Performance impact of IntelliJ IDEA vs NetBeans?

Question

So, recently I've resumed my studies (2nd year HS) and in this year we'll be using Java as the primarily language for everything; I've been using Java independently for about a year and I love IntelliJ, however our teacher just refuses to even take a look at it, just demands to use NetBeans, regardless of the several technical arguments I've had with her.

She argues that it's because the computers are fairly old and crappy (which they are) but with that in mind, is that really a meaningful argument to give? My ASUS laptop can handle IntelliJ pretty well with 16GB of RAM, as you can see here:

However, due to some weird installation problems I can't personally test NetBeans (yuck), and I'm not a fan of downgrading my RAM to 4GB (The capacity of the school's computers).

So my question is, would the performance impact of IntelliJ be substantial enough to justify the use of NetBeans, even though IDEA it's (In my opinion) a much better IDE? And if so, wouldn't something lighter like Eclipse make more sense?

Solution 1

There is no straightforward answer to your question:

IntelliJ IDEA is a great Java IDE. Its main advantage over NetBeans and Eclipse is the better support for Android development (Android Studio which is built on IntelliJ IDEA became the official IDE for Android in 2013). In contrast to Eclipse, IntelliJ IDEA and NetBeans offer a more comprehensive range of out-of-the-box functions that making it easier for beginners. There are more plug-ins available each for IntelliJ IDEA and for Eclipse than for NetBeans. These are just some of the advantages of IntelliJ IDEA.

IntelliJ IDEA is a commercial product (although some parts are open source, but development is not driven by the community). For those who pay for a Java IDE, the higher memory requirements will probably not be a problem. Unlike Eclipse and NetBeans, IntelliJ IDEA's Git integration is realized by delegation to the Git command line (instead of using JGit), which has also some disadvantages. By default, files are automatically saved, but compiled before starting. Some like that, others prefer incremental compilation on saving as in Eclipse. Which one is the best Java IDE depends on the user's usage and preferences.

To answer your question, the higher memory requirement at only 4 GB of available RAM (your screenshot shows 637.3 MB / 4096 MB = 15.6 % only for the (idle?) IDE) is a valid argument against IntelliJ IDEA (especially when you consider that the memory requirements will continue to increase with each new version), but not an argument for NetBeans. The decision was certainly made not only because of this single argument. I would probably have given the arguments a different weighting and come to a different decision as your teacher.

However, you should appreciate the teacher explaining her decision. I guess you won't convince her to revise her decision. But why not develop at home with your favorite IDE and show/review the code to/with your teacher in her favorite IDE? You would get to know the advantages and disadvantages of at least two Java IDEs. Nobody is more annoying than those guys that tell people using the wrong thing just because it's not the thing they prefer.

A Mac user, an IntelliJ user, and a vegan walk into a bar. How do I know? Well after 2 minutes THE WHOLE F'ING BAR KNEW!

Solution 2

Let's not talk about Eclipse and stick to NetBeans and IDEA. Cause I thing Eclipse is not match for these two at all! I guess It is good just for its lightness.

IDEA is not necessarily better IDE than NetBeans, I guess it's all about the magnitude of program you want to develop.

Netbeans is so much more lighter, faster, more intelligent and its features for network programming are amazing.

In other hand, IDEA is truly a great IDE for developing big softwares. It is more stable, more powerful, it has more functionality, and it has plugins that you can use without any worries.

As someone who has used both of them, I think Both are great, but I prefer Netbeans for light programs.