9 Essential Tools for Java Developers

By Yogesh

Java tools like Java Development Kit are a set of tools that help in the Java application development process, from coding to launching applications.

For Java developers, there is no shortage of tools for any kind of Java application development project. Considering the usage of Java programming language in various types of app development projects, ranging from mobile to web, the availability of a large number of tools, frameworks, profilers, and Java integrated development environments (IDE) is not a coincidence.

Whether you are a senior Java developer, a beginner, or a proven custom Java development company, these tools are crucial for any kind of software application development work. They help you write code, find errors, and fix them.

However, not every tool is perfect for all types of Java app development projects. A careful analysis is required by the Java Programmers before they choose a tool. One of the ways of ensuring that you have picked the right Java Application Development tool is to conduct deep research about the features and functions of the tools and perform an analysis of the same with respect to your Java app development project. And that is what we will do in this article.

What are Java Tools?

Java tools are a set of tools that help in the Java application development process (from coding to launching applications). Java Tools include Java Development Kit (JDK) as their foundation, whereas several third-party tools such as Apache Maven, GIT, Jenkins, Jira, Docker, IntelliJ IDEA, etc., will enhance the efficiency, code quality, and productivity of the application.

What is Java Development Kit (JDK)?

Java Development Kit (JDK) is an environment used for Java application development. It includes appletviewer, javac, javadoc, jar, JConsole, VisualVM, Java runtime environment, and Java virtual machine, including libraries needed to develop a Java application.

9 Essential Java Development Tools for Java Developers

Among various Java tools to ease coding and quality delivery, here are the top 9 essential Java tools:

1. Apache Maven
2. GIT
3. Jenkins
4. JIRA
5. Docker
6. Gradle
7. Selenium
8. IntelliJ IDEA
9. Splunk

1. Apache Maven

Apache Maven is a software project management and comprehension tool, which manages build, reporting, and documentation from a central piece of information. It allows Java Developers to run unit tests and deploy artifacts or deliverables to a live environment.

Maven is also helpful in managing dependencies, such as third-party JAR (Java ARchive) files used in the Java app development project. It is also used to update the central repository of JARs and various other dependencies. Java programmers can easily integrate their projects with the source control system using Maven.

On the other hand, this tool can be complex for large projects as the POM (Project Object Model) file management configuration is intricate. It also requires a steep learning curve to fully understand its configurations and conventions.

Apache Maven is open-source and free, so developers worldwide can easily access it and contribute.

2. GIT

Git is a distributed VCS (Version Control System) created by Linus Torvalds to allow or support collaborative software development. It allows numerous developers to make changes simultaneously without rewriting each other’s code. Git also has a staging area for reviewing changes before committing, distributed architecture, branching/merging, etc.

Even though Git is really fast and gives you a lot of flexibility, its enormous size means cloning will consume lots of resources. Also, it’s quite complex for users who are not familiar with version control anecdotes.

Popular among Linux developers, Git allows you to record changes, file them, and stream the raw data. It is available for free at the Git Official Site.

3. Jenkins

Jenkins is a popular open-source automation server that offers a number of plugins (over 1,000 plugins) to support building, deploying, and automating Java app development projects.

This tool is a must for Java developers interested in DevOps. It is a self-contained Java-based program that runs on Windows, Mac OS X, and other Unix-like operating systems.

Jenkins can be used simply as an extensible CI server. Its extensible plugin architecture speeds up builds, tests, and deployments across multiple machines. Jenkins is free and open-source, allowing you to acquire it with zero investment.

However, it is complex to set up and requires maintenance and updates on a regular basis to avoid potential threats. Its user interface is slightly traditional and is criticized for lacking intuitiveness.

4. JIRA

JIRA is powered by features and functions that support Agile methodologies like Scrum and Kanban. It is a must-know tool for developers working in Java development companies that follow Agile methodologies. This tool is mostly focused on engineering and software development.

It helps Project Managers create user stories, plan sprints, and distribute tasks. Using JIRA, Project Managers get complete visibility into the system and they can track the work of every member in the team with full context, including customized workflows, detailed report generations,and integration of other tools.

While its versatility, scalability, and user friendliness are its key features, some drawbacks appear in the form of complex setup, costly pricing structure, and slow query load time.

