Netbeans is a good IDE. Eclipse is OK but it is a bit heavy.

imho it depends what you're looking at coding. In my experience
NetBeans lends itself to GUI construction and use a lot more than
eclipse. However you can probably find a GUI creation plugin for
eclipse.

As you move on in coding you'll probably find the feature set and
support in Eclipse is more appealing.

As a point however, there is nothing quite like using your favourite
text editor and javac to build your first few projects. A lot can be
learned from the output of  your compiler which, to be a good
programmer, you should learn and understand. IDE's can add layers of
complexity which are just..., er.. complex for beginners :)

I have experience in teaching basic java programming. I've tried two
approach, one is using IDE like Eclipse or NetBeans, and the second is
using simple text editor like Notepad. I think the second approach is
the best choice for newbie. People need to learn how to walk before
learn how to run. You need to get a grasp about what steps are exactly
happening in creating a Java program. Using a simple text editor will
force you to know these steps (most IDE simplified this steps using one
keystroke/button).

Well, that's my opinion.

I /strongly/ advise you to avoid heavy-weight IDEs like Netbeans or Eclipse.
Considered as just basic editors and debuggers they are less than
satisfactory -- their main plus point is that they make complicated things
easier, but you won't be wanting to do complicated things yet.  So they'll just
be confusing.

If you want to use an IDE at all, then probably the best option would be one
that is designed as a teaching tool rather than as a tool for working
programmers (who have very different needs from learners).  BlueJ is a good
choice here, but there are others.

Alternatively you may prefer to avoid IDEs altogether, and that's not a bad
idea either (especially if you are already a programmer and only new to Java).
If so then use your favourite text editor and the command line tools which come
with a JDK download.

If you are new to programming, or even just new to OO programming, then I'd
recommend trying BlueJ.  One of the main features of its design is that it
gives you a reasonable introduction to what "objects" are -- something that
you'll get from no other Java toolset.

Of course, you could always try both approaches at the same time...

   -- chris

I agree with all other responses that you should stay away from and
"professional" IDE's. You really need to know the Java basics using
Sun's executables.

Example. "Basic Tools"
http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.5.0/docs//tooldocs/index.html#basic

Non IDE's

Notepad - (Free)
ConTEXT - (Free) http://www.tucows.com/preview/349269
Source Edit - (Free) http://www.brixoft.net

If you must use a IDE then these are good choices..

BlueJ - from academia - http://www.bluej.org
JGRASP - from academia - http://www.eng.auburn.edu/grasp
GEL - http://www.gexperts.com

Thanks in Advance...
IchBin, Pocono Lake, Pa, USA
http://weconsultants.servebeer.com/JHackerAppManager
__________________________________________________________________________

'If there is one, Knowledge is the "Fountain of Youth"'
-William E. Taylor,  Regular Guy (1952-)

see http://mindprod.com/jgloss/ide.html

The Zeus for Windows IDE has support for Java:

  http://www.zeusedit.com/features.html
  Note: Zeus is shareware (45 day trial).

It has features like class browsing, syntax highlighting,
smart indent, code folding, project/workspace management,
integrated version control etc etc.

The Zeus Quick Help feature also works with the Java SDK
help file:

 http://www.zeusedit.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=10

providing a quick and easy way to access the SDK information.

Jussi Jumppanen
Author: Zeus for Windows

VIDE is another good choice.
http://www.objectcentral.com/vide/help/videdoc/videjava.htm
It has necessary help check for newbire and give you chance to know
java basic concept.

Have a try.

I would really recommend "Ready to program" for java.  We use it in the
educational system here in ontario

http://www.holtsoft.com/ready/

It's very simple, but is made for java.  Its a bit more than a simple
text editor.  You install it, and you can code and compile, run...
right away.  No setup needed.  Its nowhere close to a big IDE by any
stretch of the imagination.  Doesn't have much in the way of easy GUI
building.  But then again you don't need to worry about adding files to
a project or anything like that.  Very quick, very simple.

Y