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DrJava

cs.rice.edu

Free plan WindowsmacOSLinux
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Spec score 7.8 #11 of 23 in Java IDEs

What it is

DrJava is a free, open-source development environment for writing Java programs, designed primarily for students. Its intelligent editor supports coding, while the Interactions pane lets users evaluate Java code interactively. The environment includes JUnit testing, a source-level debugger and Javadoc generation for source files. It runs on Windows, macOS and Linux under a standard BSD open-source license. The current beta is compatible with Java 8, identified by the project page as the only supported version of traditional Java. That beta is distributed only as a JAR, which the page says is intended to reduce cross-platform compatibility issues. The Eclipse plugin is described as very old and compatible only with Eclipse versions from the same era. The Linux FAQ reports an incompatibility with the Compiz window manager and recommends disabling Compiz if it occurs. Bug reports and feature requests require a SourceForge account login. The Free plan costs nothing, with no free trial listed.

Spec sheet

Purpose
DrJava is a lightweight development environment for writing Java programs, designed primarily for students.Read 5 Oct 2026 · cs.rice.edu
Support
Bug reports and feature requests require a SourceForge account login.Read 5 Oct 2026 · cs.rice.edu
License
DrJava is released under a standard BSD open-source license.Read 5 Oct 2026 · cs.rice.edu
Founded
2001Read 28 Sep 2026 · cs.rice.edu
Documentation
DrJava can generate Javadoc documentation for source files.Read 5 Oct 2026 · cs.rice.edu
Eclipse plugin
The download page describes the Eclipse plugin as very old and compatible only with Eclipse versions from the same era.Read 5 Oct 2026 · cs.rice.edu
Editor
DrJava includes an intelligent program editor.Read 5 Oct 2026 · cs.rice.edu
Interactive coding
Its Interactions pane lets users evaluate Java code interactively.Read 5 Oct 2026 · cs.rice.edu
Java requirement
The current beta release is compatible with Java 8, which the page identifies as the only supported version of traditional Java.Read 5 Oct 2026 · cs.rice.edu
Linux limitation
The FAQ reports an incompatibility between DrJava and the Compiz window manager on Linux and recommends disabling Compiz if the issue occurs.Read 5 Oct 2026 · cs.rice.edu
Platform packaging
The page says the current beta is distributed only as a JAR to minimize cross-platform compatibility issues.Read 5 Oct 2026 · cs.rice.edu
Testing and debugging
The project describes support for JUnit testing and a source level debugger.Read 5 Oct 2026 · cs.rice.edu

Plans and prices

Free Free Java 8 compatible beta; distributed as a JAR Read 5 Oct 2026 · cs.rice.edu

Every DrJava plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free open-source BSD-licensed environment
  • Interactive Java evaluation pane
  • JUnit testing and source-level debugger
  • Runs on Windows, macOS and Linux
  • Generates Javadoc documentation

Limits

  • Current beta supports Java 8 only
  • Distributed only as a JAR
  • Eclipse plugin is very old
  • Linux Compiz incompatibility is documented

Who it suits

DrJava suits students and Java learners who want a lightweight editor with interactive evaluation, testing, debugging and documentation tools on desktop operating systems.

Verdict

DrJava offers a focused, free Java workspace with interactive coding and core learning-oriented tools. Its Java 8 beta status, old Eclipse plugin and documented Linux limitation are important constraints.

Where Specifiction places it

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