Categories:

#9

Eclipse IDE is ranked #9 in the Integrated Development Environments product directory based on the latest available data collected by SelectHub. Compare the leaders with our In-Depth Report.

Eclipse IDE Pricing

Based on our most recent analysis, Eclipse IDE pricing starts at $0 (Free, Open-Source).

Price
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Starting From
$0
Pricing Model
Free, Open-Source
Free Trial
No

Training Resources

Eclipse IDE is supported with the following types of training:

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars

Support

The following support services are available for Eclipse IDE:

Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Help Desk
Knowledge Base
Tickets
Training
24/7 Live Support

Eclipse IDE Benefits and Insights

Why use Eclipse IDE?

Key differentiators & advantages of Eclipse IDE

  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: Eclipse IDE runs seamlessly on Windows, macOS, and Linux, allowing developers to work in their preferred operating system without compatibility issues.
  • Extensive Plugin Ecosystem: With a vast library of plugins, Eclipse can be customized to support a wide range of programming languages and tools, enhancing productivity and flexibility.
  • Robust Community Support: Backed by a large, active community, Eclipse users benefit from extensive documentation, forums, and user-contributed resources, facilitating problem-solving and learning.
  • Integrated Debugging Tools: Eclipse offers powerful debugging capabilities, including breakpoints, step execution, and variable inspection, which streamline the process of identifying and fixing code errors.
  • Version Control Integration: Built-in support for version control systems like Git and SVN enables seamless collaboration and code management directly within the IDE.
  • Refactoring Capabilities: Eclipse provides advanced refactoring tools that help developers improve code structure and maintainability without altering its functionality.
  • Code Assistance Features: Features like code completion, syntax highlighting, and real-time error detection enhance coding efficiency and reduce the likelihood of errors.
  • Project Management Tools: Eclipse's project management features, such as task lists and project explorers, help developers organize and manage complex projects effectively.
  • Scalability for Large Projects: Designed to handle large-scale projects, Eclipse can efficiently manage extensive codebases and complex development environments.
  • Open Source Advantage: As an open-source platform, Eclipse allows developers to contribute to its development, ensuring continuous improvement and innovation.
  • Enterprise-Level Support: Eclipse is widely adopted in enterprise environments, offering stability and reliability for professional software development.
  • Customizable User Interface: The IDE's user interface can be tailored to individual preferences, enhancing user experience and productivity.
  • Seamless Integration with Build Tools: Eclipse integrates with popular build tools like Maven and Gradle, simplifying the build and deployment process.
  • Support for Multiple Languages: Eclipse supports a wide array of programming languages, including Java, C++, Python, and PHP, making it a versatile choice for diverse development needs.
  • Continuous Integration Compatibility: Eclipse's compatibility with continuous integration tools facilitates automated testing and deployment, promoting agile development practices.

Industry Expertise

Eclipse IDE is known for its extensive customization capabilities and plugin ecosystem, making it a popular choice for developers working on large-scale projects, particularly those involving Java and related technologies. Its flexibility allows developers to tailor the IDE to their specific needs and workflows, making it suitable for a wide range of projects and teams.

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Based on an aggregate of Eclipse IDE reviews taken from the sources above, the following pros & cons have been curated by a SelectHub Market Analyst.

Pros

  • Free and Open Source: Eclipse IDE is renowned for being free to use and open source, making it a cost-effective choice for businesses.
  • Customizable and Extensible: Through a wide array of plugins and extensions, users have praised its high customizability for various project needs.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Many users have highlighted the user-friendliness of Eclipse IDE, making it a suitable option for developers of all skill levels.
  • Multiple Programming Language Support: Eclipse IDE supports numerous programming languages, including Java, C, C++, Python, and others, broadening its applicability in diverse development environments.

