JCreator is a Java IDE created by Xinox Software. Its interface is similar to that of Microsoft's Visual Studio. Because it is programmed completely in C++, (with exception to the first version (0.1) which was Java-based ), Xinox Software has asserted that JCreator is faster than competing Java-based Java IDEs.

JCreator has two editions:

Lite Edition (LE): freeware

Pro Edition (Pro): shareware that costs $69 after a 30-day trial.

JCreator is only available on the Windows Operating System. However, both the LE and Pro versions of JCreator run adequately on Linux (using WINE). So far no Linux versions are planned for immediate release, but new components will be built for cross-compatibility in mind.

The feature set of the Pro version is comparable to that of other language aware IDEs with respect to project management and editing features, but lacks advanced features, such as automated refactoring, support for common frameworks etc, that can be found in the dominant Java IDEs such as Eclipse and IntelliJ IDEA. The free LE version further lacks some features, such as code completion, that are included with other free IDEs. Unlike the dominant Java IDEs today, JCreator also lacks the level of extensibility through third-party plugins that is common in popular Java IDEs.

Features

Microsoft Visual Studio-like interface

Custom color schemes

Wrapping around of your existing projects

Different JDK profiles can be used

Quick code writing via project templates

Easy project viewing with the class browser

Debugging with an easy, intuitive interface. No command-line prompts necessary

Wizards help you cut to the chase writing your project, quickly and easily

Automatic Classpath configuration

UI customization (similar to Microsoft Visual Studio)

The run-time environment can run your application as an applet, in a JUnit environment or in a command-line window

JCreator's IDE does not require a Java Runtime Environment to execute, which may make it faster than Java-based IDE's.

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Disadvantages

Only available for the Windows operating system, although WINE can be used to run JCreator on Linux

When using the JDK Help feature, the default browser settings may not be honored when opening an external browser for the JDK documentation.

It will mostly open Internet Explorer and rarely a default browser not Internet Explorer.

No option for temporary highlighting of files.

XML highlighting disables itself with really long lines.

Custom icons can only be made from 16 colors

There is a workaround by saving the bitmap that stores the custom icons (UserImages.bmp) in a 24-bit format.

Subversion (SVN) is missing from all releases.

Pro vs LE

Some of the features missing from the freeware edition (Version 3) include:

Code Templates

Ant Viewer

Bean Properties

Code Identifier tooltip

Code Completion

Code Parameter tooltip list

Source Code Navigation

Debugger

JSP Tag and Scriplet Code Completion

CVS Support