As an integrated development environment (IDE), NetBeans allows programmers to create applications using several programming languages. The IDE is written in Java, and can be used as an application platform framework to build Java desktop applications. However, NetBeans supports a variety of programming languages in addition to Java, including C, C++, PHP and HTML5. The IDE can further run on Windows, Linux, Solaris, OS X, and other operating systems that support compatible Java Virtual Machine (JVM).



The platform provides a set of modular software components called modules to developers that can be used to create applications extendable to third-party developers. Oracle also recently released NetBeans IDE 8.0. Despite supporting several programming languages, the NetBeans platform is still not popular among modern developers. There are several developers who hate some of the features and functionality provided by the Java IDEs.

1) Not Easy to Upgrade to the Most Recent Version

Unlike other Java IDEs, the updated version of NetBeans IDE cannot be installed by the developers in a hassle-free way. They have to address a number of minor issues while upgrading to the released or beats version of NetBeans. When a user installs the most recent version of the IDE, it gets installed to a new directory. Further, the older versions of NetBeans are not uninstalled from the system automatically. So the user has to uninstall the older versions from his system to keep memory space free.

2) Inefficient Handling of Large Files

Nowadays, most applications are data-driven. So the applications need to work effectively with large files and huge amount of information. But many reports have highlighted that developers have to address memory hugs while using NetBeans IDE. Also, the platform does not handle large files and data efficiently. So the platform does not complement the requirements of complex application that needs to use a huge amount of information and data from various sources.

3) Problem in NetBeans GUI Builder

Unlike other Java IDEs, NetBeans supports a single Java GUI development. But the Java GUI looks more inefficient in comparison to the GUIs provided by other frameworks. The source for the Java GUI is further generated from the NetBeans Patent source. So the developers do not have any option to edit the Generated Code manually. The quality of the Java GUI development also affects the popularity of NetBeans IDE among programmers adversely.

4) Difficult to Configure the IDE

Many developers even find it complex and time-consuming to configure the NetBeans IDE. Often the platform does not even save the earlier configurations. So developers have to put additional time and effort to reconfigure the IDE from the scratch. Also, they find it tough to copy the run configuration. Thus, they find it a daunting challenge to grasp the platform at more advanced levels.

5) Limited Plugins

Programmers, nowadays, look for a huge variety of plugins to optimize the performance of an application without writing lengthy code. In comparison NetBeans, other widely used Java IDEs like Eclipse provide huge array of plugins. So developers can always use the required plugins to enhance the application's capabilities. NetBeans also lacks some of the Google development tools required for building mobile apps for the Android mobile platform.

However, each user has options to overcome the limitations of NetBeans IDE. For instance, he can install additional modules to extend the IDE for other programming languages. Also, they can use the platform to build Java applications immediately as the IDE includes all the models required for creating Java applications. A developer can further evaluate the features of NetBeans IDE 8.0 based on the specific needs of a project to decide about its suitability and usage. For further complex requirements you can think of outsourcing java development to companies in India.


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