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

Sharing some reliable IntelliJ IDEA plugins that have been proven in real projects.

1. GenerateAllSetter

When many fields need to be set manually, using BeanUtil.copyProperties() may cause overwrites. The GenerateAllSetter plugin lets you generate setter calls for all properties with a single Alt+Enter shortcut.

Shortcut:

Alt+Enter

2. Alibaba Java Coding Guidelines

Alibaba's "Java Development Manual" is a must‑read for new hires. The plugin integrates the coding standards into IDEA, for example warning when Executors is used to create thread pools instead of the recommended ThreadPoolExecutor.

3. GsonFormat

The GsonFormat plugin automatically converts JSON strings into Java POJOs, which is especially handy when integrating with other systems that exchange data in JSON format.

Shortcut:

Alt+S

4. Maven Helper

Maven Helper helps resolve dependency conflicts. Opening the pom file shows a Dependency Analyzer view where red entries indicate conflicts; you can right‑click a dependency and choose Exclude to remove it.

Conflicts

All Dependencies as List

All Dependencies as Tree (supports search)

5. Codota

Codota provides instant code examples for APIs. For instance, when using stream().filter() on a List, Codota suggests the correct filter() usage, saving time searching documentation.

6. Free MyBatis Plugin

When using MyBatis, SQL XML files and Java mapper interfaces are not linked. The Free MyBatis Plugin creates a navigation bridge between them, allowing quick jumps.

7. IntelliJad

IntelliJad decompiles Java .class files. After configuring the local jad.exe path in settings, you can right‑click a JAR entry and choose Decompile to view the source.

8. Properties to YAML Converter

This plugin converts a Properties file to a YAML file with one click. Note: back up the original Properties file before converting.

9. Lombok

Lombok eliminates boilerplate code such as Setter, Getter, toString, and equals methods.

10. CodeGlance

CodeGlance adds a mini‑map of the code editor, helping you locate methods quickly.

IDEA also offers live templates such as list.sout → System.out.println(list), list.var → List<User> list1 = list, and list.nn → list.if (list != null).

Fun Plugins for Showmanship

1. Material Theme UI

Changes the IDE’s icons and UI to a visually appealing theme.

2. activate-power-mode

Provides a vibration effect while typing, which can be distracting after a short period.

3. Nyan progress bar

Makes all IDEA progress bars display a Nyan Cat animation, though it may cause performance issues.

4. Rainbow Brackets

Colors matching brackets in a rainbow scheme for better readability.