Java Developer Tools: IDE, JDK, Git, Maven, SQL

Before you start the Java Core course, install a basic set of tools. This page collects the software checklist you'll need throughout the course — from writing your first program to working with databases. Install each tool as you go: the JDK and an IDE are needed right away, while Maven and MySQL come up closer to their respective sections.

What to install

1. JDK — the Java Development Kit: the javac compiler, the java virtual machine, and the standard library. Without it you can neither compile nor run a program. A recent LTS version is recommended.
2. IntelliJ IDEA — the main IDE used in this course. Since version 2025.3, JetBrains ships a single unified installer: the core features for Java and Kotlin are free and available out of the box, with no sign-up required (this is what used to be called the Community Edition). Advanced features are unlocked with an Ultimate subscription, which isn't needed for this course.
3. Git — a version control system. You'll need it to track your code history, work with GitHub, and clone other people's repositories. Covered in the Version Control System lesson.
4. Maven — a build and dependency-management tool. It automatically downloads libraries and builds your project based on the pom.xml descriptor. Handy once you reach the build-tools topics.
5. MySQL Server — a relational database for the SQL and JDBC sections. During installation, set and remember your username and password — you'll need them to connect from Java.
6. HeidiSQL — a free graphical client for MySQL: an easy way to browse tables and run SQL queries without the command line.
7. H2 Database — a lightweight embedded Java database. A quick alternative to MySQL for experiments: no separate server installation required.

Once everything is installed, you're ready to move on to Java syntax and write your first code.