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IntelliJ IDEA

jetbrains.com

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What it is

IntelliJ IDEA is an IDE for professional Java and Kotlin development, available on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It offers context-aware completion, static analysis, and automated refactoring. The JVM debugger includes breakpoints, variable inspection, expression evaluation, and step-by-step execution. Gradle and Maven integrations cover building, packaging, testing, and deployment, while version-control support includes Git, Mercurial, Perforce, and Subversion. Users can process GitHub pull requests in the IDE, and plugins from JetBrains Marketplace add support for other languages, frameworks, and technologies. Core Java and Kotlin functionality remains free after the included 30-day Ultimate trial ends. The Ultimate subscription adds advanced tools and integrations and costs $100.00 for the first year, $199.00 for the second year, and $159.00 per year from the third year onward. Listed minimum hardware is a 4-core x86_64 or arm64 CPU, 8 GB total RAM, and 10 GB of disk space. Users can choose in IDE settings whether to share anonymous usage data.

Spec sheet

What it does
IntelliJ IDEA is an integrated development environment for Java, Kotlin, Groovy and Scala that combines editing, debugging, testing, code completion, static analysis and refactoring.Read 15 Oct 2026 · gartner.com
Product
IntelliJ IDEA is an IDE for professional development in Java and Kotlin.Read 29 Sep 2026 · jetbrains.com
Intended users
JetBrains describes IntelliJ IDEA as the leading IDE for professional Java and Kotlin development.Read 29 Sep 2026 · jetbrains.com
Trial
Installing IntelliJ IDEA includes a free 30-day trial of the Ultimate subscription.Read 29 Sep 2026 · jetbrains.com
Headquarters
Amsterdam, NetherlandsRead 23 Sep 2026 · jetbrains.com
Founded
2000Read 23 Sep 2026 · jetbrains.com
AI features
The 2026.1 release adds prompt-driven actions for explaining code, generating documentation and making code changes inside the editor.Read 15 Oct 2026 · jetbrains.com
Build tools
It integrates with Gradle and Maven for building, packaging, testing, and deployment tasks.Read 29 Sep 2026 · jetbrains.com
Closed components
IntelliJ IDEA includes closed-source plugins on top of the open-source IntelliJ Platform, so the complete product is not wholly open source.Read 15 Oct 2026 · plugins.jetbrains.com
Code intelligence
The IDE provides context-aware navigation, inspections, refactorings and debugging across a project.Read 15 Oct 2026 · jetbrains.com
Coding assistance
The IDE provides context-aware code completion, static code analysis, and automated refactorings.Read 29 Sep 2026 · jetbrains.com
Debugger
It includes a JVM debugger with breakpoints, variable inspection, expression evaluation, and step-by-step execution.Read 29 Sep 2026 · jetbrains.com
Docker integration
Docker support covers image creation, container execution, Docker Compose, and public or private registries from inside the IDE.Read 15 Oct 2026 · jetbrains.com
Documentation depth
JetBrains publishes installation, security, update, Docker, Kubernetes and extensive plugin-SDK documentation, with source documentation hosted on GitHub.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Extensibility
Plugins can add support for other languages, frameworks, and technologies through JetBrains Marketplace.Read 29 Sep 2026 · jetbrains.com
Framework support
G2 lists dedicated support for Spring, Spring Boot, Jakarta EE, JPA, Reactor and other popular frameworks.Read 15 Oct 2026 · g2.com
Free functionality
Core IntelliJ IDEA functionality remains free, and users can continue using it after the 30-day Ultimate trial without subscribing.Read 29 Sep 2026 · jetbrains.com
Integrations catalog
G2 lists integrations including GitHub, GitLab, Git, Docker, Kubernetes, Maven, Gradle, Jenkins, Jira, databases, Copilot, Claude and Gemini Code Assist.Read 15 Oct 2026 · g2.com
Java and Kotlin support
IntelliJ IDEA provides professional Java and Kotlin tooling and first-class Spring integration.Read 15 Oct 2026 · jetbrains.com
Kubernetes integration
The Kubernetes plugin lets users inspect cluster resources, jump to definitions and view pod logs, supporting Kubernetes 1.26 through 1.34.Read 15 Oct 2026 · jetbrains.com
Limit: AI complaints
Trustpilot reviewers complain that AI credits can be consumed rapidly, AI output can be unreliable and AI pricing feels excessive.Read 15 Oct 2026 · trustpilot.com
Limit: bugs and updates
TrustRadius reviewers report recurring Maven failures after updates that sometimes require IDE repair or reindexing.Read 15 Oct 2026 · trustradius.com
Limit: complexity
Reviewers say the large feature set can overwhelm beginners and has a learning curve.Read 15 Oct 2026 · softwareadvice.com
Limit: pricing
G2 and TrustRadius reviewers frequently call the Ultimate subscription expensive for individuals, students and smaller businesses.Read 15 Oct 2026 · g2.com
Limit: resource usage
Reviewers report high RAM consumption and slower performance on large projects or Windows laptops.Read 15 Oct 2026 · g2.com
Linux limitation
JetBrains warns that snap installations may suffer performance degradation, Chromium JavaScript-debugging problems, SBT-import failures and slow file operations.Read 15 Oct 2026 · jetbrains.com
Maker founded and headquarters
LinkedIn lists JetBrains as founded in 2000 with headquarters in Amsterdam.Read 15 Oct 2026 · linkedin.com
Maker legal name
Crunchbase identifies the legal company name as JetBrains s.r.o.Read 15 Oct 2026 · crunchbase.com
Maker ownership
JetBrains is privately held and lists 1,001–5,000 employees on LinkedIn.Read 15 Oct 2026 · linkedin.com
Platform license
The IntelliJ Platform and open-source builds are released under the Apache License 2.0.Read 15 Oct 2026 · plugins.jetbrains.com
Plugin SDK
The IntelliJ Platform Plugin SDK provides a public extension platform for building plugins and IDEs based on the platform.Read 15 Oct 2026 · plugins.jetbrains.com
Praise: Java ecosystem
Reviewers commonly describe IntelliJ IDEA as a leading or industry-standard choice for Java and Spring development.Read 15 Oct 2026 · softwareadvice.com
Praise: productivity
Independent reviewers repeatedly praise intelligent completion, refactoring, debugging, navigation and integrated Git or build tooling for increasing development speed.Read 15 Oct 2026 · getapp.com
Privacy controls
Users can choose in IDE settings whether to share anonymous usage data.Read 29 Sep 2026 · jetbrains.com
Rating on Capterra
4.7 out of 5 from 1,262 reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · capterra.com
Rating on G2
4.6 out of 5 from 2,346 reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · g2.com
Rating on Gartner Peer Insights
4.5 out of 5 from 300 ratingsRead 15 Oct 2026 · gartner.com
Rating on GetApp
4.7 out of 5 from 1,260 reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · getapp.com
Rating on Software Advice
4.7 out of 5 from 1,261 reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · softwareadvice.com
Rating on Trustpilot
2.6 out of 5 from 102 reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · trustpilot.com
Rating on TrustRadius
8 out of 10 from 59 reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · trustradius.com
Release news
IntelliJ IDEA 2026.2 added Java 27 and Kotlin 2.4 support, native GitHub Copilot, logpoints, Gradle 10 assistance, Docker Compose improvements and Terraform testing.Read 15 Oct 2026 · blog.jetbrains.com
Security and compliance
JetBrains' Trust Center provides information about security practices and data protection, including SOC 2 Type II and GDPR compliance.Read 29 Sep 2026 · jetbrains.com
Security transport
JetBrains documents TLS 1.3 and SSH-based secure connections for IntelliJ IDEA services.Read 15 Oct 2026 · jetbrains.com
System requirements
The 2026.2 guide specifies a four-core x86_64 or arm64 CPU and 8 GB total RAM with 3 GB available to IDE processes.Read 15 Oct 2026 · jetbrains.com
Telemetry controls
The security documentation describes anonymous usage statistics and optional detailed code-related AI usage data, with organizational controls.Read 15 Oct 2026 · jetbrains.com
Unified product
Since version 2025.3, JetBrains combines the former Community and Ultimate editions into one IntelliJ IDEA product.Read 15 Oct 2026 · jetbrains.com
Version control
It integrates with Git, Mercurial, Perforce, and Subversion, and supports processing GitHub pull requests in the IDE.Read 29 Sep 2026 · jetbrains.com
Version control and build tools
The IDE integrates with version-control systems, build tools and application servers for local and remote workflows.Read 15 Oct 2026 · gartner.com

