IntelliJ-based IDEs (Integrated Development Environments) are powerful software development tools. However, they need to be customized using various plugins to suit user specifications and workflow. Some of the plugins are for integrations with code review services, static analysis, UI themes, language packs and more.
IntelliJ-Based IDEs have countless extensibility options, and installing the right plugins can boost software development and enhance productivity. However, there are numerous plugins, and selecting the right set can be challenging. This article explores the top 10 plugins for IntelliJ-Based IDEs.
Best Plugins for IntelliJ-Based IDEs
1. CodeGlance
The IntelliJ-based IDEs plugin provides developers with a small code preview window within the editor. It also enables you to navigate through large files and easily map where you are within the codebase. As a result, this plugin is ideal when working on multi-layered code that has nested functions and classes.
It’s applicable in IDEs like Visual Studio codes to allow developers to visualize the overall visual structure of the code, especially while working on a large or complex codebase. By improving code navigation, it enhances efficiency and productivity.
2. IdeaVim
IdeaVim is an IntelliJ-Based IDEs plugin that adds Vim emulation. Vim is a text editor with a wide range of keyboard shortcuts and commands for text editing. IdeaVim empowers developers with the shortcuts and commands within the IntelliJ IDE for significantly improving productivity. Vim’s keyboard shortcuts and commands are optimized to allow developers to perform editing tasks more efficiently. It reduces the cognitive load of writing and editing code.
In addition, Vim’s modal editing paradigm provides a clear separation between inserting text and editing text, enabling developers to focus on the task at hand without visual distraction. In a nutshell, IdeaVim provides developers with a familiar editing environment, reducing the learning curve associated with switching to a new IDE and ensuring a smooth transition.
3. SonarLint
This is another IntelliJ-based IDEs plugin provides developers with real-time feedback on the quality of the code as it is being written. It easily identifies bugs and security vulnerabilities, providing developers with actionable insights that improve productivity. The IntelliJ-Based IDEs plugin reduces the time required to debug and fix code errors and improves the overall quality of the codebase.
Identifying potential bugs and vulnerabilities at the early stages of development reduces the risk of security breaches. In addition, it highlights and suggests ways to fix the errors, cutting down the cost of development and the timeframe for the overall coding.
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4. Key Promoter X
The IntelliJ-Based IDEs plugin enables developers to learn keyboard shortcuts through pop-up notifications when using the mouse to perform a function that’s executable with the help of a keyboard shortcut. Moreover, it tracks how often developers use the mouse instead of the keyboard shortcuts and make suggestions.
Key Promoter X encourages developers to adopt efficient coding habits by providing real-time notifications. Therefore, developers become more proficient with IDE since the plugin streamlines workflow and optimizes the development process. The latter enhances efficiency and productivity.
5. Rainbow Brackets
As the name suggests, the IntelliJ-based IDEs plugin creates hues on the code’s brackets, parenthesis and braces, making it easier to visualize the matching pairs. It’s eligible for codes with nested structures, including loops or if-else statements. Rainbow Brackets helps developers avoid syntax errors caused by a mismatch in brackets and enhances better code readability.
Developers find it difficult to keep track of the set of bracket matches, which easily leads to syntax errors. However, the plugin adds color coding to enable developers to view the corresponding set of brackets and easily resolve code errors. In addition, the plugin separates code blocks, enabling developers to understand the code structure from the beginning to the end, especially with complex code structures.
6. GitToolBox
The plugin provides an advanced Git integration feature for IntelliJ-based IDEs. It also provides additional features and valuable tools for coding with Git, including Git commit graph, Git blame view and Git file history view. GitToolBox enables developers to manage Git repositories more efficiently. In addition, it provides a code review checklist to enable developers to follow ideal practices during the development phase. Developers save time and focus on coming up with high-quality software.
7. PlantUML
PlantUML plugin aids in the creation of UML diagrams in IntelliJ-based IDEs. UML (Unified modelling language) describes and designs software systems. The open-source tool is used to depict and communicate different software system aspects. Moreover, the plugin supports a wide range of UML diagrams, including sequence, use case and class diagrams, following a simple and intuitive text-based syntax.
PlantUML is applicable during the initial stages of software development for design and analysis. It enhances the creation of simplified UML diagrams that communicate ideas to different software development stakeholders and enhances collaboration.
8. JUnit Generator
This plugin is used for generating JUnit test cases for Java classes. It’s a Java programming language testing framework for writing and running unit tests for IntelliJ IDEA and Eclipse. By generating tests automatically, it saves developers time and effort in creating tests. The open-source testing framework also reduces errors improving the overall quality of the code and reducing bugs and syntax errors.
9. CheckStyle -IDEA
It’s another valuable IntelliJ-Based IDEs plugin that integrates with Checkstyle static code analysis tool. The plugin identifies any code style violations and suggests how to improve the code style based on coding standards and best practices. It also enables developers to ensure their code is readable, consistent and maintainable. CheckStyle-IDEA enforces standardized coding by automatically checking the code against predefined rules and guidelines. As a result, it eliminates the need for manual code reviews and inspections.
