How to download and install IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition

Introduction

The IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition stands as one of the leading integrated development environments (IDEs) that developers use for Java programming tasks.

As an open-source platform, this version serves as a free edition of IntelliJ IDEA Ultimate. While providing key functionalities for Java development together with Kotlin and additional programming languages.

The following guide demonstrates how to get and set up IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition across Windows, macOS, and Linux environments.

What is IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition?

Many websites developed IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition as a free IDE that focuses mainly on Java programming. Users receive smart coding options along with debugging capabilities through its wide selection of productive tools.

Key Features:

1. Free and open-source

2. Intelligent code completion

3. Version control system integration

4. The IDE directly supports development with Java Kotlin and Groovy

5. Customizable interface with themes and plugins

6. Advanced refactoring and debugging features

7. Code analysis and optimization tools

8. Seamless integration with build tools like Maven and Gradle

9. The feature enables developers to work on their external server-stored projects through SSH-based remote development.

10. Internal tools assist developers to work with Docker and Kubernetes through native containerized application support.

Where to Download IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition Safely?

Folks should acquire IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition from its official website since it offers safety against harmful downloads.

Steps to Set Up IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition on macOS

Step 1: Download the macOS Installer

• Visit the IntelliJ IDEA download website from the initial page.

• Open the IntelliJ IDEA download page, then choose macOS edition, followed by downloading the.dmg file.

Step 2: Install IntelliJ IDEA

• Open the installation file located in the .dmg file you just downloaded.

• Move the IntelliJ IDEA icon to place it inside the Applications folder.

Step 3: Launch IntelliJ IDEA

Choose Finder on your screen and access Applications by browsing to the IntelliJ IDEA program and double-clicking it for execution.

How to Install IntelliJ Community Edition for Linux

Step 1: Download the Linux Installer

• Visit the official site.

• You must choose Linux in the download menu, followed by downloading a.tzr.gz package.

The next step consists of IntelliJ IDEA installation for Linux systems.

1. Open a terminal window.

2. Use a terminal to access the location where the file exists.

3. Extract the file using:

tar -xzf ideaIC-*.tar.gz

4. Move to the extracted directory:
   cd idea-IC-*

5. Run IntelliJ IDEA:

    ./bin/[idea.sh](http://idea.sh)

Download IntelliJ Community Edition as your software for Java development.

The widespread adoption of IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition as a Java development platform comes from its smart code tools along with its comprehensive debugging features and project-building capabilities.

Why Use IntelliJ IDEA for Java?

• Supports Maven and Gradle

• Built-in Git integration

• Advanced debugging tools

• Smart code completion

The development process begins with opening IntelliJ IDEA, followed by creating a new Java project within the application interface.

• Open IntelliJ IDEA.

• Click on New Project.

• Select Java and configure SDK.

• The last dialog box leads to your new Java project completion.

IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition vs. PyCharm for Python

Python developers must choose between using IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition or its dedicated Python version, PyCharm.

Comparison Table:

Which One Should You Choose?

• The choice for a modern, feature-packed IDE should be the IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition.

• The Eclipse IDE serves as a suitable alternative for users who want open-source capabilities and high extensibility.

• Visual Studio Code provides effective editing functionality and provides multi-language support for users who need a lightweight program.

IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition Offline Installer

A user without internet access can obtain the IntelliJ IDEA installer through the offline version to set up the software across various machines.

How to Get the Offline Installer:

• Visit the website download page.

• Download the Community Edition installer.

• Keep this file for later use during offline installation procedures.

IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition Setup

Users can complete the IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition setup through the following procedures after installation:

1. Adjust the IDE Theme when configuring its Layout

• The application provides three theme options, which include Light and Dark alongside Custom.

• Let users position toolbars together with panels for maximum utility.

2. Install Plugins

• Access File through the settings menu to reach the plugins submenu.

• Users need to activate plugin functionality by performing a plugin search followed by the installation step.

3. Set Up Version Control

• Access the Version Control Integration section from VCS, then enable the feature.

• Compile your choice from among the variety of VCS, such as Git, Mercurial, and others.

4. Configure JVM and Memory Settings

• Open Help → Edit Custom VM Options.

• Adjust memory settings if needed for better performance.

How to Install IntelliJ IDEA on Windows

Step 1: Download IntelliJ IDEA

1. Visit the official website:

2. Choose the edition:

   • Community Edition (Free): It is best for beginners and open-source projects.

   • Ultimate Edition (Paid, Trial Available): The program contains advanced capabilities for constructing web applications as well as enterprise solutions

3. Click on Download:
   Open the Windows option, followed by waiting for the downloading process to finish.

Step 2: Install IntelliJ IDEA

1. Locate the downloaded file:
   The installer file (e.g., ideaIC-2024.1.exe for the Community Edition) will be in your Downloads folder.

2. Run the installer: Double-click the .exe file to start the installation.

3. Follow the Setup Wizard:
   Click "Next" on the welcome screen.

4. Choose the installation path:

   • By default, IntelliJ IDEA installs in C:\Program Files\JetBrains\IntelliJ IDEA.

   • You can change the location if needed.

5. Select Installation Options:

   • Create Desktop Shortcut (32-bit/64-bit)—recommended for quick access.

   • Update PATH variable: Allows running IntelliJ from the command line.

   • Associate.java files: Opens Java files in IntelliJ IDEA by default.

6. Click Next, then Install.

Step 3: Launch IntelliJ IDEA

1. Start IntelliJ IDEA:

   • After installation, check "Run IntelliJ IDEA" and click Finish.

   • Alternatively, open it from the Start menu or desktop shortcut.

