What is the Difference Between Eclipse and NetBeans

The main difference between Eclipse and NetBeans is that the Eclipse is a free, Java-based development platform known for its plug-ins that allow programmers to develop and test code written in other programming languages while the NetBeans is an open source modular based Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for developing applications in Java, PHP, C++, and other languages.

An IDE is a software application that provides facilities for developing software. It contains code editor, automation tools, debugger, compiler, interpreter and other required tools to develop applications. Also, it provides all the necessary tools in a single environment and makes the development process easier. Eclipse and NetBeans are two popular IDEs. Both of them provide multiple advantages and the programmer can select one depending on the size and the type of the project and personal preference.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Eclipse
     – Definition, Functionality
2. What is NetBeans
     – Definition, Functionality
3. What are the Similarities Between Eclipse and NetBeans
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Eclipse and NetBeans
    – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Eclipse, IDE, NetBeans

What is Eclipse

Eclipse is an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) to write computer programs. It has a base workspace and an extensible plug-in system to customize the environment. The main use of it is for the Java development. But, it can also be used with other programming languages using plugins. Some of them are C++, JavaScript, PHP, etc. There are Java development tools (JDT) for Java and Scala, Eclipse CDT for C and C++ and Eclipse PDT for PHP. Eclipse also helps to create documents with LaTex and packages for Mathematica software.

Eclipse software development Kit (SDK) is open source. Therefore, programmers can easily download and install it to develop applications. Also, the programmers can extend the IDE capabilities by installing plugins such as development toolkits for other programming languages. Furthermore, programmers can write and contribute their own plugins using Eclipse.

What is NetBeans

NetBeans is an IDE commonly used for Java. It allows developing an application using a set of modular software components called modules. Moreover, NetBeans is available for various platforms such as Windows, Mac OS, Linux, and Solaris.

NetBeans supports all Java application types including Java SE, Java ME, web, EJB, mobile, etc. Furthermore, it provides additional features such as Maven support, version controlling, etc. Also, NetBeans is not just limited for Java development. It has extensions for other programming languages such as C, C++, PHP, HTML, and, JavaScript. Besides, NetBeans provides multiple advantages. It provides fast and smart code editing. Moreover, it is easier to manage the application and allows writing a bug-free code.

Similarities Between Eclipse and NetBeans

• Eclipse and NetBeans are open source and cross-platform.
• Both offer support for Java 8.
• Also, both IDEs support different languages such as C, C++, PHP etc.
• Moreover, they both offer an extensive number of plugins to extend the IDE capabilities.
• Furthermore, both offer raid User Interface designing using the GUI drag and drop functionality.
• Additionally, both offer automatic code completion feature.
• Finally, both provide testing and debugging features.

Difference Between Eclipse and NetBeans

Definition

Eclipse is an open-source platform of extensible software development application frameworks, tools, and runtimes that was initially created as a Java-based integrated development environment (IDE). NetBeans is an IDE that allows developing Java desktop, mobile, and web applications as well as applications in other languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, C++, and, PHP quickly and easily. Hence, this briefs the main difference between Eclipse and NetBeans.

Enterprise Applications

Another difference between Eclipse and NetBeans is that the Enterprise Application Development is easier in NetBeans than Eclipse. For example, Servlet and JSP development and deployment are fairly simple compared to Eclipse.

Learning Curve

Moreover, NetBeans is easier to learn than Eclipse.

Database Support

Eclipse has JDBC driver support but it requires some time to configure the connection. NetBeans comes with built-in support for drivers such as MySQL, and Oracle. Thus, this is a major difference between Eclipse and NetBeans.

Initial Starting Time

Another difference between Eclipse and NetBeans is that the NetBeans take more time to start the IDE than Eclipse. 

Maven Support

Furthermore, support for Maven is better in NetBeans than in Eclipse.

Conclusion

Briefly, the difference between Eclipse and NetBeans is that the Eclipse is a free, Java-based development platform known for its plug-ins that allow programmers to develop and test code written in other programming languages while the NetBeans is an open source modular based Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for developing applications in Java, PHP, C++, and other languages.

Reference:

1. “Eclipse (Software).” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 17 Oct. 2018, Available here.
2. “NetBeans.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 20 Sept. 2018, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Eclipse” By No machine-readable author provided. Kb3lja assumed (based on copyright claims). – No machine-readable source provided. Own work assumed (based on copyright claims) (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Netbeans global” By Moriline – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia