Editor's Note: Oracle has recently released a new version of NetBeans, the free  IDE for not only Java, but other languages including PHP, JavaScript, Ajax, C/ C++. The HTML editor now can work with HTML5 code. Oracle estimates that NetBeans is downloaded about 550,000 times a month and has somewhere between 800,000 and 900,000 regular users. Below are the details of the NetBeans announcement.  

• Further demonstrating its commitment to the NetBeans community, Oracle announced on April 20 a major new version of the NetBeans integrated development environment (IDE), NetBeans IDE 7.0.
• Allowing developers to take advantage of latest developments in Java Platform, Standard Edition (Java SE), NetBeans IDE 7.0 introduces language support for the upcoming JDK 7 release, currently available as a Developer Preview.
• NetBeans IDE 7.0 is currently the only open source IDE available to provide support for the JDK 7 Developer Preview, the company stated (though JetBrains offers a beta of its IntelliJ IDE that also supports the draft specification).
• The release also delivers enhanced integration with Oracle WebLogic Server 11g and support for Oracle Database, GlassFish Server Open Source Edition 3.1, and Oracle GlassFish Server 3.1.

"Oracle continues to enhance the NetBeans platform, providing developers with a feature-rich, open-source IDE for the creation of Java-based mobile, Web and desktop applications,” said Ted Farrell, chief architect and senior vice president, Tools and Middleware, Oracle. “NetBeans IDE 7.0 is the industry’s first IDE to support the upcoming JDK 7 release enabling developers to take advantage of the latest developments in Java and to deliver higher quality applications, faster and easier,” he said.

Faster, Easier Application Development

• The NetBeans platform enables developers to rapidly create web, enterprise, desktop, and mobile applications using the Java platform, as well as with PHP, JavaScript and Ajax, and C/C++.
• NetBeans IDE 7.0 is available for Windows, Mac, Linux, and Oracle Solaris and is available in English, Brazilian Portuguese, Japanese, Russian, and Chinese.
• The latest version of the NetBeans IDE provides enhanced support across key technologies and programming languages, including:

Java SE

• New Java language support enhancements for the upcoming JDK 7 release, currently available as a Developer Preview
• Editor enhancements including code completion and hints
• Maven 3 support
• JUnit 4.8.2 integration and additional JUnit improvements
• Remote HTTP URLs supported for Javadoc in libraries and Java platforms, providing support for “remotely hosted” javadoc
• Improved visual customizer for GridBagLayout

Oracle WebLogic Server

• Streamlined and faster deployment to Oracle WebLogic Server 11g
• New server runtime node displaying deployed applications and resources
• JavaServer Faces integration with server libraries

Streamlined Web Development

• HTML5 editing support is now available in the HTML editor
• Improved HTML code validation

GlassFish 3.1

• Domain restart and log viewer for remote GlassFish Server instances
• Ability to enable and disable deployed applications

Oracle Database

• Editing and deployment of stored procedures
• Simplified connection wizard
• Guided installation to JDBC driver