NaviCoder IDE for Java Reviewed

Over the past 10 years, Java IDEs have evolved from Symantec's Visual Cafe to Eclipse and NetBeans of today. During this evolution, Java IDEs have added a large number of features, flexibility, and complexity. PremiumSoft's NaviCoder takes aim at these higher end Java IDEs with an easier to use IDE.

NaviCoder is a Java IDE written entirely in C++ for Windows. NaviCoder was very responsive on an older Windows machine with only 1GB of memory.

Main features of NaviCoder:

• Simple project management


• Comprehensive source code editor - Auto-indent and outdent, block selection, display tabs and spaces, show line numbers and breaks, highlight current line, unlimited undo/redo capability, navigate backward and forward and more


• Code completion - for both Java and JSP files


• Code folding - collapse (hide) and expand (show) sections of your code to make it easier to navigate and read


• Syntax checking and highlighting


• Brace and bracket highlighting


• Fully integrated debugger with breakpoints, stepping, variable inspecting, and stack traces


• Compatible with Java 1.4 or newer.

As you can see the features are comparable to other Java IDEs. The code editing and debugging features are on the same level with what you would find in other IDEs such as Eclipse.

NaviCoder did suprise me with code complete functionality for JSP editing. This is a feature that you don't find in some IDEs out of the box.

NaviCoder has provided these features without over complicating the user interface and keeping the product simple and easy to use. The simplified user interface makes it very easy to use.

Like other Java IDEs, NaviCoder provides project templates for web applications, stand-alone applications, and applets. NaviCoder integrates with Tomcat (which is installed with NaviCoder) when developing web applications.

While making the product easier to use, it is missing some features and functionality that maybe needed by some. For example, if you are developing in a team environment, you may need integration with a source management system such as CVS or TFS.

NaviCoder does allow for minor integration with other tools. It does allow you to integrate with any tool that has a command-line interface. For example, you could add an item to the menu to jar your compiled classes without needing to use Ant.

NaviCoder starts at $49 for the download version and $59 for the CD version. NaviCoder Lite is available for free, but it does not include support for code completion, syntax checking, and debugging.

If you are an entry-level/beginner Java developer and not coding with a team, I would recommend NaviCoder. You should go with full version and not the Lite version. The code completion, syntax checking and debugging are defintely necessary for being productive.

You can download 30-day trial version of NaviCoder is available or purchase NaviCoder at www.navicoder.com.