Base IDE

NetBeans IDE is much more than a Java IDE: We designed NetBeans IDE as a modular developer tool for a wide range of development tasks. The base IDE includes an advanced multi-language editor, debugger and profiler integration, file versioning control, and unique developer collaboration features.
IDE-wide QuickSearch Use the Ctrl-i shortcut to do a context-sensitive search throughout the IDE, the help sets, and all open projects. You will find the search term not only in files, types or symbols, but also all related menu actions, option panels, and documentation. Custom Installer Select the NetBeans IDE download that provides the features you need. You can either choose the download with all features and then configure the installation so that only the features you need actually get installed; or you choose one of the smaller downloads that has only a subset of the features.
Plugin Manager You can always use the Plugins Manager from the Tools menu to add, remove, or update sets of features for Java SE, Java EE, Java ME, JavaFX, Ruby, Groovy, PHP, C/C++, UML, or SOA development, including a wide variety of other features from third-party providers.
Customize Your Projects Set up properties and compilation dependencies between your projects, and use relative library paths to make projects sharable. Store various project configurations for different development phases. The IDE builds binary executables and archive files in a number of formats, including JAR, WAR, EAR, NBM, JNLP Web Start, and ZIP files, ready for distribution.
Templates and Sample Applications You can create a free-form projects based on an existing build script and sources, or start projects from a template. The IDE comes with templates and sample projects for Java SE applications, mobile applications, web applications, enterprise applications, JavaFX applications, NetBeans plugins, Groovy, PHP, C and C++ applications, Ruby and Ruby on Rails applications. Databases and Services The Services window gives you access to all your databases and web servers, as well as web services and enterprise JavaBeans (EJBs). You can start and stop servers, and drag and drop web services and EJBs into your projects.
Task List The NetBeans Task List automatically scans your code and lists commented lines containing words such as "TODO" or "FIXME", and lines with compile errors, quick fixes, and style warnings. Connect to a bug database (e.g. Issuezilla, Bugzilla, java.net, Scarab) and list issue reports for your project right in the IDE. You can always import and export your task lists in standard iCalendar format.
Sliding Windows The IDE's workspace is fully customizable: Customize the actions in the toolbar and drag and reposition tabs in the IDE window to suit your individual workflow. Multiple Monitors Undock any editor tab by dragging and dropping it outside the IDE: It will turn into an independent window that you can move to a second screen. To reintegrate the tab into the IDE window, drag and drop it back. Project Groups Project groups allow you to define sets of related projects. This allows you to quickly open and close several grouped projects in one step.

Editor Language-aware editor with code coloring, code-completion and improved navigation

Collaboration Integration for collaboration services of kenai.com

Versioning Integrated file version control and local file history

Build tools Taking control of your build with Ant, Hudson, and Maven

Databases An integrated user interface for your databases