IntelliJ IDEA
IntelliJ IDEA: A full-featured, cross-platform IDE for Java and Kotlin teams. Ranked #1 of 65 in Integrated Development Environments by our editors (9.4/10); pricing: Free plan · 30-day trial; best for java and Kotlin teams.
At a glance
- Editor score9.4 / 10
- PricingFree plan · 30-day trial
- Best forJava and Kotlin teams
- Free planYes
- Founded2000 · Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Deep Java and Kotlin support with completion, refactoring, and inspections
- Integrated debugging, testing, coverage, and JVM build-tool workflows
- Docker, Kubernetes, Dev Containers, databases, and remote development tools
Where it doesn't
- Advanced Spring, web, database, profiling, and HTTP tooling requires Ultimate
- The broad feature set may be more than smaller Java or Kotlin projects need
- Desktop installation is required on Windows, macOS, or Linux
Our verdict on IntelliJ IDEA
IntelliJ IDEA is a desktop integrated development environment from JetBrains for Java and Kotlin software development. It suits professional teams that want code completion, navigation, inspections, refactoring, debugging, testing, build tools, version control, databases, containers, and remote development in one workspace. The product runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, includes AI features, and has been available since 2000. Its core audience is Java and Kotlin developers working across application code, automated tests, JVM builds, and connected development environments.
The unified distribution uses a freemium model: a free core feature set is available, and the published offering includes a 30-day Ultimate trial. Ultimate adds tooling for Spring, broader JVM and web technologies, databases, profiling, HTTP clients, and other advanced capabilities. The plan structure makes the product accessible for core Java and Kotlin work while giving teams a paid path for wider application-development needs. Buyers should compare the free core against their required frameworks and workflows before choosing Ultimate.
Its strongest distinction is breadth around the JVM workflow. IntelliJ IDEA connects with Git, Maven, Gradle, Ant, Gant, Docker, Kubernetes, Spring, JUnit, Spock, and TestNG. It also supports Dev Container editing, building, and running, remote development through machines and containers, database tools, an HTTP client, and an integrated JVM debugger. That makes it a fit for teams that need more than an editor and want development, testing, builds, infrastructure tooling, and data work together. Teams focused on a smaller coding surface may prefer a narrower tool, while Java and Kotlin teams needing this wider environment should consider IntelliJ IDEA.
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IntelliJ IDEA pricing
IntelliJ IDEA fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Supported operating systems | Not verified |
| Integrated debugger | Yes |
| Integrated testing tools | Yes |
| Build tools | Yes |
| Project management | Yes |
| Dev container support | Yes |
| Free trial | 30 days |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Compliance & security | SOC 2, GDPR |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 11 integrations: Git, Maven, Gradle, Ant, Gant, Docker … |
| Pricing | Free plan · 30-day trial (source) |
| Website | jetbrains.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
IntelliJ IDEA integrations
IntelliJ IDEA lists 11 integrations on its own site.
- Git
- Maven
- Gradle
- Ant
- Gant
- Docker
- Kubernetes
- Spring
- JUnit
- Spock
- TestNG
Alternatives to IntelliJ IDEA
- Visual StudioA full-featured Windows IDE for .NET and C++ teams with broad tooling.9.3
- PyCharmA full-featured Python IDE with strong testing, debugging, data, and remote workflows.9.2
- RiderA comprehensive .NET IDE for developers who need deep tooling across platforms.9.1
See all IntelliJ IDEA alternatives →
IntelliJ IDEA vs the competition
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Also Ranked In
IntelliJ IDEA is ranked in 10 of our directories; the 6 strongest besides Integrated Development Environments.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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