Simple Java IDE for Mac?

Question

I am looking for a FREE app that's a bit smarter than a text editor. I want something that can compile Java programs, as a bonus it may have some kind of code-sense.

The programs I'll make are simple console apps that I have to do for school assignments.

I really don't think I'll need a full-blown IDE. After this class, I don't plan on using Java in the future.

I came across this app, but it seems it won't work on OS X 10.5+.

Thanks for looking!

Solution 1

I'd cast my vote for Eclipse, even if you only think you'll be using Java for a few months. Having a capable IDE to provide error-checking and auto-completion capabilities will save you a bundle of time over using any basic text editor. (And, as The Elite Gentleman has already pointed out, if you take to the environment, you can always continue to use it to develop in a variety of other languages after the course is over!)

Solution 2

Here are common GUI based options that you can have a closer look at:

Fullsize IDEs

• http://eclipse.org/
• http://netbeans.org/
• http://jetbrains.com/idea/

Smarter Text Editors

• http://macromates.com/
• http://sublimetext.com/
• http://chocolatapp.com/

Note: I chose the ones that make sense for me. There are also tons of other choices like Smultron, BBEdit and others. You can start browsing for them here:

http://alternativeto.net/software/eclipse/?platform=mac

Solution 3

I realize this is a few years later... "CodeRunner" has a simple code editor and a "Run" button - It won't be as good as a full featured editor, but it could be perfect for the type of class work assignments Louis originally asked about.

Solution 4

Another option might be IntelliJ Idea Community Edition, but since it still lacks a bunch of features, I'd also cast my vote for Eclipse.

Solution 5

I recently found MochaCode: http://syntori.com/mochacode/ - it is a native OS X IDE for Java, but doesn't appear to have been updated since 2008. Interesting nonetheless.

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Comments

[duffymo]

Even a stripped down IntelliJ is better than Eclipse.

[Louis Waweru]

What I don't like about Eclipse and IntelliJ IDEA is that I have to create a project for each assignment. My professor just wants the .java file so it complicates things as far as preparing it for submission.

[Louis Waweru]

Thanks for the recommendation. I've had trouble getting the hang of this though — compilation issues.

[Louis Waweru]

Thank you. I should have mentioned I should be able to work offline.

[Thomas]

You could just submit the .java file created in an IDE as well. Any decent IDE will require you to create a project in order to handle classpath and build build settings.

[amar]

It doesn't have a trial version and every time getting a refund from iTunes Store is irritating.