Plans and prices

Free feature set Free Core Java and Kotlin development features · advanced functionality excluded Read 15 Oct 2026 · g2.com
IntelliJ IDEA core Free Free Core functionality for Java and Kotlin Read 29 Sep 2026 · jetbrains.com
IntelliJ IDEA Ultimate individual $19.90 a month per user / per month Advanced tools and integrations · individual use Read 15 Oct 2026 · g2.com
IntelliJ IDEA Ultimate subscription $100 a year $100.00 first year; $199.00 second year; $159.00 third year onwards Advanced tools and integrations · 30-day trial Read 29 Sep 2026 · jetbrains.com
IntelliJ IDEA Ultimate annual $199 a year annual subscription Ultimate features · reviewer-reported annual price Read 15 Oct 2026 · trustradius.com

Every IntelliJ IDEA plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Core Java and Kotlin functionality remains free
  • Includes a JVM debugger with variable inspection
  • Integrates with Gradle, Maven, and four listed version-control systems
  • Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux

Limits

  • Ultimate subscription costs $100.00 for the first year
  • Minimum listed hardware includes 8 GB total RAM
  • Ultimate trial lasts 30 days

Who it suits

IntelliJ IDEA suits developers working in Java or Kotlin who want an IDE with debugging, build-tool, and version-control integrations. Its plugin support may help those needing additional language or framework support.

