DrJava
DrJava is a free development environment for writing Java programs, designed mainly for students.
What DrJava is
DrJava is a free development environment for writing Java programs, designed mainly for students. Its intelligent editor supports code writing, and the Interactions pane lets users evaluate Java code as they go. DrJava also supports JUnit testing, includes a source-level debugger and can generate Javadoc documentation from source files. It runs on Windows, macOS and Linux and is released under a standard BSD open-source license. The current beta works with Java 8, identified by the project as the only supported version of traditional Java. It is distributed only as a JAR, which the project says is intended to reduce cross-platform compatibility issues. The Eclipse plugin is described as very old and compatible only with Eclipse versions from the same era. The Linux FAQ reports a conflict with the Compiz window manager and recommends disabling Compiz if the issue occurs. Reporting bugs or requesting features requires a SourceForge account login. The free plan is listed as free.
Good
- Free to use.
- Interactive Java evaluation pane.
- Supports JUnit testing and source-level debugging.
- Generates Javadoc documentation.
- Available for Windows, macOS and Linux.
Watch out
- Current beta is compatible with Java 8.
- Distributed only as a JAR.
- Eclipse plugin supports only same-era Eclipse versions.
- Linux Compiz incompatibility is reported.
Who it suits
DrJava may suit students learning Java who want an environment with interactive evaluation, testing and debugging tools. Users should be comfortable with its Java 8 beta and JAR-only distribution.
Verdict
DrJava offers student-focused Java editing and learning tools across three desktop operating systems. Its dated beta and plugin constraints are important to consider before choosing it.
Plans and prices
From DrJava's own pricing page, checked 5 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | Java 8 compatible beta; distributed as a JAR |
The facts
Each one read from DrJava's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Documentation
- DrJava can generate Javadoc documentation for source files.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Eclipse plugin
- The download page describes the Eclipse plugin as very old and compatible only with Eclipse versions from the same era.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Editor
- DrJava includes an intelligent program editor.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Interactive coding
- Its Interactions pane lets users evaluate Java code interactively.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Java requirement
- The current beta release is compatible with Java 8, which the page identifies as the only supported version of traditional Java.checked 5 Oct 2026
- License
- DrJava is released under a standard BSD open-source license.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- DrJava is a lightweight development environment for writing Java programs, designed primarily for students.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Support
- Bug reports and feature requests require a SourceForge account login.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Testing and debugging
- The project describes support for JUnit testing and a source level debugger.checked 5 Oct 2026
The company
- Founded
- 2001checked 28 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- Linux limitation
- The FAQ reports an incompatibility between DrJava and the Compiz window manager on Linux and recommends disabling Compiz if the issue occurs.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Platform packaging
- The page says the current beta is distributed only as a JAR to minimize cross-platform compatibility issues.checked 5 Oct 2026
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