Cons

  • Performance Issues: Eclipse IDE is known to exhibit performance issues, especially when working with large projects or on systems with limited resources. Users have reported slowness, high memory consumption, and lagging, which can hinder productivity.
  • Steep Learning Curve: The extensive customization options and abundance of features, while beneficial for experienced users, can be overwhelming for beginners, leading to a steep learning curve. New users may require significant time and effort to become proficient with the IDE.
  • Outdated User Interface: Some users find the user interface of Eclipse IDE to appear outdated compared to more modern IDEs. This can result in a less intuitive and visually appealing experience, particularly for users accustomed to contemporary design principles.

Researcher's Summary:

Will this Integrated Development Environment make my coding experience stellar or will it leave me feeling eclipsed by frustration? User reviews from the last year reveal a mixed bag for Eclipse IDE. While praised for its open-source nature and robust features, particularly for Java development, users also point out some significant drawbacks.

On the positive side, Eclipse IDE is often lauded for its versatility and cost-effectiveness. Its open-source nature makes it a budget-friendly choice for developers, and its extensive plugin ecosystem allows for customization and support for a wide range of programming languages. Users specifically highlight its strength in Java development, citing its comprehensive tools and intuitive interface as major advantages. For instance, one user described Eclipse as a "blessing" for Java coding, praising its ease of use and setup.

However, performance issues and an outdated user interface are recurring criticisms. Users frequently report sluggishness, especially when working on large projects, and some find the interface clunky and difficult to navigate. One user even compared their experience to being "bogged down in mud." While Eclipse IDE supports multiple programming languages, users note that its capabilities shine brightest with Java, with support for other languages potentially requiring additional plugins and configuration. This suggests that developers working primarily with Java will find Eclipse IDE to be a valuable tool, while those using other languages might need to consider its limitations.

Key Features

Notable Eclipse IDE features include:

  • Modular Architecture: Eclipse is built on a modular architecture, allowing developers to extend its functionality through plugins.
  • Multi-language Support: Eclipse supports a wide range of programming languages such as Java, C++, Python, and PHP through various plugins.
  • Integrated Debugger: The IDE includes a robust debugger that allows for step-by-step execution, breakpoints, and variable inspection.
  • Refactoring Tools: Eclipse offers powerful refactoring tools to improve code structure, such as renaming variables and extracting methods.
  • Version Control Integration: It supports integration with version control systems like Git, SVN, and CVS, facilitating collaborative development.
  • Code Completion: The IDE provides intelligent code completion, suggesting methods and variables as you type to speed up coding.
  • Syntax Highlighting: Eclipse offers syntax highlighting for better readability and understanding of code across different languages.
  • Project Management: It includes tools for managing complex projects, such as build automation and task management.
  • Customizable Interface: Users can customize the Eclipse interface with different themes and layouts to suit their workflow preferences.
  • Rich Client Platform (RCP): Eclipse RCP allows developers to build rich client applications using the Eclipse framework.
  • Marketplace: The Eclipse Marketplace provides access to a vast array of plugins and extensions to enhance the IDE's capabilities.
  • Cross-platform Support: Eclipse runs on various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring broad accessibility.
  • Java Development Tools (JDT): JDT provides a comprehensive set of tools for Java development, including a compiler, debugger, and code editor.
  • Ant and Maven Integration: Eclipse supports build automation tools like Apache Ant and Maven, streamlining the build process.
  • Task-focused Interface: Mylyn, an Eclipse plugin, offers a task-focused interface that helps developers manage tasks and context switching efficiently.
  • Unit Testing Support: Eclipse integrates with testing frameworks like JUnit, enabling developers to write and run unit tests seamlessly.
  • Code Navigation: Features like 'Open Declaration' and 'Call Hierarchy' make navigating large codebases more manageable.
  • Static Code Analysis: Eclipse can perform static code analysis to identify potential issues and improve code quality.
  • Resource Management: The IDE provides tools for managing project resources, such as files and libraries, effectively.
  • Community Support: Eclipse benefits from a large, active community that contributes to its development and offers support through forums and documentation.