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BlueJ

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Company health

Employee growth
65% increase in the last year
Web traffic
40% increase in the last quarter

Ratings

G2
4.0/5
(182)

BlueJ description

BlueJ is a tool designed for learning and teaching Java programming, making it easier to write and test code. It offers a simpler interface than traditional development tools, making it ideal for beginners. While BlueJ is geared towards education, it provides a solid foundation for developing Java applications.


Who is BlueJ best for

BlueJ is a free, open-source Java IDE perfect for beginners. Its simple interface and visual representation of classes and objects make learning object-oriented programming easier. Users love its interactive debugger and lightweight design, but some find its features limited compared to more advanced IDEs. It's ideal for educational settings and small projects.

  • Best for small to medium-sized businesses seeking a simple Java IDE.

  • Ideal for educational institutions and software companies teaching or learning Java.


BlueJ features

Supported

BlueJ allows inspecting variable values during debugging.

Supported

BlueJ supports setting breakpoints, stepping through code, and inspecting variables.

Supported

BlueJ supports running JUnit tests.

Qualities

We evaluate the sentiment that users express about non-functional aspects of the software

Ease of Use

Strongly positive
+0.71

Reliability and Performance

Strongly positive
+1

BlueJ reviews

We've summarised 180 BlueJ reviews (BlueJ G2 reviews) and summarised the main points below.

Pros of BlueJ
  • Simple and easy-to-use interface, ideal for beginners.
  • Visual representation of classes and objects, helpful for understanding OOP.
  • Interactive debugger facilitates learning and debugging.
  • Lightweight and fast, runs smoothly on various platforms.
  • Open-source and free to use.
Cons of BlueJ
  • Limited features compared to other IDEs like IntelliJ.
  • Not suitable for large or complex projects.
  • Outdated user interface.
  • Limited customization options.
  • Occasional bugs and performance issues reported by some users

BlueJ alternatives

  • Logo of IntelliJ IDEA
    IntelliJ IDEA
    Smart Java and Kotlin coding, boosting productivity.
    Read more
  • Logo of Eclipse
    Eclipse
    Code smarter, not harder. Free, open-source IDE for any project.
    Read more
  • Logo of Visual Studio Code
    Visual Studio Code
    Code editing, simplified. Powerful. Extensible. Free.
    Read more
  • Logo of DataSpell
    DataSpell
    Smart IDE for data science and machine learning.
    Read more
  • Logo of Lightrun
    Lightrun
    Debug live code instantly, cutting resolution time and boosting productivity.
    Read more
  • Logo of PyCharm
    PyCharm
    Boost Python coding with smart editing, debugging, and testing.
    Read more

BlueJ FAQ

  • What is BlueJ and what does BlueJ do?

    BlueJ is a free, open-source Java IDE designed for educational purposes. Its simple interface, visual representation of classes and objects, and interactive debugger make it ideal for beginners learning Java programming and object-oriented concepts. While suitable for educational use, BlueJ's limited features may not be appropriate for large-scale projects.

  • How does BlueJ integrate with other tools?

    BlueJ integrates with JUnit for running tests. It primarily focuses on educational purposes with a simplified interface for beginners learning Java development. It lacks extensive integrations found in full-fledged IDEs.

  • What the main competitors of BlueJ?

    BlueJ competes with other Java development environments like IntelliJ IDEA, Eclipse, and JCreator. These alternatives offer varying features and complexities, catering to different programming needs from beginner to advanced levels. Visual Studio is also a competitor for general software development.

  • Is BlueJ legit?

    Yes, BlueJ is safe and legitimate software. It's specifically designed for learning Java, offering a simple interface and features like debugging support and JUnit integration. It's well-regarded for its ease of use, particularly for beginners.

  • How much does BlueJ cost?

    BlueJ is free and open-source software, so there is no cost associated with downloading or using it. This makes it a great option for those looking for a cost-effective product.

  • Is BlueJ customer service good?

    There is no customer service information available for BlueJ. However, user reviews often mention its ease of use and helpfulness for beginners learning Java programming. Some users have reported occasional bugs.


Reviewed by

MK
Michal Kaczor
CEO at Gralio

Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.

TT
Tymon Terlikiewicz
CTO at Gralio

Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.

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