Intellij Idea - Migrating from NetBeans


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NetBeans is another popular Java IDE. If you are a current user of NetBeans and want to migrate from it to IntelliJ then this will serve as a good starting point.

This chapter discusses the importing of NetBeans projects in IntelliJ, its terminologies equivalent to NetBeans, popular shortcuts and frequently asked questions.

Import NetBeans project

In this section, we will learn how to import NetBeans project. Follow these steps to import the project −

  • Navigate to File → New → Project from Existing Sources

  • Select your NetBeans project directory.

  • When the Import Project wizard opens, select the Create project from existing sources option.

  • Follow the on-screen instructions to continue.

IntelliJ vsNetBeans terminology

The following table compares IntelliJ and NetBeans terminology −

IntelliJ NetBeans
Module Project
Global library Global library
Module library Project library
Module dependency Project dependency
Module SDK Project-specific SDK

Popular shortcuts

IntelliJ is a keyboard-centric IDE. It provides shortcuts for most of the actions. The following table lists a few important shortcuts −

Action Shortcut
Run Java program ctrl+shift+F10
Organize imports ctrl+alt+o
System.out.println() Type sout and press ctrl+j
Delete current line ctrl + y
Search ctrl + shift + f
Generate getter and setter alt + insert
Format code ctrl + alt + l
Comment out code ctrl + /
Go to line ctrl + g
Go to declaration ctrl + b
Rename shift+F6
Move lines ctrl + shift + up/down

Debugger shortcuts

The following table lists down a few important debugger shortcuts −

Debug action Shortcut
Debug a program Shift + F9
Choose configuration and debug Shift+Alt+F9
Step over F8
Step into F7
Smart step into Shift + F7
Step out Shift + F8
Force step over Shift+Alt+F8
Force step into Shift+Alt+F7
Resume program F9
Evaluate expression Alt+F8
Toggle breakpoints Ctrl+F8
View breakpoints Ctrl+Shift+F8

FAQsand Tips

In this section, we will go through a few Frequently Answered Questions and Tips. The FAQs and tips are as follows −

Can I use the NetBeans key bindings in IntelliJ IDEA?

  • Navigate to Files → Settings and select Keymap.

  • Select NetBeans from the drop down box

Drop Down Box

Is local history in IntelliJ IDEA different from that in NetBeans?

Local history in IntelliJ IDEA, generally, is more detailed. Whatever you do with a directory, file, class, method or field, or a code block is reflected in your local history. The local history also includes VCS operations.

Can I enable ‘compile on save' in IntelliJ IDEA?

  • Navigate to File → Settings → Build, Execution, Deployment → Compiler
  • Select Build Project Automatically option.
  • Click on the OK button.
Build Project Automatically

Can I use NetBeans plugins in IntelliJ IDEA?

No, you cannot.

Is it possible to build NetBeans RCP applications with IntelliJ IDEA?

It is possible; however, you will not get the same kind of support that you get with NetBeans (wizards, menu actions, etc.). For more details, visit this.

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