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Greenfoot

greenfoot.org

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Spec score 8.0 #8 of 23 in Java IDEs

What it is

Greenfoot is educational software for learning object-oriented programming with standard Java code. Learners build games, simulations, and other graphical programs by placing actors in worlds. The programming environment combines visualization and interaction tools with an IDE that includes project management, auto-completion, and syntax highlighting. Projects can be published online for others to play and comment on, and sharing is built into the environment. Greenfoot runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux; downloads cover Windows 10 and 11, macOS 11 and later, Ubuntu with Debian support, and a generic option for systems with JDK and JavaFX. From version 3.6.0, Intel/AMD systems need a 64-bit CPU and operating system; version 3.5.4 is the listed option for 32-bit support. The software is free, and its IDE source code is available under the GNU General Public Licence version 2 with classpath exception. Learning resources include written and video tutorials for beginners and advanced users, along with the Greenroom instructor community.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Greenfoot is educational software designed to make learning programming easy and fun.Read 4 Oct 2026 · greenfoot.org
Audience
The site says Greenfoot is aimed at children and young adults and requires posted content to be safe for minors.Read 4 Oct 2026 · greenfoot.org
Integrations
The about page says Greenfoot provides an easy transition into BlueJ and more professional IDEs.Read 4 Oct 2026 · greenfoot.org
Privacy
The site says it does not pass email addresses or other user data to third parties or use them for purposes other than operating the website.Read 4 Oct 2026 · greenfoot.org
Support
Technical support handles installation and operation problems by email; programming questions should go to the discussions area.Read 4 Oct 2026 · greenfoot.org
License
The Greenfoot IDE source code is available under the GNU General Public Licence version 2 with classpath exception.Read 4 Oct 2026 · greenfoot.org
Headquarters
Canterbury, United KingdomRead 28 Sep 2026 · greenfoot.org
Founded
2006Read 28 Sep 2026 · greenfoot.org
Hardware limit
From version 3.6.0, Intel/AMD systems require a 64-bit CPU and operating system; the page directs users needing 32-bit support to version 3.5.4.Read 4 Oct 2026 · greenfoot.org
IDE features
Its IDE includes project management, auto-completion, syntax highlighting, and other tools common to IDEs.Read 4 Oct 2026 · greenfoot.org
Learning resources
The site offers written and video tutorials, and says resources are available for beginners and advanced users.Read 4 Oct 2026 · greenfoot.org
Programming
Greenfoot teaches object orientation with standard Java code, using actors that live in worlds to build games, simulations, and other graphical programs.Read 4 Oct 2026 · greenfoot.org
Publishing and sharing
Users can publish projects online for others to play and comment on, and online sharing is built into the environment.Read 4 Oct 2026 · greenfoot.org
Supported systems
The download page lists Windows 10 and 11, macOS 11 and later, Ubuntu with Debian support, and a generic option for any OS that needs JDK and JavaFX.Read 4 Oct 2026 · greenfoot.org
Teacher community
The Greenroom is an instructor community for sharing teaching resources and discussing teaching with Greenfoot.Read 4 Oct 2026 · greenfoot.org
Visual tools
Visualization and interaction tools are built into the programming environment.Read 4 Oct 2026 · greenfoot.org

Plans and prices

Greenfoot Free Free software download · Windows, macOS, Ubuntu/Debian, or generic OS with JDK+JavaFX Read 4 Oct 2026 · greenfoot.org

Every Greenfoot plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Teaches object orientation with standard Java code.
  • Built-in visualization and interaction tools.
  • Projects can be published for others to play and comment on.
  • Written and video tutorials span beginner and advanced users.
  • Free software with source under the GNU GPL v2 with classpath exception.

Limits

  • Version 3.6.0 and later require 64-bit Intel/AMD systems.
  • Generic OS option requires JDK and JavaFX.
  • 32-bit support is directed to version 3.5.4.

Who it suits

Greenfoot is aimed at children and young adults learning programming, especially through interactive games and simulations. Teachers can use the Greenroom to share resources and discuss teaching with Greenfoot.

Verdict

Greenfoot pairs Java programming with visual projects, sharing, and learning resources. Its stated audience is children and young adults, with an instructor community alongside the tutorials.

Where Specifiction places it

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