JIRA offers both free and paid tiers. Organizaton with 10 or fewer users can access it freely with basic features. Paying $7.16 per user per month for Standard and $12.48 per user per month for Premium plans will provide additional features like unlimited storage and Atlassian Intelligence (AI).

5. Docker

Docker is an essential tool for Java Developers working on Enterprise application development projects. It is a container platform that helps to build, manage, and secure a range of traditional applications as well as microservices.

Since container-based applications are in trend, this containerization software platform is a must-learn tool for Java developers if they wish to get hired by Java development companies.

Docker Desktop provides an integrated container-native development experience, enabling Java programmers to launch the application from a Mac or Windows toolbar. It supports cross-platform consistency, low resource consumption, serverless storage facilities, high-speed deployment, flexibility, and scalability. Despite all its features, some downsides of this tool include limitations for graphical applications, poor monitoring, and potential security risks, and outdated documentation.

Docker is free with paid enterprise options including Pro ($5/month), Team ($9/user/month), and Business ($24/user/month) plans.

6. Gradle

Gradle is an open-source build automation tool used by Java Programmers working on a wide variety of projects, ranging from mobile apps to microservices. It enables Java Developers to build, automate, and deliver faster.

However, it supports multi programming language software development which can be used by C++ and Python developers. Its rich API and a number of plugins and integrations help developers integrate and systematize the software’s delivery.

Although it is similar to Maven, it uses Groovy to write and build scripts instead of XML.

Gradle’s major features include incremental builds and customizable Groovy and Kotlin-based DSLs (Domain Specific Languages). It is also highly flexible with effective performance output that integrates various IDEs and CI/CD tools while its complex setup and lack of documentation make some users concerned.

This advanced build automation tool is free to download from its official site.

7. Selenium

Selenium is a great tool for Java web application developers. It is a portable framework that automates browsers, which means web administration tasks can be easily automated as well.

Moreover, it supports a number of browser vendors. Consequently, most of the vendors have made Selenium a native part of their browser.

Selenium is categorized into two parts: Selenium WebDRiver and Selenium IDE. Selenium WebDriver is used to create browser-based regression automation and distribution and scaling of scripts, while Selenium IDE helps in creating quick bug reproduction and developing scripts for automation-aided exploratory testing.

It also supports multiple programming languages and browsers for cross-browser testing, as well as parallel test execution. While Selenium comes with its advantages of flexibility, third-party integrations, robots API, and a wider community, it is difficult to set up, has high initial cost, and high test maintenance that require constant updates.

You can download this open source tool without any upfront cost from Selenium’s official page.

8. IntelliJ IDEA

IDE is one of the most important tools for Java programmers. There are several IDEs (Integrated Development Environments) that are widely used by Java developers such as NetBeans or Eclipse. IntelliJ IDEA is also an IDE with many good features that could help Java developers create robust Java applications. Powered by deep intelligence, it indexes your source code and provides relevant suggestions to the users in every context.

As IntelliJ integrates IDE for JVM (Java virtual machine) languages, it enables developer productivity with intelligent code completion, SQL statement execution/refactoring tools, and advanced refactoring functionality.

Besides, it has all the crucial tools, supporting various build tools, version control systems, and CI/CD pipelines with a high level of customizability. However, users have noticed lagging performance such as failure to show detailed error. It is also comparatively expensive than other IDEs.

You can download it for free without spending a single penny from the IntelliJ IDEA Official Site, or get the Ultimate pack for $59.90 per user/year and the All Products Pack for $77.90 per user/year.

9. Splunk

Splunk is an interesting monitoring tool preferred by many Java development companies. It indexes your log files and analyzes your content using a machine learning algorithm.

The tool is excellent for complex IoT application development projects, building enterprise applications, and tackling security challenges in projects. It is very good for real-time monitoring, data ingestion, and building custom dashboards.

It connects machine data and provides insight into risks and opportunities. Besides, it can be scaled to meet the data needs and get some real-time answers.

Due to the scalability characteristics Splunk offers and powerful analytics, it is a good tool for processing big data volumes. But it sure is expensive when managing large data and difficult to operationalize, being a creature of significant skill.

Splunk offers a paid service with a free trial available through the Splunk Official Site.