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Choosing the right IDE is one of the biggest decisions a Java developer makes. If you’re starting with Java—or switching teams—you’ll quickly hear the classic debate:
IntelliJ IDEA vs Visual Studio Code — which one is better for Java?
Most experienced Java developers say IntelliJ IDEA wins, especially for enterprise-level development. And there’s a clear reason: IntelliJ is built specifically for Java, while VS Code is a lightweight editor depending heavily on extensions.
Before diving deep, here are the official websites for reference:
- IntelliJ IDEA — https://www.jetbrains.com/idea/
- Visual Studio Code — https://code.visualstudio.com/
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Java Is Heavy — IntelliJ Is Built for Heavy Java Work
Java projects often involve:
- Multi-module builds
- Maven/Gradle automation
- Spring Boot, JPA, Hibernate
- Large monorepos
- Complex debugging
- Deep refactoring
IntelliJ is designed to handle all of this out of the box.
VS Code can handle Java, but its Java ability depends almost entirely on extensions such as Red Hat’s Java plugin, JDT LS, Maven plugins, and debugger extensions.
1. IntelliJ Has Deep Java Code Understanding
IntelliJ internally behaves like a compiler.
It understands:
- Types
- Generics
- Modules
- Annotations
- Frameworks
- Build pipelines
Benefits
- Errors appear before compiling
- Accurate code suggestions
- Better autocomplete
- Zero false positives
- Real-time code analysis
VS Code often lags in depth because it relies on a remote language server.
2. IntelliJ’s Refactoring Tools Are Best-in-Class
Refactoring is a must for Java developers. IntelliJ provides extremely safe and powerful refactoring options.
IntelliJ can:
- Extract interfaces
- Change method signatures
- Rename across modules
- Auto-update imports everywhere
- Inline methods/variables
- Detect broken designs
VS Code supports only basic refactoring with limited reliability.
3. Maven & Gradle Support is Far Better in IntelliJ
IntelliJ deeply integrates with Maven and Gradle.
IntelliJ benefits:
- Real-time project synchronization
- Visual dependency trees
- Clean project structure
- Faster build resolution
- Multi-module project support
VS Code’s Maven/Gradle support depends on external extensions and can break in enterprise setups.
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4. Debugging in IntelliJ = Enterprise-Level Power
IntelliJ IDEA’s debugger is one of the strongest in the world.
Features include:
- HotSwap (modify code while debugging)
- Advanced breakpoints
- Memory analysis
- Thread debugging
- Expression evaluation
- Java Flight Recorder support
VS Code debugging “works,” but it lacks the depth and control required for large Java applications.
5. Framework Support: IntelliJ Is Unmatched
IntelliJ integrates perfectly with Java frameworks like:
- Spring Boot
- Hibernate
- JPA
- Micronaut
- Quarkus
- Jakarta EE
- JavaFX
It understands beans, entities, queries, and project mapping at a deep level.
VS Code relies on third-party extensions that only provide partial coverage.
6. Productivity Tools Built Inside IntelliJ
IntelliJ includes:
- Database viewer
- UML diagram generator
- HTTP client
- Terminal
- VCS tools
- Code cleanup tools
- Built-in templates
- Test generator
VS Code requires 10–15 separate extensions to match these features.
7. IntelliJ Feels Like a Complete IDE
VS Code is lightweight, modular, and excellent for:
- HTML / CSS / JS
- Python
- Config files (YAML/JSON)
- AI-assisted development
However, IntelliJ gives the stability, tooling depth, and ecosystem integration needed for enterprise Java.
Then Why Do Developers Still Use VS Code?
Even though IntelliJ is superior for Java, VS Code has clear advantages in areas like:
- GitHub Copilot
- ChatGPT plugins
- MCP (Model Context Protocol) tools
- Lightweight editing
- DevOps workflow
- Quick scripting
- YAML/JSON configuration
Modern Workflow:
- Use IntelliJ IDEA for full Java development
- Use VS Code for AI coding + quick edits + config files
This hybrid approach is now common in many companies.
My Opinion
After working with both extensively:
✔ IntelliJ IDEA = Best for Java
✔ VS Code = Best for AI, speed, and multi-language editing
✔ Using both = Maximum productivity
If you’re serious about Java, IntelliJ is non-negotiable.
If you want fast editing and AI-first tools, VS Code is unbeatable.
FAQ: IntelliJ vs VS Code for Java
1. Is IntelliJ better than VS Code for Java?
Yes. IntelliJ offers better code intelligence, refactoring, framework support, debugging, and build tool integration.
2. Can VS Code replace IntelliJ for Java?
Not for enterprise projects.
VS Code is fine for small apps, but IntelliJ is far better for production Java.
3. Why do developers still use VS Code if IntelliJ is better?
Because VS Code excels in:
- AI tools like Copilot/ChatGPT
- Speed
- Multi-language editing
- DevOps and frontend tasks
4. Is IntelliJ Community Edition enough for Java?
Yes, for basic Java development.
For Spring Boot, JPA, and advanced features, IntelliJ Ultimate is recommended.
5. Which IDE is better for beginners?
IntelliJ Community Edition — it provides a smoother, smarter Java experience.
6. Which handles large Java projects better?
IntelliJ IDEA.
VS Code struggles with multi-module Gradle/Maven builds.
7. Which IDE uses more resources?
IntelliJ uses more RAM/CPU, but provides deeper Java capabilities.
VS Code is lighter but relies on many extensions.
8. Which is better for Spring Boot?
IntelliJ IDEA Ultimate — best support for beans, configs, JPA, and debugging.
9. Can I use IntelliJ and VS Code together?
Yes, and most teams do.
IntelliJ for Java, VS Code for AI and config files.
10. Which IDE is best for Java nowadays?
IntelliJ IDEA remains the number-one Java IDE globally.
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Arsalan Malik is a passionate Software Engineer and the Founder of Makemychance.com. A proud CDAC-qualified developer, Arsalan specializes in full-stack web development, with expertise in technologies like Node.js, PHP, WordPress, React, and modern CSS frameworks.
He actively shares his knowledge and insights with the developer community on platforms like Dev.to and engages with professionals worldwide through LinkedIn.
Arsalan believes in building real-world projects that not only solve problems but also educate and empower users. His mission is to make technology simple, accessible, and impactful for everyone.
