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Eclipse

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Open-source IDE for Java and other languages

IDE & Code EditorsDeveloper Tools
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Reviews onCapterra
201 reviews tracked

The Bottom Line

Entry price

Free, no paid tier

Biggest pro

Free IDE

Biggest con

UI dated

TL;DR - Eclipse

  • Eclipse is an open-source IDE primarily used for Java development
  • It supports multiple languages through plugins with debugging, Git, and project management
  • Completely free and open-source
Pricing: Free forever
Best for: Individuals & startups
4.3/5 across review platforms

What is Eclipse?

Editorial review
Eclipse is the IDE that shaped how Java development works. Decades of plugin development, enterprise features, and community investment make it the foundation for many development environments. The extensibility is legendary. Enterprise tooling often builds on Eclipse. The project is community-governed. Java developers, especially in enterprises, use Eclipse for mature IDE features and extensive plugin ecosystem.

Available on: Web

how we evaluateSourceeclipse.org ↗

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Free IDE
  • Java standard
  • Many plugins
  • Enterprise proven
  • Cross-platform

Cons

  • UI dated
  • Heavy and slow
  • Configuration complex
  • Declining popularity
  • IntelliJ better

Ratings Across the Web

4.3(201 reviews)
Capterra201 reviews
4.3/5

Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more

Key Features

IDEJavaPluginsCross-platformEnterpriseOpen source

Pricing Plans

Pricing checked Jul 5, 2026

Most Popular

Free

Free

Open source

  • Java/C++/PHP
  • Extensible
  • Debugging
  • Git
Calculate your costView full pricing

Reviews

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4.3/5

Across 201 verified user reviews on Capterra

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Best Eclipse Alternatives

Top alternatives based on features, pricing, and user needs.

Visual Studio Code logo
Visual Studio CodeFree

Fast, lightweight, and customizable code editor for all languages

4.8
IntelliJ IDEA logo
IntelliJ IDEAFreemium

The capable & ergonomic Java IDE

4.7
DataGrip logo
DataGripPaid

Your intelligent IDE for databases and SQL

4.6
Nova logo
NovaPaid

A powerful and flexible native macOS code editor with integrated tools for development workflows.

4.6
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Still deciding?

Most buyers shortlist 2 or 3 tools before committing. Pull a side-by-side comparison or browse the full alternatives shortlist below.

Eclipse vs Visual Studio CodeHead-to-head: features, pricing, who winsEclipse vs IntelliJ IDEAHead-to-head: features, pricing, who winsEclipse vs DataGripHead-to-head: features, pricing, who wins

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Eclipse FAQ

How does Eclipse support Java development?

Eclipse is considered the IDE that shaped how Java development works, offering mature IDE features and an extensive plugin ecosystem. It is a cross-platform solution that has become a standard for many Java developers, particularly within enterprises.

Which teams benefit most from using Eclipse?

Java developers, especially those in enterprise environments, benefit most from Eclipse due to its mature IDE features and extensive plugin ecosystem. Its enterprise-proven nature and long history of plugin development make it suitable for complex projects.

How is Eclipse priced?

Eclipse is free to use, meaning there is no paid plan required to access its features. This makes it an accessible option for individual developers and organizations alike.

What kind of trade-offs should users consider when choosing Eclipse?

Users should be aware that Eclipse's UI can appear dated, and it is often described as heavy and slow. Additionally, its configuration can be complex, which might require a learning curve for new users.

How does Eclipse compare to Visual Studio Code?

Eclipse is a free, enterprise-proven IDE with a long history of Java development and a vast plugin ecosystem, whereas Visual Studio Code is known for its lightweight nature and broader language support. Eclipse's strengths lie in its deep Java integration and extensibility, while Visual Studio Code offers a more modern interface and faster performance.

Can Eclipse be extended with additional functionalities?

Yes, Eclipse is renowned for its extensibility, with decades of plugin development contributing to its robust ecosystem. Many enterprise tooling solutions are built upon Eclipse, showcasing its strong support for customization and expansion.

Source: eclipse.org

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