IntelliJ Ultimate vs. IntelliJ Community — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on January 3, 2024
IntelliJ Ultimate is a paid edition of the IntelliJ IDEA IDE, packed with advanced features for professional developers. IntelliJ Community is a free edition of the IntelliJ IDEA IDE, suitable for open-source and basic Java development.
Difference Between IntelliJ Ultimate and IntelliJ Community
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
IntelliJ Ultimate is a premium version of the IntelliJ IDEA Integrated Development Environment (IDE). It is designed for professional software developers and offers a comprehensive set of tools and features to enhance productivity and streamline software development workflows. This paid edition includes advanced coding assistance, support for various languages and frameworks, and integration with popular tools, making it suitable for complex software projects.
IntelliJ Community, on the other hand, is a free edition of the IntelliJ IDEA IDE. It is primarily intended for open-source and community-driven development projects. While it provides a solid Java development environment with features like code completion and intelligent coding assistance, it lacks some of the advanced capabilities found in IntelliJ Ultimate. This edition is a great choice for students, hobbyists, and developers working on smaller projects.
One significant difference between the two versions is the feature set. IntelliJ Ultimate includes advanced tools such as database tools, support for web and enterprise development, and code analysis tools. It also supports additional languages and frameworks beyond Java. In contrast, IntelliJ Community focuses on core Java development features without the extras.
Another distinction is the licensing model. IntelliJ Ultimate requires a paid license, either on a subscription basis or a one-time purchase. IntelliJ Community, as its name suggests, is entirely free to use, making it accessible to a broader audience.
IntelliJ Ultimate targets professional developers and organizations with complex software development needs. It provides the necessary tools and support for large-scale projects. IntelliJ Community caters to individuals, students, and small-scale developers who can benefit from a capable Java IDE without the cost.
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Comparison Chart
Price
Paid
Free
Features
Advanced
Core Java development
Licensing
Paid subscription or one-time purchase
Free
Target Users
Professional developers, organizations
Students, hobbyists, smaller projects
Compare with Definitions
IntelliJ Ultimate
IntelliJ Ultimate is a premium IDE for professional developers.
IntelliJ Ultimate offers advanced tools for enterprise development.
IntelliJ Community
IntelliJ Community is accessible to a wide range of developers.
Hobbyist programmers enjoy using IntelliJ Community for personal projects.
IntelliJ Ultimate
IntelliJ Ultimate requires a paid license for full access.
Professionals invest in IntelliJ Ultimate for its advanced capabilities.
IntelliJ Community
It offers core Java development features and code completion.
Students find IntelliJ Community useful for coding assignments.
IntelliJ Ultimate
IntelliJ Ultimate is ideal for large-scale software projects.
Many software companies choose IntelliJ Ultimate for their development teams.
IntelliJ Community
Developers can use IntelliJ Community without any licensing costs.
Small development teams appreciate the cost-free IntelliJ Community IDE.
IntelliJ Ultimate
It provides advanced coding assistance and support for multiple languages.
Developers use IntelliJ Ultimate for its code analysis features.
IntelliJ Community
IntelliJ Community is a free Java IDE for open-source development.
Open-source projects often use IntelliJ Community for Java development.
IntelliJ Ultimate
It includes database tools and web development support.
IntelliJ Ultimate simplifies database management for developers.
IntelliJ Community
It lacks some advanced features available in IntelliJ Ultimate.
IntelliJ Community is a great choice for basic Java development.
Common Curiosities
Is IntelliJ Community suitable for beginners?
Yes, IntelliJ Community is beginner-friendly and often used by students and hobbyist programmers.
What is the key difference in features between IntelliJ Ultimate and IntelliJ Community?
IntelliJ Ultimate includes advanced features like database tools and web development support, while IntelliJ Community focuses on core Java development.
Are there limitations to using IntelliJ Community for commercial purposes?
While IntelliJ Community is free, it lacks some advanced features found in IntelliJ Ultimate, which may be needed for larger commercial projects.
What is IntelliJ Ultimate primarily designed for?
IntelliJ Ultimate is designed for professional developers and organizations, offering advanced tools for software development.
How is the licensing model different for these two editions?
IntelliJ Ultimate requires a paid license (subscription or one-time purchase), while IntelliJ Community is entirely free to use.
What are the advantages of IntelliJ Ultimate's database tools?
IntelliJ Ultimate's database tools simplify tasks like database management, querying, and schema design.
Can I use IntelliJ Community for open-source projects?
Yes, IntelliJ Community is a popular choice for open-source and community-driven development projects.
What type of developers is IntelliJ Ultimate most suitable for?
IntelliJ Ultimate is ideal for professional developers and organizations working on complex software projects.
Is there a trial version available for IntelliJ Ultimate?
Yes, JetBrains offers a free trial of IntelliJ Ultimate so users can explore its advanced features before purchasing a license.
Can I switch from IntelliJ Community to IntelliJ Ultimate if my project grows?
Yes, you can upgrade to IntelliJ Ultimate to access its advanced features and support for larger projects.
Is there a difference in performance between the two editions?
IntelliJ Ultimate may offer better performance and responsiveness for large-scale projects due to its advanced optimization.
Do both editions support Java development equally well?
Yes, both editions provide a solid Java development environment, but IntelliJ Ultimate offers additional features beyond Java support.
Can I develop Android applications with both IntelliJ Ultimate and IntelliJ Community?
Yes, both editions support Android development, but IntelliJ Ultimate may offer additional tools and features for Android app development.
Can I use IntelliJ Community for web development?
Yes, you can use IntelliJ Community for web development, although IntelliJ Ultimate provides more extensive web development support.
Are there any restrictions on the use of IntelliJ Community for educational purposes?
No, IntelliJ Community is commonly used in educational settings and is suitable for coding assignments and projects.
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.