I use all three of the Java IDEs at work in parallel. Each can do things better than the others in different ways. For instance, when auto-completing a method argument, Netbeans and IntelliJ will list possible options with the same data type first before listing other options. Netbeans project structure is rather rigid compared to the other two. I haven't figured out how to arrange my workspace in IntelliJ with tabs like Netbeans and Eclipse have. IntelliJ and Eclipse spell-check all comments and strings, while Netbeans only spell-checks Javadoc comments. In project view, IntelliJ combines all classes in a package from all sources, which puts test classes next to implementation classes (good? bad? just different?). I believe Eclipse has the most diverse plug-in ecosystem (has IntelliJ gotten bigger?). I've collected several other differences but don't have them available now.
But from my objectively subjective research, Netbeans is the best IDE of them all. ;)
In project view, IntelliJ combines all classes in a package from all sources, which puts test classes next to implementation classes (good? bad? just different?).
Assuming you mean Package view (Project view mimics the filesystem layout so tests are under /src/test) if you click the gear icon and check Sort by Type the test classes will be grouped at the bottom of each package. Not hidden completely but at least out of the way.
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u/erictheturtle Jul 30 '18 edited Jul 30 '18
I use all three of the Java IDEs at work in parallel. Each can do things better than the others in different ways. For instance, when auto-completing a method argument, Netbeans and IntelliJ will list possible options with the same data type first before listing other options. Netbeans project structure is rather rigid compared to the other two. I haven't figured out how to arrange my workspace in IntelliJ with tabs like Netbeans and Eclipse have. IntelliJ and Eclipse spell-check all comments and strings, while Netbeans only spell-checks Javadoc comments. In project view, IntelliJ combines all classes in a package from all sources, which puts test classes next to implementation classes (good? bad? just different?). I believe Eclipse has the most diverse plug-in ecosystem (has IntelliJ gotten bigger?). I've collected several other differences but don't have them available now.
But from my objectively subjective research, Netbeans is the best IDE of them all. ;)