10. Markdown Navigator
The IntelliJ-Based IDEs plugin supports Markdown editing, a markup language that formats text. Moreover, the plugin provides developers with numerous features, including live preview, syntax highlighting and code completion, making writing and editing markdown documents efficient. Markdown Navigator improves documentation by providing developers with a user-friendly and feature-rich environment for writing markdown files. The customizable environment provides an accessible and readable format for technical concepts and processes, improving knowledge sharing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are IntelliJ-based IDEs?
IntelliJ-based IDEs are a family of integrated development environments (IDEs) that are built using the IntelliJ IDEA platform, which was created by JetBrains. IntelliJ IDEA is an advanced Java IDE that provides a comprehensive set of features for developing Java applications. The platform is extensible, allowing developers to build new IDEs by adding or removing features and plugins to suit their specific development needs.
IntelliJ-based IDEs include popular ones such as Android Studio, PhpStorm, PyCharm, WebStorm, and RubyMine. Each is designed for a specific programming language or framework, but they share many features, including a robust code editor, code refactoring tools, debugging tools, version control system integration, and a built-in terminal.
IntelliJ-based IDEs are known for their high productivity and ease of use. Developers across different industries widely use them and are particularly popular in the Java and Kotlin communities. Additionally, the platform has a strong focus on supporting best practices for software development, such as testing and code quality analysis.
Is IntelliJ IDEA the best IDE?
IntelliJ IDEA is a very popular and powerful IDE for Java development, and many developers consider it to be one of the best IDEs for Java programming. It provides many features and functionalities, such as intelligent code completion, advanced debugging and profiling tools, support for multiple languages and frameworks, version control integration, and more. It also has a large and active community of developers and a robust plugin ecosystem.
That being said, there are other IDEs that are also popular and widely used for various programming languages, such as Visual Studio for C#, PyCharm for Python, Eclipse for Java, and many more. It is recommended to try different IDEs and find the one that best fits your needs and preferences.
How do I find IntelliJ plugins?
IntelliJ IDEA has a large number of plugins available that can extend the functionality of the IDE. Here are the steps to find and install IntelliJ plugins:
- Open IntelliJ IDEA and go to the “Settings/Preferences” menu by clicking on the gear icon in the bottom left corner of the IDE.
- In the Settings/Preferences window, select the “Plugins” option from the left-hand menu.
- In the “Plugins” window, click on the “Marketplace” tab.
- In the Marketplace tab, you can browse and search for plugins by name, category, or keyword. You can also sort the plugins by rating or popularity.
- Once you have found a plugin you want to install, click the “Install” button next to the plugin name.
- IntelliJ IDEA will download and install the plugin, and you may need to restart the IDE for the changes to take effect.
- You can manage your installed plugins by going back to the “Plugins” window and selecting the “Installed” tab.
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Is IntelliJ better than PyCharm for Python?
IntelliJ and PyCharm are both Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) developed by JetBrains, and both are capable of supporting Python development.
However, PyCharm is specifically designed for Python development, with features such as code completion, debugging tools, and support for popular frameworks like Django and Flask. It also has built-in support for virtual environments, which are important for managing dependencies in Python projects.
On the other hand, IntelliJ is a more general-purpose IDE that supports a wide range of programming languages and frameworks, including Python. While it does have some features that are useful for Python development, it may not have the same level of specific support for the language as PyCharm does.
In summary, if you are primarily developing Python applications, PyCharm is likely to be the better choice as it is tailored specifically to Python development. However, if you are working with multiple programming languages or if you prefer the interface and features of IntelliJ, it can also be a viable option for Python development.
Is there a Python plugin for IntelliJ?
Yes, IntelliJ IDEA, an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) developed by JetBrains, supports Python development through a plugin called “Python Community Edition.” This plugin allows users to create, edit, and run Python code directly within the IntelliJ IDEA IDE.
To install the Python plugin in IntelliJ IDEA, you can follow these steps:
- Open IntelliJ IDEA and go to “File” > “Settings” > “Plugins”.
- In the “Marketplace” tab, search for “Python Community Edition” and click “Install”.
- After the installation is complete, restart IntelliJ IDEA.
- You can now create a new Python project or open an existing one by selecting “File” > “New” > “Project…” and choosing “Python” from the list of project templates.
Once you have created or opened a Python project, you can use the various features of the plugin, such as syntax highlighting, code completion, debugging, and testing, to develop your Python code within the IntelliJ IDEA IDE.
Is there Python in IntelliJ?
Yes, IntelliJ IDEA does support Python development. You can use IntelliJ IDEA with the Python plugin to create, edit, and run Python code. The Python plugin provides features such as code completion, syntax highlighting, debugging, and testing for Python code.
What is the most powerful IDE?
The most powerful IDE can vary depending on personal preference, project requirements, and individual needs. However, some of the most popular IDEs that are known for their power and versatility include:
- Visual Studio: Developed by Microsoft, Visual Studio is a comprehensive IDE that supports a wide range of programming languages, including C#, C++, JavaScript, Python, and more. It includes a rich set of features, such as debugging, code refactoring, and integrated testing tools.
