JetBrains Overview

JetBrains is a software development company that creates intelligent, productivity-enhancing tools for programmers. Their flagship products include IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, and other integrated development environments (IDEs) for various programming languages, as well as team collaboration tools designed to streamline the software development process.

Key Features of JetBrains

Intelligent Code Assistance: Advanced code completion, refactoring, and on-the-fly error detection
Language-Specific IDEs: Tailored environments for Java, Python, JavaScript, and many other programming languages
Cross-Platform Support: Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems
Version Control Integration: Seamless integration with Git, SVN, and other version control systems
Plugin Ecosystem: Extensive library of plugins to extend functionality and customize workflows

What Makes JetBrains Unique

Smart Code Navigation: AI-powered code navigation helps developers quickly find and understand relevant code
Multi-Language Support: Single IDE can work with multiple programming languages, reducing context switching
Integrated Development Tools: Bundled debugger, test runner, and profiler for comprehensive development support
Team Collaboration Features: Built-in tools for code review, project management, and team communication
Continuous Learning: IDEs provide context-sensitive documentation and learning resources

Is JetBrains Right for Me?

JetBrains tools are ideal for professional software developers, development teams, and organizations of all sizes that prioritize productivity and code quality. They are particularly suited for projects involving multiple programming languages and complex codebases.

Signs You Need JetBrains

You're working on large, complex software projects

Millions of lines of code
Multiple interconnected modules
Frequent refactoring needs

When JetBrains Isn’t the Right Fit

You primarily work on small, simple projects

Single-file scripts
Basic web pages
Quick prototypes

Customizing JetBrains

Plugins and Extensions: Thousands of plugins available to add new features or integrate with other tools
Custom Keymaps: Ability to create personalized keyboard shortcuts and key bindings
UI Customization: Adjustable color schemes, fonts, and layout options
Project-Specific Settings: Configure IDE behavior and tools on a per-project basis
Custom Language Support: Create plugins for proprietary or domain-specific languages

Is JetBrains Worth It?

JetBrains tools are worth it for professional developers and teams working on complex, long-term projects across various programming languages. The productivity gains from intelligent code completion, refactoring tools, and integrated development environments can significantly outweigh the cost, especially for larger teams or organizations focused on code quality and efficiency. However, for hobbyist programmers, small startups with limited budgets, or teams working exclusively with technologies not well-supported by JetBrains, the advanced features and cost might be excessive compared to free alternatives.

How Much Does JetBrains Cost?

Pricing is one of the most important evaluation factors when buying software. We have pricing insights contributed by current and former customers of JetBrains to help you make the best purchasing decision for your use case.

See what JetBrains costs

Competitors to JetBrains

Vendor	Reasons to Consider	Best For
Visual Studio	Comprehensive IDE with strong .NET and C++ support	Windows-centric development, .NET projects, large enterprise teams
Sublime Text	Lightweight, fast text editor with powerful features	Front-end developers, quick edits, performance-sensitive environments
Eclipse	Open-source IDE with extensive plugin ecosystem	Java development, embedded systems, academic environments
Xcode	Native IDE for Apple platforms	iOS, macOS, and watchOS development
Android Studio	Official IDE for Android app development	Android app developers, mobile-focused teams

Open Source Alternatives to JetBrains

Projects	Reasons to Consider	Best For
Visual Studio Code	Lightweight, extensible code editor with broad language support	Web development, cross-platform projects, developers who prefer a more minimal IDE
Eclipse	Mature IDE with extensive plugin ecosystem and strong Java support	Java development, academic environments, embedded systems projects
Geany	Fast, lightweight IDE with basic IDE features	Small to medium-sized projects, developers who prefer simplicity
Code::Blocks	C, C++, and Fortran IDE with cross-platform support	C/C++ development, cross-platform projects, educational settings