IntelliJ IDEA Download for Free – 2023 Latest Version

Written by: Shauli Zacks

IntelliJ IDEA is a user-friendly Integrated Development Environment (IDE) software for Java developers. The platform was created by JetBrains and is available under the Apache 2.0 license. This gives you the freedom to write and develop code for royalty-free and non-commercial apps and products, plugins and addons, and IDEs.

It has excellent features for maximizing productivity and eliminating errors in your code, such as AutoComplete and color-coded code strings. In addition to Java, IntelliJ IDEA is compatible with most programming languages.

There are three versions of IntelliJ IDEA. Follow the instructions below, and I’ll show you how to download the free open-source Community Edition.

How to Download IntelliJ IDEA on PC for Free

1. Press the Download button on the sidebar, and the official IntelliJ IDEA download page will open.
2. Press the Download button under the Community headline for the free, open-source version of IntelliJ IDEA. The EXE setup file will automatically download to your computer.
3. Double click on the file to open the setup wizard when the EXE file download is complete.
4. Click Next to begin the setup process.
5. Choose your installation folder or use the default option and click Next.
6. You can configure the settings for IntelliJ IDEA, create a desktop icon, and which associations you want to install; .java, .grooy, .kt, and .kts. When you’re done, click Next.
7. Press the Install button, and the IntelliJ IDEA Community Version will install on your computer.

How to Uninstall IntelliJ IDEA from PC

If IntelliJ isn’t the right IDE for your needs, you can uninstall it from your computer by following these simple steps.

1. Type Add or Remove Programs in the Windows search bar and press the Enter key.
   
2. Scroll down through the list of installed programs until you find IntelliJ IDEA and click the Uninstall button.
   
3. Confirm that you want to delete the software completely, and Windows will remove it from your computer.

If you’re still looking for a free IDE platform for writing your code, check out the free IntelliJ IDEA alternatives below.

IntelliJ IDEA Overview

IntelliJ IDEA is one of the oldest IDE platforms. It was first released in 2001 and introduced advanced code navigation and integrated tools, such as code refactoring.

It received an award in 2010 from InfoWorld as the top java-based IDE, based on its high marks in the test center. Since then, IntelliJ has continued to improve its platform and add features that are designed to improve productivity by completing routine tasks, a smart code autocomplete, and code analysis.

In addition to the open-source community version, there is a subscription-based Ultimate Edition, which includes some advanced features not found in the Community version, and a free Educational version that includes interactive courses for teachers.

IntelliJ Features

IntelliJ IDEA is a multi-platform IDE that works with Windows, Mac, and Linux. The user experience is nearly identical across all three operating systems, which is convenient if you’re working from different computers.

The only real difference you’ll have to get used to are the keyboard shortcuts. IntelliJ has over 50 keyboard shortcuts for actions such as searching the entire code and going to files, classes, symbols, and declarations.

Supported Languages

The base program comes with support for JVM languages, which are:

• Java
• Kotlin
• Scala
• Groovy

You can also add plugins to support a wide range of popular coding languages such as; Python, PHP, SQL, JSON, XML,  HTML, Erland, Stylesheets, and more. While C and C++ aren’t officially supported, you can use the CLion plugin, which allows you to work with C/C++.

Smart Code Completion Tools

One of the key IntelliJ IDEA features is its smart code completion. The platform can offer suggestions in real-time for completing multiple codes, including classes, methods, fields, and expected keywords. Additionally, it’s easy to set up a task to automatically complete repetitive tasks, such as filling in fields, setting toggles, and searching for text through a list of several different elements.

Real-time code completion suggestions

IntelliJ IDEA has two types of autocomplete suggestions.

• Basic: Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Spacebar when you’re in the middle of a word, and you’ll receive a list of potential names, classes, and variables to finish your code. If you double-tap Ctrl+Space, you’ll see a list with invalid classes and static fields. By triple tapping the Ctrl+Space command, you’ll see an advanced list that includes all the classes listed in your document.
• Smart: While the basic completion gives you a full list of any word, class, or variable that can finish your word, Smart Completion limits its suggestions to words that make sense in the context of your code. You can turn on the Smart Code Completion by pressing Ctrl+Space+Shift.

Code Refactoring

One of the best productivity features in IntelliJ IDEA is code refactoring. It simplifies the process of changing the structure of the code throughout the entire document.

For example, if you want to rename a class, you can change it in one place instead of going through the entire code, and IntelliJ IDEA will automatically update that class for the entire project. Press CTRL+SHIFT+ALT+T to open the refactor settings and choose the code you wish to refactor. If there are several similar possibilities, you will need to confirm the refactor to avoid any confusion.

Use the shortcut Ctrl+Shift+Alt+T to open the refactor settings

Here are a few other popular shortcuts used for refactoring:

• Shift+F6 = Rename
• Ctrl+Alt+C = Extract a Constant
• Ctrl+Alt+V = Extract a Variable
• Ctrl+Alt+M = Extract a Method
• F6 = Move
• F5 = Copy

Automatically Scan Code for Bugs and Errors

IntelliJ IDEA has integrated tools that will inspect your code. The issues they can find include:

• Potential Bugs
• Dead Code
• Performance Issues
• Poor Code Structure

After the scan, the program will suggest a quick fix so you can correct the issue right away. Just click on the option you want, and it will replace the incorrect code.

The red text means there is an error, and the box below are suggested corrections

Free Alternatives to IntelliJ IDEA

• EclipseIDE: An open-source IDE for Java developers, Eclipse has a customizable  interface, with autocomplete and autocorrect tools. It’s compatible with open-source plugins to increase its functionality.
• Visual Studios: Developed by Microsoft, Visual Studios easily integrates with Windows and Windows platforms like Presentation Foundation, Windows Store, Windows API, and SilverLight. It has features for collaboration testing your code and has a large library of extensions that make it more powerful.

FAQ

Is IntelliJ IDEA free?

Yes! There are three versions of IntelliJ IDEA, and two of them are free. Follow the steps above, and I’ll show you how to download the open-source Community Edition, which includes all the tools and features you need to get started with the IDE. If you’re an educator, you can download the free Educational version, which includes interactive courses to teach various coding languages.

Is IntelliJ IDEA safe?

I tested the IntelliJ IDEA file in VirusTotal, and it showed no alerts for malicious software, viruses, Trojans, malware, or more. To ensure that you download a safe version of IntelliJ IDEA, follow my instructions above and download it from the official JetBrains site. 

Does IntelliJ IDEA have tools to correct coding mistakes?

The IntelliJ platform has several tools that help limit mistakes. It gives you several different autocomplete options as you type. This helps prevent careless spelling mistakes and inadvertently leaving out symbols. Tiy cab also runs a code analyzer that inspects your code and checks for potential bugs, errors in the code, poor structure, and more. It provides instant suggestions for fixing mistakes or improving the code.

Which languages does IntelliJ IDEA support?

IntelliJ IDEA is a Java-based program with integrated tools for the following JVM languages; Java, Kotlin, Scala, and Groovy. You can also install plugins that support most major programming languages. 

Visit IntelliJ IDEA Website