Code Complexity

Free#7 of 18 in Code Complexity Analyzers

Code Complexity: A free IntelliJ-based IDE plugin for on-the-fly cognitive complexity feedback. Ranked #7 of 18 in Code Complexity Analyzers by our editors (6.8/10); pricing: Free plan; best for developers wanting free IDE complexity feedback.

6.8/10★★★☆☆Editor score

Try Code Complexity

Code Complexity6.8 Try Code Complexity

At a glance

• Editor score
  6.8 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  Developers wanting free IDE complexity feedback
• Free plan
  Yes
• Paid from
  None
• Hotspot detection
  No
• Facts checked
  27 Sep 2026

• Where it wins

  • Shows cognitive complexity beside methods and classes in the editor
  • Inspects multiple project files and flags very high scores
  • Supports Java, Kotlin, Python, Dart, and Go

• Where it doesn't

  • Focuses on cognitive complexity rather than multiple metrics
  • Does not provide hotspot detection or trend history
  • Does not provide pull request gates

Our verdict on Code Complexity

Code Complexity is a free plugin for IntelliJ-based IDEs that calculates Cognitive Complexity and displays scores beside methods and classes in the editor. It is aimed at developers who want complexity feedback while working in the IDE, particularly solo developers and small teams using Java, Kotlin, Python, Dart, or Go. The plugin runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and its repository documents installation through the IDE plugin system or by downloading and installing a release.

Its main strength is keeping the feedback close to the code. On-the-fly inspection can surface complexity as developers work, while a separate inspection checks multiple project files and flags methods with very high complexity scores. Plugin settings are configurable in the IDE. This makes Code Complexity a focused option for noticing complex methods during editing or reviewing a project, without leaving the editor for a separate analysis workflow. Its scope is narrower than tools that cover multiple complexity metrics: it calculates Cognitive Complexity.

The plugin is free and open source, so its published model does not involve paid tiers. Its practical fit depends on wanting IDE-level feedback rather than broader analysis workflows: it has no hotspot detection, pull request gates, or trend history. Developers seeking those capabilities should consider a broader analyzer instead. Choose Code Complexity when editor hints, project-file inspections, and its five supported languages match the need; look elsewhere when complexity analysis must include those absent workflow features.

Code Complexity pricing

Code Complexity fact sheet

Alternatives to Code Complexity

• QodanaBroad static analysis with quality gates, security checks and cloud or self-hosted deployment.9.0
• CodeSceneCodeScene connects code-health scores and hotspots to reviews, IDE feedback, and team insights.8.4
• CodacyAffordable cloud analysis spanning code quality, security, coverage, and pull requests.7.9

See all Code Complexity alternatives →

Code Complexity vs the competition

• Code Complexity vs Qodana
• Code Complexity vs CodeScene
• Code Complexity vs Codacy
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• Code Complexity vs NDepend
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Featured on iTechGuides

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026

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Last updated 28 Sep 2026 · How we research and update