- IntelliJ IDEA: Developed by JetBrains, IntelliJ IDEA is a popular IDE for Java, but it also supports other languages, including Kotlin, Groovy, and Scala. It offers powerful refactoring and debugging tools, as well as a wide range of plugins and extensions.
- Eclipse: Eclipse is a free and open-source IDE that supports many programming languages, including Java, C++, and Python. It offers a wide range of features, including code refactoring, debugging, and version control integration.
- PyCharm: Also developed by JetBrains, PyCharm is a powerful IDE for Python development. It includes features such as code analysis, debugging, and test automation, as well as support for scientific libraries like NumPy and SciPy.
- Sublime Text: While not strictly an IDE, Sublime Text is a powerful text editor that is popular among developers. It offers a wide range of features, including syntax highlighting, code snippets, customization options, and support for a wide range of programming languages and plugins.
Ultimately, the most powerful IDE for you will depend on your individual needs, the language or languages you work with, and your personal preferences.
Which IDE is better for Python?
There are several IDEs (Integrated Development Environments) available for Python, and the choice of which one is “better” depends on your personal preferences and specific needs. However, here are a few popular IDEs for Python:
- PyCharm: JetBrains developed PyCharm, a widely used IDE for Python. It offers features such as code completion, debugging, and syntax highlighting.
- Visual Studio Code: Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is a popular cross-platform code editor, which supports many programming languages, including Python. It offers a wide range of extensions for Python, which makes it highly customizable.
- Spyder: Spyder is a scientific IDE for Python designed for data analysis, research, and scientific computing. It includes features such as interactive consoles, debugging tools, and code profiling.
- Jupyter Notebook: Jupyter Notebook is a web-based interactive computational environment for Python, which allows you to create and share documents that contain live code, equations, visualizations, and narrative text.
- Sublime Text: Sublime Text is a lightweight code editor that supports many programming languages, including Python. It is highly customizable and supports a range of plugins for Python development.
Ultimately, the best IDE for Python is the one that you feel most comfortable with, and that suits your specific needs. PyCharm and V
Can you do C++ in IntelliJ?
Yes, you can use IntelliJ to develop C++ applications. IntelliJ provides support for C++ development through the use of plugins, such as the C++ plugin, which adds C++ support to IntelliJ.
To use C++ in IntelliJ, you need to follow these steps:
- Install the C++ plugin: Go to “Settings” -> “Plugins” -> “Marketplace”, and search for the “C++” plugin. Install and enable it.
- Create a new C++ project: Click on “File” –> “New” -> “Project”. Choose “C++” as the project type and configure the project settings.
- Create a new C++ file: Right-click on the source folder in the project view and select “New” -> “C++ Source File”.
- Write and run C++ code: Write your C++ code in the editor and run it using the built-in run configurations or by creating your own custom run configurations.
IntelliJ provides a variety of features to assist with C++ development, including syntax highlighting, code completion, refactoring, debugging, and more. It also supports various build systems and tools, such as CMake, Makefiles, and Clang-Tidy, to help you build and manage your C++ projects.
Can I code HTML in IntelliJ?
Yes, you can code HTML in IntelliJ. IntelliJ is a popular integrated development environment (IDE) that supports various programming languages, including HTML.
To create an HTML file in IntelliJ, you can follow these steps:
- Open IntelliJ and create a new project.
- In the new project window, select “Web” from the list of project types and then select “HTML” as the project template.
- IntelliJ will create a new HTML file, which you can start editing right away.
Alternatively, you can create a new HTML file directly by right-clicking on a folder in the project view and selecting “New” -> “HTML File”.
Once you have an HTML file open in IntelliJ, you can use its powerful editing features to write and edit your HTML code. IntelliJ also provides helpful features like code completion, syntax highlighting, and code analysis to help you write better code.
Can IntelliJ run SQL?
Yes, IntelliJ IDEA, which is an integrated development environment (IDE) for Java, also supports working with databases and running SQL queries. It has built-in database tools that allow you to connect to a database, view database schema, and execute SQL statements directly from the IDE.
To work with databases and SQL in IntelliJ IDEA, you need to first install and configure the relevant database driver for your database, and then set up a data source in IntelliJ IDEA for that database. Once you have set up a data source, you can use the built-in SQL console to execute SQL queries against that database, or use the SQL editor to write and save SQL scripts.
IntelliJ IDEA also provides features such as syntax highlighting, code completion, code formatting, and code analysis to help you write and debug your SQL code.
Wrapping Up
IntelliJ-Based IDEs are popular tools for software development, and selecting the right plugins can aid in addressing clients’ specific needs. While most programming features and functionalities are holistic, complementing them with the right plugins is the ultimate option for any developer. Therefore, these 10 plugins are vital for improving productivity, workflow and code quality. Upon installation, they can elevate your coding experience to the next level.
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