Apache NetBeans
What it is
Apache NetBeans is a development environment, tooling platform, and application framework for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Its editor highlights source code by syntax and meaning and supports refactoring. Editors, wizards, and templates are available for Java, PHP, and other languages, while plugins and support for JavaFX and JavaScript are also linked from the project site. The NetBeans Platform is a modular framework for Swing applications, with features such as state saving, menus, toolbars, keyboard shortcuts, and window management. NetBeans is free for commercial and non-commercial use under the Apache License. The listed latest release is NetBeans 31, dated August 10, 2026; it supports JDK 26, 25, or 21, with initial support for JDK 27. Downloads include platform-independent binary and source ZIP files. Linked installers for Windows, macOS, and Linux are provided by NetBeans committers for convenience, not as Apache Software Foundation releases. The release page provides SHA-512 hashes and PGP signatures for verifying downloads. Windows/ARM is not currently fully supported, and older releases are no longer supported.
For and against
For
- Free for commercial and non-commercial use.
- Editors, wizards, and templates support multiple languages.
- Includes source highlighting and refactoring.
- Platform-independent binary and source ZIP downloads are available.
- Release downloads include SHA-512 hashes and PGP signatures.
Against
- Windows/ARM is not fully supported.
- Older releases are no longer supported.
- Linked platform installers are not Apache Foundation releases.
The verdict
Apache NetBeans combines code editing tools with a framework for building Swing applications. Check the JDK requirements and Windows/ARM support status when choosing a release.
Who it suits
NetBeans suits developers working in Java, PHP, or other languages who want an editor with refactoring and a modular Swing application framework. It is available at no cost for commercial and non-commercial use.
Plans and prices
Apache NetBeans IDE and Platform
Free for commercial and non-commercial use · Apache License 2.0
Read 30 Sep 2026 · netbeans.apache.org
On the record
- Community support
- The NetBeans community uses mailing lists as its primary communication channel and welcomes contributions.netbeans.apache.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Downloads
- The release page offers platform-independent binary and source ZIP files, and links to third-party Windows, macOS, and Linux packages.netbeans.apache.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Editing
- It highlights source code syntactically and semantically and supports code refactoring.netbeans.apache.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Integrations
- The website links to NetBeans plugins and describes support for languages and frameworks including Java, PHP, JavaFX, and JavaScript.netbeans.apache.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Integrity
- The release page provides SHA-512 hashes and PGP signatures to verify downloaded files.netbeans.apache.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Known issue
- The project states that Windows/ARM is not currently a fully supported platform.netbeans.apache.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Languages
- It provides editors, wizards, and templates for Java, PHP, and other languages.netbeans.apache.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- License
- The IDE and Platform are free for commercial and non-commercial use under the Apache License.netbeans.apache.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Package status
- The linked Windows, macOS, and Linux installers are provided by NetBeans committers for convenience and are not Apache Software Foundation releases.netbeans.apache.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Platform framework
- The NetBeans Platform is a modular framework for Swing applications with features such as state saving, menus, toolbars, keyboard shortcuts, and window management.netbeans.apache.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Product
- Apache NetBeans is a development environment, tooling platform, and application framework.netbeans.apache.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Project history
- Oracle donated NetBeans source code to the Apache Software Foundation in 2016, and Apache NetBeans became a top-level Apache project in April 2019.netbeans.apache.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Release
- Apache NetBeans 31 is the latest release, dated August 10, 2026.netbeans.apache.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Runtime
- NetBeans 31 supports running on JDK 26, 25, or 21, with initial support for JDK 27.netbeans.apache.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Support status
- Older Apache NetBeans releases remain downloadable but are no longer supported.netbeans.apache.org · read 30 Sep 2026
