Greenfoot
Canterbury, United Kingdom
What it is
Greenfoot is free educational software for learning programming through interactive projects. It teaches object orientation with standard Java code, using actors that live in worlds to build games, simulations, and other graphical programs. Its programming environment includes visualization and interaction tools, and the IDE provides project management, auto-completion, and syntax highlighting. Users can publish projects online for others to play and comment on, with sharing built into the environment. Greenfoot offers written and video tutorials for beginners and advanced users, as well as the Greenroom community for instructors to exchange teaching resources and discuss teaching with Greenfoot. The software runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, with downloads listed for Windows 10 and 11, macOS 11 and later, and Ubuntu with Debian support. A generic option is available for systems needing JDK and JavaFX. From version 3.6.0, Intel/AMD systems require a 64-bit CPU and operating system; version 3.5.4 is identified for those needing 32-bit support. Its IDE source code is available under the GNU General Public Licence version 2 with classpath exception.
For and against
For
- Free software for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Teaches object orientation using standard Java.
- Includes project management and code completion.
- Projects can be shared online.
- Written and video tutorials are available.
Against
- Version 3.6.0 requires 64-bit Intel/AMD systems.
- 32-bit support is directed to version 3.5.4.
- Generic downloads require JDK and JavaFX.
The verdict
Greenfoot combines Java programming with visual project work, tutorials, and online sharing. Check the listed operating-system and 64-bit requirements before choosing a download.
Who it suits
Greenfoot suits children and young adults learning Java, and instructors looking for teaching resources and a community. It is also intended as a path toward BlueJ and more professional IDEs.
Plans and prices
Greenfoot
Free software download · Windows, macOS, Ubuntu/Debian, or generic OS with JDK+JavaFX
Read 4 Oct 2026 · greenfoot.org
On the record
- Audience
- The site says Greenfoot is aimed at children and young adults and requires posted content to be safe for minors.greenfoot.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Hardware limit
- From version 3.6.0, Intel/AMD systems require a 64-bit CPU and operating system; the page directs users needing 32-bit support to version 3.5.4.greenfoot.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- IDE features
- Its IDE includes project management, auto-completion, syntax highlighting, and other tools common to IDEs.greenfoot.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The about page says Greenfoot provides an easy transition into BlueJ and more professional IDEs.greenfoot.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Learning resources
- The site offers written and video tutorials, and says resources are available for beginners and advanced users.greenfoot.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- License
- The Greenfoot IDE source code is available under the GNU General Public Licence version 2 with classpath exception.greenfoot.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The site says it does not pass email addresses or other user data to third parties or use them for purposes other than operating the website.greenfoot.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Programming
- Greenfoot teaches object orientation with standard Java code, using actors that live in worlds to build games, simulations, and other graphical programs.greenfoot.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Publishing and sharing
- Users can publish projects online for others to play and comment on, and online sharing is built into the environment.greenfoot.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Greenfoot is educational software designed to make learning programming easy and fun.greenfoot.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- Technical support handles installation and operation problems by email; programming questions should go to the discussions area.greenfoot.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Supported systems
- The download page lists Windows 10 and 11, macOS 11 and later, Ubuntu with Debian support, and a generic option for any OS that needs JDK and JavaFX.greenfoot.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Teacher community
- The Greenroom is an instructor community for sharing teaching resources and discussing teaching with Greenfoot.greenfoot.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Visual tools
- Visualization and interaction tools are built into the programming environment.greenfoot.org · read 4 Oct 2026
