modular framework for Swing applications, with state saving, menus, toolbars, keyboard shortcuts, and window management. The IDE and Platform are free for commercial and non-commercial use under the Apache License; the listed plan is free. Apache NetBeans 31, dated August 10, 2026, supports running on JDK 26, 25, or 21, with initial support for JDK 27. Downloads include platform-independent binary and source ZIPs, plus linked installers for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Those installers are provided by committers for convenience, not as Apache Software Foundation releases. The release page provides SHA-512 hashes and PGP signatures. Windows/ARM is not fully supported, and older releases are no longer supported.

Spec sheet

Product
Apache NetBeans is a development environment, tooling platform, and application framework.Read 30 Sep 2026 · netbeans.apache.org
Integrations
The website links to NetBeans plugins and describes support for languages and frameworks including Java, PHP, JavaFX, and JavaScript.Read 30 Sep 2026 · netbeans.apache.org
License
The IDE and Platform are free for commercial and non-commercial use under the Apache License.Read 30 Sep 2026 · netbeans.apache.org
Founded
1996Read 28 Sep 2026 · netbeans.apache.org
Community support
The NetBeans community uses mailing lists as its primary communication channel and welcomes contributions.Read 30 Sep 2026 · netbeans.apache.org
Downloads
The release page offers platform-independent binary and source ZIP files, and links to third-party Windows, macOS, and Linux packages.Read 30 Sep 2026 · netbeans.apache.org
Editing
It highlights source code syntactically and semantically and supports code refactoring.Read 30 Sep 2026 · netbeans.apache.org
Integrity
The release page provides SHA-512 hashes and PGP signatures to verify downloaded files.Read 30 Sep 2026 · netbeans.apache.org
Known issue
The project states that Windows/ARM is not currently a fully supported platform.Read 30 Sep 2026 · netbeans.apache.org
Languages
It provides editors, wizards, and templates for Java, PHP, and other languages.Read 30 Sep 2026 · netbeans.apache.org
Package status
The linked Windows, macOS, and Linux installers are provided by NetBeans committers for convenience and are not Apache Software Foundation releases.Read 30 Sep 2026 · netbeans.apache.org
Platform framework
The NetBeans Platform is a modular framework for Swing applications with features such as state saving, menus, toolbars, keyboard shortcuts, and window management.Read 30 Sep 2026 · netbeans.apache.org
Project history
Oracle donated NetBeans source code to the Apache Software Foundation in 2016, and Apache NetBeans became a top-level Apache project in April 2019.Read 30 Sep 2026 · netbeans.apache.org
Release
Apache NetBeans 31 is the latest release, dated August 10, 2026.Read 30 Sep 2026 · netbeans.apache.org
Runtime
NetBeans 31 supports running on JDK 26, 25, or 21, with initial support for JDK 27.Read 30 Sep 2026 · netbeans.apache.org
Support status
Older Apache NetBeans releases remain downloadable but are no longer supported.Read 30 Sep 2026 · netbeans.apache.org

Plans and prices

Apache NetBeans IDE and Platform Free Free for commercial and non-commercial use · Apache License 2.0 Read 30 Sep 2026 · netbeans.apache.org

Every Apache NetBeans plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free for commercial and non-commercial use
  • Supports Linux, macOS, and Windows
  • Includes code refactoring and integrated debugging
  • Offers SHA-512 hashes and PGP signatures

Limits

  • Windows/ARM is not fully supported
  • Older releases are no longer supported
  • Linked installers are not ASF releases

Who it suits

It suits developers working with Java, PHP, or other languages who want code editing, refactoring, and debugging tools across desktop operating systems. The NetBeans Platform may also suit developers building Swing applications.

Verdict

NetBeans combines a multi-language IDE with a modular framework for Swing applications. Check the JDK requirements and Windows/ARM support status before choosing a download.

Where Specifiction places it

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