Boost Your Java Productivity: 10 Must‑Have IntelliJ IDEA Plugins

1. Introduction

Based on the 2020 JVM ecosystem report, IntelliJ IDEA is the leading Java IDE, with over 80% paid users worldwide. Its excellent design boosts productivity, which is why I’m willing to pay for it. Below are some of the plugins I frequently use.

2. IDEA Plugin System

Most functionality in IntelliJ IDEA comes from plugins. Many are bundled by default and can be viewed via Preferences.

IntelliJ IDEA is sometimes criticized for performance; disabling unused bundled plugins can help. Here are the essential plugins I recommend.

3. Commonly Used Plugins

You can search for plugins in the Plugins tab.

3.1 Key Promoter X

This plugin reminds you of shortcut keys, helping you get used to IDE shortcuts, especially useful for beginners.

3.2 Maven Helper

The paid version of IntelliJ includes Maven support; Maven Helper provides dependency analysis and quick conflict resolution for the free Community edition.

3.3 IDEA Mind Map

Allows you to create mind maps directly in IDEA, useful for requirement analysis and knowledge organization.

3.4 CodeGlance

A mini‑map for the code editor that gives a global preview of the source code.

3.5 CamelCase

Converts naming styles between kebab‑case, SNAKE_CASE, PascalCase, camelCase, snake_case, and spaces. Shortcut: Shift+Option+U on macOS, Shift+Alt+U on Windows.

3.6 MybatisX

Developed by the MyBatis‑Plus team, this plugin enables navigation between Mapper interfaces and XML files and can generate templates.

3.7 MyBatis Log Plugin

Restores the original SQL generated by MyBatis, making it easier to track and debug SQL statements from logs.

3.8 JavaDoc

Generates JavaDoc comments quickly. On Windows use Shift+Alt+G for the current element, Shift+Ctrl+Alt+G for all elements, and Shift+Alt+Z to delete.

Generate javadocs for the active element: shift + alt + G.

Generate javadocs for all elements in the file: shift + ctrl + alt + G.

Delete javadocs from the current/selected element: shift + alt + Z.

Delete javadocs from all elements in the class: shift + ctrl + alt + Z.

3.9 Git Commit Template

Provides a formatted template for Git commit messages to ensure consistency.

3.10 Extra Icons

Enhances file icons with additional visuals not provided by the default IDE.

4. Conclusion

There are many other useful plugins; you can also develop your own using the IntelliJ Platform Plugin SDK. Share any favorite plugins in the comments.