What is Eclipse?
Eclipse is an integrated development platform (IDE) that is used for the development purposes of programs. It mainly provides a development environment for Java. However, Python, C++, and C# are also supported by Eclipse. Eclipse is specially designed for Java programs, ranging from newbies to professionals and experts. Developers who use a language other than Java are required to download the personalized plugin to ensure workability in their chosen language.
Eclipse, as a software, is protected by the Eclipse Public License, which ensures its free availability and support for developers. By nature, Eclipse is open-source, implying that it can be modified and redistributed without seeking approval from the software vendor. Usually, IDEs with GNU Classpath face a lot of problems. However, this is not the case with Eclipse because it has proven seamless in performance. Eclipse has launched its community workspace where developers can collaborate and seek solutions to their problems.
So far, the company has rolled out three editions of Eclipse. Each edition is tailored to meet the needs of developers at different levels of expertise. Eclipse’s Standard Edition is costless and is protected by the license to be open-source. Moreover, Photon EDGE is another edition of Eclipse, featuring various novelties in functionality. It is available to be bought at $400. Eclipse also has a Developer Edition, available for $100 – ideally made for average-level developers. This IDE has extended compatibility and can be used on Windows, Mac, and Linux alike.
What is IntelliJ?
Intellij IDE is a software development tool that allows developers to code in multiple languages. IntelliJ is developed using a number of languages, especially Java. IntelliJ stands among one of the globally used IDEs. Many developers have chosen it for its greater accessibility and proven workability. IntelliJ is ideal for beginners who are new in the field of programming because its interface is simple and easier to use.
IntelliJ is characterized by its ability to provide parallel support to developers. Alongside offering a development environment, IntelliJ gives insights into the nature and structure of the code. In this way, it is highly instructive and makes it easier for young coders to write code without much hassle. IntelliJ is equipped with efficient packing faculty to allow code export across other platforms. It provides greater control over code during and after development.
IntelliJ is available online in two packages: Community Edition and Ultimate Edition. The former version is free of cost and can be used and modified by any user. The latter is relatively more equipped, but it comes at the expense of $500. It is noticed that the Standard Edition of IntelliJ provides almost all the features required for a feasible and convenient programming experience. All editions can be used on Windows, Linux, and Mac OS alike.
Difference Between Eclipse and IntelliJ
- Eclipse offers a relatively complex interface for beginners, whereas IntelliJ is quite easier-to-use for newbies.
- Eclipse is specially designed for Java development, whereas IntelliJ is better for non-Java development projects.
- Eclipse entails full-fledged community support, whereas IntelliJ is deficient in this respect of supportability.
- Eclipse rolls out more free plugins to its users, whereas IntelliJ primarily does not provide unpaid plugins.
- Eclipse is open-source and can be modified and redistributed, whereas IntelliJ prohibits its unauthorized usage.
Comparison Between Eclipse and IntelliJ
| Parameters of Comparison | Eclipse | IntelliJ |
| Origin | Eclipse is developed by IBM | ItelliJ is developed by JetBrains |
| Versions | Standard, Java-EE Developer, and Photon EDGE Editions | Community Edition, Ultimate Edition |
| Support | More Languages | Fewer Languages |
| Cost | Less Expensive | More Expensive |
| Plugin Availability | Plugins are provided by the platform | Plugins are available at the marketplace |