Apache NetBeans
Apache NetBeans is a free, open-source development environment that provides editors, wizards, and templates to help you create applications in Java, PHP, and many other popular programming languages.
Xojo
Xojo is a cross-platform development tool that enables you to create native applications for Desktop, Web, iOS, Android, and Raspberry Pi using a single, intuitive programming language.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Apache NetBeans | Xojo |
|---|---|---|
| Website | netbeans.apache.org | xojo.com |
| Pricing Model | Free | One_time |
| Starting Price | Free | Free |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✓ 0 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✓ Has free plan | ✓ Has free plan |
| Product Demo | ✘ No product demo | ✘ No product demo |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 1996 | 1996 |
| Headquarters | Forest Hill, USA | Austin, USA |
Overview
Apache NetBeans
Apache NetBeans is much more than a simple text editor; it is a comprehensive development platform that helps you build desktop, mobile, and web applications. You can quickly develop Java applications using a range of modular software components called modules. The IDE provides a smart editing canvas that highlights source code syntactically and semantically, making it easier for you to refactor code and identify errors before they become problems.
Beyond Java, you can manage projects in PHP, HTML5, JavaScript, and C++. The environment is designed to streamline your entire development lifecycle by integrating version control, bug tracking, and build tools directly into your workspace. Because it is governed by the Apache Software Foundation, you get a stable, community-driven tool that stays up to date with the latest Java releases without any licensing costs.
Xojo
Xojo is a powerful development environment that simplifies the process of creating native applications across multiple platforms. Instead of learning different languages for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, you use one object-oriented language and a drag-and-drop interface to build your software. This approach significantly reduces development time and allows you to maintain a single codebase for all your deployment targets.
You can design your user interface visually and write code that reacts to user events, making it accessible for both citizen developers and seasoned professionals. Whether you are building internal business tools, commercial desktop software, or mobile utilities, Xojo handles the platform-specific complexities so you can focus on your app's unique functionality. It is particularly effective for small to medium businesses and independent developers who need to ship high-quality apps quickly without a massive engineering team.
Overview
Apache NetBeans Features
- Smart Code Editing Highlight your code syntactically and semantically while using intelligent suggestions to complete expressions and refactor your logic quickly.
- Multi-Language Support Develop applications using Java, PHP, JavaScript, HTML5, and C++ all within a single, consistent environment tailored for each language.
- Project Management Organize your work with built-in support for Maven, Ant, and Gradle to automate your builds and manage complex dependencies easily.
- GUI Builder Design professional user interfaces visually by dragging and dropping components onto a canvas without writing complex layout code manually.
- Static Analysis Tools Find and fix common code issues instantly with integrated bug-finding tools that inspect your source code as you type.
- Version Control Integration Connect directly to Git, Subversion, or Mercurial to manage your code changes and collaborate with your team without leaving the IDE.
Xojo Features
- Drag-and-Drop UI. Build your application's interface visually by dragging native controls onto a layout—no manual coding for layouts required.
- Cross-Platform Compiling. Write your code once and compile it into native binaries for Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile platforms.
- Native Controls. Ensure your apps look and feel right on every operating system by using actual native user interface components.
- Built-in Database Support. Connect your apps to SQLite, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Oracle with high-level commands that simplify data management.
- Web App Builder. Create sophisticated web applications using the same language and visual tools you use for desktop software development.
- Raspberry Pi Support. Develop and compile console or GUI applications specifically for Raspberry Pi hardware and other ARM-based Linux systems.
Pricing Comparison
Apache NetBeans Pricing
- Full IDE access
- Java SE/EE development
- PHP and HTML5 tools
- C/C++ support
- Community support
- Apache 2.0 License
Xojo Pricing
- Full IDE access
- Unlimited development time
- Access to all project types
- Run and debug locally
- Community forum support
- Everything in Free, plus:
- Build for Windows, macOS, or Linux
- One platform included
- 12 months of updates
- Compiled standalone executables
Pros & Cons
Apache NetBeans
Pros
- Completely free and open-source for all users
- Excellent out-of-the-box support for Java development
- Intuitive project structure and easy-to-use GUI builder
- Strong integration with Maven and Ant build tools
Cons
- Can be resource-intensive on older hardware
- Slower startup times compared to lightweight editors
- Plugin ecosystem is smaller than some competitors
Xojo
Pros
- Rapid development of cross-platform desktop applications
- Single language for multiple operating systems
- Excellent documentation and active community support
- Native look and feel on all platforms
- Free to use until you need to build
Cons
- Proprietary language limits transferable coding skills
- Mobile framework is less mature than desktop
- License costs can be high for individuals