Top IntelliJ IDEA Plugins to Boost Java Development Efficiency

IDEA is one of the most popular and user‑friendly IDEs among Java developers, offering features like smart code completion and automation of repetitive tasks.

To install plugins in IDEA, go to File->Settings...->Plugins , search for the desired plugin, and click Install.

1. Key Promoter X: Shortcut Tips

This plugin helps you discover keyboard shortcuts for actions you normally perform with the mouse, showing the corresponding shortcut when you hover over a button.

If a button lacks a shortcut, Key Promoter X will suggest creating one, and you can dismiss future prompts with the "Don't show again" option.

For example, clicking the Project sidebar can be replaced by the Alt+1 shortcut.

Learn more about IDEA's postfix code completion here .

2. Lombok: Reduce Boilerplate Code

Lombok is a Java library that, via annotations, eliminates the need to write repetitive getter/setter, equals, and other boilerplate methods.

More details about Lombok can be found here .

3. Rainbow Brackets: Colorful Bracket Matching

This simple yet powerful plugin assigns different colors to matching brackets, making it easier to identify nested code blocks.

It highlights the code range associated with each pair of brackets, helping you quickly spot mismatches.

Even the dullest code becomes lively with this visual aid.

4. Codota: Intelligent Code Suggestions

Codota provides AI‑driven code completion based on millions of Java programs, offering more comprehensive suggestions than IDEA's built‑in completion.

It saves time searching for implementation options. You can also browse code online at https://www.codota.com/code.

5. String Manipulation: Powerful String Operations

This plugin lets you perform various string transformations (e.g., camel case, uppercase, reverse) with a shortcut Alt+M.

It offers many useful functions to speed up coding.

Summary

As the saying goes, "a good tool makes good work," and the right plugins can greatly enhance comfort and efficiency in programming. I hope this collection of plugins proves useful to you.

If I missed your favorite plugin, please let me know in the comments and I will add it in future articles.

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References https://plugins.jetbrains.com/plugin/9792-key-promoter-x https://plugins.jetbrains.com/plugin/10080-rainbow-brackets https://plugins.jetbrains.com/plugin/2162-string-manipulation https://projectlombok.org/ https://www.codota.com/