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If you are a Java developer looking for a powerful IDE that can get you started in no time, you should look no further than NetBeans.

Why?

• NetBeans is free and open-source. A lot of people list preference with open-source software just because it is free. But beyond just the cost, there is a lot more to open-source software that is exciting and inviting. It means that a community of developers from across the world are pouring in their ideas with the sole intention of creating great software. Plus think of how much testing they can get done from folks who download their betas.
• NetBeans helps you hit the ground running. A month or so ago, I was giving an overview of Struts to my cousin. He wanted a short demo using Eclipse. However, we couldn’t configure Eclipse for Struts even after some concerted efforts at doing so. The plugins we found were found wanting. NetBeans made the task much easier, with its in-built support for Struts (and a host of other popular frameworks.) There is also support for GUI design, Java EE, PHP, Ruby, C++, the whole works; but yeah, you get the point.
• NetBeans comes as a full package. NetBeans comes pre-built with GlassFish and Apache Tomcat servers, and JavaDB. So, you don’t need to spend time trying to setup servers and databases just to get a simple Web application up and running. You can throw in MySQL into the mix as well.
• NetBeans is from Sun Microsystems. The Java guys. They are behind NetBeans. This is reassuring because whether you are a big business trying to adopt a new IDE for your development team or a developer who wants a full-featured IDE, you can trust a name like Sun to have a roadmap for the IDE. Plus they would be able to align IDE development to the developments in the language as well. One might have to mention MySQL again, as it is now a Sun product.
• NetBeans has a rich set of plugins. You betcha!

So go ahead and give NetBeans, which turns 10 this week, a shot. You are sure to recommend it to all your friends!

P.S.: If you have been using NetBeans for a while, Sun Microsystems is offering a free beta of the Sun Certified Specialist NetBeans IDE exam. Here are the SCSN exam details.