Exploring IntelliJ IDEA 2020: Java 14 Support, Records, and Productivity Boosts

New Features in IntelliJ IDEA 2020

IDEA 2020 adds Java 14 support with built‑in JDK download, an official Chinese language pack, navigation bar jump, Mono font, LightEdit mode, split terminal windows, Zen mode, enhanced Javadoc rendering, new themes, smarter error detection and debug preprocessing.

Java 14 and Records

IDEA can compile Java 14 code and download the JDK automatically. The traditional data class example shows a class Range with fields, getters, and overridden equals, hashCode, toString. The same functionality can be expressed with a record:

public record Range(int min, int max) {}

Pattern‑matching instanceof

Java 14 introduces pattern variables in instanceof, eliminating explicit casts. Example:

if (obj instanceof String s) {
    System.out.println(s);
}

Chinese Language Pack

The official Chinese (Simplified) Language Pack EAP can be installed from the Plugins marketplace by searching “Chinese”. It can be installed by dragging the plugin file into IDEA or importing it from the plugins dialog.

Navigation Bar Optimization

From IDEA 2020 onward clicking a .java file lets you jump directly to a method or field; earlier versions required the Structure view.

Mono Font

The new version ships with the Mono font, designed for programmers to reduce eye strain and improve character distinction.

LightEdit Mode

LightEdit opens a file without loading a project; use Alt+Enter → Open file in project to load it later.

Terminal Split

The integrated terminal now supports horizontal and vertical split windows, allowing multiple shells in one view.

Zen Mode

Zen mode combines Presentation, Distraction‑Free, and Full‑Screen modes for an uninterrupted coding experience.

Javadoc Rendering

IDEA can render Javadoc comments, removing unnecessary headings and allowing font size adjustments for better readability.

New Themes

Use Quick Switch Scheme → Themes to change the UI; a unified IntelliJ Light theme is added alongside the classic Darcula.

Improved Error Detection

IDEA highlights common mistakes such as using “YYYY” instead of “yyyy” in date formats and offers quick fixes.

Debug Enhancements

Debug preprocessing now respects breakpoints and condition evaluation, as shown in the sample loop.

Conclusion

The author recommends testing these features in a personal environment rather than on a work computer.