IntelliJ IDEA in depth

Read the full write-up

Overview

IntelliJ IDEA is a Java and Kotlin IDE for developers who want coding assistance, debugging, and project workflows in one environment. Its free core is a strong place to start; the case for paying depends on whether Ultimate’s advanced tools and integrations matter to your work.

Key features

Code and debug

Context-aware completion, static analysis, and automated refactoring help with both writing and revising Java and Kotlin. The JVM debugger goes beyond stepping through execution: breakpoints, variable inspection, and expression evaluation help trace behavior as it runs. Integrated debugging and testing tools make the IDE a practical fit for developers who want those tasks alongside editing.

Builds and source control

Gradle and Maven integrations cover building, packaging, testing, and deployment tasks. Git, Mercurial, Perforce, and Subversion support accommodate different repository workflows, while in-IDE GitHub pull request processing keeps review work close to the code. Project-management and dev-container support are also included.

Extend and configure

JetBrains Marketplace plugins can add languages, frameworks, and other technologies, so the Java and Kotlin focus need not be an absolute boundary. Users can choose whether to share anonymous usage data in IDE settings. JetBrains’ Trust Center covers security and data protection, including SOC 2 Type II and GDPR compliance.

The minimum hardware requirements are a 4-core x86_64 or arm64 CPU, 8 GB of total RAM, and 10 GB of disk space. Those requirements are worth checking before adopting it on a constrained machine.

Pricing

Core and Ultimate

IntelliJ IDEA core costs nothing and covers core Java and Kotlin functionality. That is a meaningful option for developers whose work fits those capabilities: the software remains usable after the Ultimate trial ends, with no subscription required.

The Ultimate subscription costs $100 a year. Its billing is $100.00 first year, $199.00 second year, and $159.00 third year onwards. It adds advanced tools and integrations, and includes a free 30-day trial that begins with installation. Ultimate is the relevant choice for developers who need those additions; the core plan gives them up but avoids an ongoing fee. The trial is time-limited, while the core remains free afterward.

Platforms

IntelliJ IDEA runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Its minimum requirements specify either x86_64 or arm64 hardware with four CPU cores, 8 GB RAM, and 10 GB of disk space.

Who it's for

Java and Kotlin developers are the clearest fit, particularly those who benefit from integrated code analysis, refactoring, JVM debugging, build tools, testing, and source control. Plugin support broadens its reach, but developers seeking an IDE centered on other languages should weigh that against the product’s Java and Kotlin focus. The free core makes it suitable for trying the workflow without committing to Ultimate.

Pros and cons

Pros: The free core retains Java and Kotlin functionality after the trial, rather than forcing a subscription to keep using the IDE.

Pros: Debugging, build tools, testing, and several version-control systems sit alongside coding assistance, reducing the need to split those workflows across tools.

Pros: Marketplace plugins can extend language and framework support, and users control anonymous usage-data sharing in the IDE.

Cons: Advanced tools and integrations require Ultimate, whose annual billing rises from $100.00 in the first year to $199.00 in the second.

Cons: The stated professional focus is Java and Kotlin; other-language support depends on plugins.

Cons: The minimum hardware specification calls for four CPU cores, 8 GB RAM, and 10 GB of disk space, which may rule out some lower-spec machines.

Alternatives

For a Java IDE comparison, see Java IDEs. Readers comparing broader development environments can browse IDE Software or Integrated Development Environments.

Inteljava IQ is another freemium option, with a free Apache 2.0 Community edition for JVM and Android development and a commercial Ultimate edition for web and enterprise development; consider it if that split better matches your needs.

Java-Editor is free for personal, commercial, and government use and runs on Android as well as desktop platforms; choose it if that licensing or platform range is a priority.

Apache NetBeans is free for commercial and non-commercial use under Apache License 2.0; it is worth considering if you prefer that free licensing model.

Eclipse IDE is free and open source under the Eclipse Public License; consider it if an open-source option is your priority.

MyEclipse is a paid IDE with a free trial; consider it if you want to compare another subscription-based option.

Oracle Visual Builder is another paid development tool.

CS++ Java IDE is another freemium Java IDE.

Greenfoot is a free development tool.

Readers exploring adjacent categories can also browse Minecraft Mod Development Tools, PHP IDEs, and Go IDEs.

Verdict

Choose IntelliJ IDEA if Java or Kotlin is your main work and you want code assistance, debugging, builds, tests, and version control together, with a free core that remains usable after trial. Look elsewhere if you need advanced tools but do not want the Ultimate subscription, or if your primary development focus is outside Java and Kotlin.

Verdict

IntelliJ IDEA combines Java and Kotlin coding assistance with debugging, build, and version-control integrations. Core functionality remains free, while the Ultimate subscription adds advanced tools and integrations at the listed annual prices.

Where Specifiction places it

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