Essential IntelliJ IDEA Plugins Every Java Developer Should Install

Installing Plugins

IntelliJ IDEA supports two installation methods:

Online : Open File → Settings → Plugins, search by name (e.g., Lombok), and click Install.

Offline : Download the plugin archive from https://plugins.jetbrains.com and install via File → Settings → Plugins → Install Plugin from Disk.

Restart IDEA after installation. The examples target IDEA 2020.1; newer versions may require compatible plugin releases.

Key Plugins

1. Lombok

Lombok reduces Java boilerplate with annotations such as @Data. Install the Lombok plugin and add the Maven dependency:

<dependency>
  <groupId>org.projectlombok</groupId>
  <artifactId>lombok</artifactId>
  <version>1.18.12</version>
  <scope>provided</scope>
</dependency>

Official site: https://projectlombok.org.

2. RestfulTool

Provides a Services tree, direct navigation to method definitions, an HTTP request tool, and supports Spring MVC/Boot and JAX‑RS. Use Navigate→RequestService (or Ctrl+Alt+/) to search mappings.

3. Free MyBatis Plugin

Enhances MyBatis support: generates mapper XML, enables navigation between Java code and mapper files, offers auto‑completion, syntax error hints, and a GUI for MyBatis Generator.

4. MyBatis Log Plugin (paid, 30‑day trial)

Restores full SQL statements from MyBatis logs by replacing placeholders with actual parameter values and adds navigation between Java methods and mapper XML.

5. Grep Console

Filters console output, allowing custom highlighting of log levels (TRACE, DEBUG, etc.) with configurable colors.

6. Maven Helper

Displays Maven dependencies in list or tree view, helping to identify and resolve version conflicts.

7. GenerateAllSetter

Generates setter calls for all fields, creates converters between objects with matching fields, and adds default values for collection types.

8. Rainbow Brackets

Highlights matching brackets with rainbow colors. Use Ctrl+Right‑Click to highlight a block or Alt+Right‑Click to dim unrelated code. Repository: https://github.com/izhangzhihao/intellij-rainbow-brackets.

9. Json Helper

Tool window for formatting, minifying, escaping, and searching JSON. Supports JMESPath queries ( https://jmespath.org).

10. CodeGlance

Shows a minimap of the current file for rapid navigation, similar to Sublime Text.

11. SequenceDiagram

Generates sequence diagrams from code call chains, aiding visualization of business logic flow.

12. Alibaba Java Coding Guidelines & SonarLint

Alibaba plugin enforces coding standards (naming, comments, line length, etc.). SonarLint detects bugs, security issues, and code smells in real time. Use both to improve overall code quality.

13. TranslateandReplace

Translates Chinese identifiers to camel‑case English directly in the editor.

14. Activate‑power‑mode‑x & Power mode II

Visual effects while typing; Power mode II offers configurable colors without editor shaking.

15. Background Image Plus

Sets random background images from a specified folder for the editor.

16. Nyan Progress Bar

Replaces IDEA progress bars with an animated Nyan Cat.