2. Customize Initial Setup:

   • Choose UI theme: Light or Dark (Darcula).

   • Import settings if upgrading from an older version.

   • Download additional plugins if required.

Step 4: Configure IntelliJ IDEA

1. Set Up the JDK (Java Development Kit):

   • Install the JDK.

   • In IntelliJ IDEA, go to File > Project Structure > SDKs, then select the JDK location.

2. Create a New Project:

   • Click New Project and choose Java (or any other language).

   • Select the JDK you installed.

   • Click Finish to start coding.

How to Install and Set Up Flutter in IntelliJ IDEA on Windows

Google developed Flutter as a well-known user interface toolkit that enables developers to create native applications that operate on mobile and multiple platforms using a solitary codebase.

The integration of Flutter and Dart by IntelliJ IDEA delivers first-class support for development applications, so it works perfectly for Flutter projects.

The upcoming guide demonstrates the comprehensive process to install and configure Flutter inside the IntelliJ IDEA development environment on a Windows platform.

Step 1: Install Flutter

The first requirement for starting Flutter in IntelliJ IDEA consists of Flutter installation on your Windows system.

1. Download Flutter

• You should visit the official Flutter website located at https://flutter.dev.

• Follow the interface procedure by clicking on Get Started.

• Select Windows from the list of operating systems.

• Obtain the newest version of Flutter SDK (Windows) through the zip file download.

2. Extract Flutter SDK

• The ZIP file downloaded from the internet should be found within the "Download" folder.

• Select Extract All through the file’s right-click menu or use WinRAR together with the 7-Zip utility for extraction.

• Flutter should be extracted to the C:\flutter directory, but it can also be placed in any other PC folder.

3. Add Flutter to System Path

The system path requires Flutter to be added so users can execute Flutter commands from any position within the Command Prompt (CMD).

• Launch File Explorer, then navigate to C:\flutter\bin but use the actual Flutter installation directory if you did not place it there.

• Copy the path (e.g., C:\flutter\bin).

• Access the Windows search bar to look for environment variables before launching the editing interface for system environment variables.

• Open File Explorer to navigate to Environment Variables, then find and select Path under "System Variables," after which click Edit.

• After opening the dialog box, select New, then paste the path, which is C:\flutter\bin.

• Press OK to implement and terminate the open windows.

4. Verify Flutter Installation

• Open Command Prompt (CMD) and type:
  flutter doctor

• Press Enter. The command helps detect missing dependencies in the system. The output will supply instructions to remedy unfulfilled requirements if any conditions are not satisfied.

Step 2: Install IntelliJ IDEA

Step 3: The user needs to install both Flutter and Dart plugins in IntelliJ IDEA.

1. Open IntelliJ IDEA

• Open IntelliJ IDEA by accessing it through desktop or the Start menu.

• Open the Plugins feature by using the Welcome screen navigation or by selecting the option File → Settings → Plugins.

2. Install the Flutter Plugin

• Search for Flutter inside the Plugins window through the provided search field.

• Click on the Install button from the Flutter plugin.

• The IDE presents a recommendation to install the Dart plugin because it serves as a necessary component for operating with Flutter. Click Install.

• A restart of IntelliJ IDEA will enforce the applied modifications.

Step 4: Establish Flutter functionality within IntelliJ IDEA.

1. Create a New Flutter Project

• In the first step, users need to open up IntelliJ IDEA and then select New Project.

• Select Flutter from the list.

• Users who encounter issues with automatic Flutter detection can solve this by choosing Browse, followed by selecting the Flutter SDK folder located at C:\flutter and confirming with OK.

• Continue by configuring the project name alongside its location.

• The creation of the project is completed by selecting Finish.

2. Run Your Flutter App

A physical Android device requires a USB connection after activating Developer Mode and USB Debugging features, while Android Emulator needs Android Studio installation.

• Open the main.dart file because it serves as the entry point for your Flutter application within the project folder.

• You can begin the application either by pressing the Run button or by hitting Shift + F10.

Step 5: Verify Flutter Setup

You must execute this command through the CMD or IntelliJ IDEA terminal to verify system correctness:

flutter doctor

This will help determine whether essential packages are correctly installed. Users should implement the provided guidelines to address any arising issues.

Conclusion

Java developers possess the powerful free IDE named IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition. The installation process for IntelliJ IDEA remains uncomplicated because it supports Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. You can use this guide to obtain and enable the operation of IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition for your programming work.

The Python development platform is more suitable for users requiring an IDE since PyCharm provides better options, while IntelliJ IDEA stands as a preferred choice for Java programming. You can obtain the newest code editor version right now to begin writing your programs.

FAQ’s

1. Is it free to use IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition?

• Yes, It’s Free! The IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition is open source and licensed under Apache 2.0, free to use.

• Use It Forever—Indefinitively, at no cost, for any personal, educational, or commercial projects.

• Feature-Packed Java & Kotlin: Equipped with some basic tools for Java, Kotlin, and Groovy development, but nothing from the more advanced additions of the Ultimate edition.

• No Subscription Supposed: The Community Edition, as opposed to IntelliJ IDEA Ultimate, does not need a subscription or any kind of fee for licensing.

2. What are the key features of IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition?

In particular, it contains: smart code completion; a powerful built-in debugger; integrated version control systems (git); and support in the projects of Java, Kotlin, and Gradle.

3. Is IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition supportable under Python or PHP?

The Community Edition has no support for Python or PHP. You have to remember IntelliJ IDEA Ultimate and PyCharm/PHPStorm for these types of languages.

4. Could I use IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition in the development of commercial projects?

Yes, it can be legally used for commercial development because its licensing is under Apache 2.0.