NetBeans IDE is much more than a Java IDE: We designed NetBeans IDE as a modular developer tool for a wide range of development tasks. The base IDE includes an advanced multi-language editor, debugger and profiler integration, file versioning control, and unique developer collaboration features.

IDE-wide QuickSearch 

Use the Ctrl-i shortcut to do a context-sensitive search throughout the IDE, the help sets, and all open projects. You will find the search term not only in files, types or symbols, but also all related menu actions, option panels, and documentation.

Custom Installer

Select the NetBeans IDE download that provides the features you need. You can either choose the download with all features and then configure the installation so that only the features you need actually get installed; or you choose one of the smaller downloads that has only a subset of the features.

Plugin Manager

You can always use the Plugins Manager from the Tools menu to add, remove, or update sets of features for Java SE, Java EE, Java ME, JavaFX, Ruby, Groovy, PHP, C/C++, UML, or SOA development, including a wide variety of other features from third-party providers.

Standards-Based Project System 

The NetBeans IDE uses industry-standards build technologies, this means you can build and run your projects outside the IDE exactly the same as inside the IDE. Java projects use the non-proprietary Apache Ant 1.7.1 by default, and can be configured to use Maven; C and C++ projects use make, and Ruby projects use rake. You can import Eclipse and JBuilder projects. Imported Eclipse projects stay synchronized with their original when you modify them in Eclipse.

Customize Your Projects

Set up properties and compilation dependencies between your projects, and use relative library paths to make projects sharable. The IDE builds executables and archive files in a number of formats, including JAR, WAR, NBM, Web Start, and Zip files ready for distribution.

Templates and Sample Applications

You can create a free-form projects based on an existing build script and sources, or start projects from a template. The IDE comes with templates and sample projects for Java SE applications, mobile applications, web applications, enterprise applications, JavaFX applications, NetBeans plugins, Groovy, PHP, C and C++ applications, SOA applications, Ruby and Ruby on Rails applications.

Databases and Services

The Services window gives you access to all your databases and web servers, as well as web services and enterprise JavaBeans (EJBs). You can start and stop servers, and drag and drop web services and EJBs into your projects.

Task List

The NetBeans Task List automatically scans your code and lists commented lines containing words such as "TODO" or "FIXME", and lines with compile errors, quick fixes, and style warnings. Connect to a bug database (e.g. Issuezilla, Bugzilla, java.net, Scarab) and list issue reports for your project right in the IDE. You can always import and export your task lists in standard iCalendar format.

Sliding Windows

The IDE's workspace is fully customizable: Customize the actions in the toolbar and drag and reposition tabs in the IDE window to suit your individual workflow.

Multiple Monitors

Undock any editor tab by dragging and dropping it outside the IDE: It will turn into an independent window that you can move to a second screen. To reintegrate the tab into the IDE window, drag and drop it back.

Project Groups

Project groups allow you to define sets of related projects. This allows you to quickly open and close several grouped projects in one step.