What are some useful debugging plugins for IntelliJ IDEA?

What are some useful debugging plugins for IntelliJ IDEA?

There are several great debugging plugins for IntelliJ IDEA, such as:

1. Debugger for Java - Enhances the built-in Java debugger.
2. JRebel - Allows you to see code changes instantly without restarting.
3. GsonFormat - Helps in debugging JSON by generating Java classes from JSON data.
4. Lombok - Reduces boilerplate code, making debugging easier.
5. SonarLint - Provides real-time feedback on code quality and potential bugs.

Can you tell me more about JRebel?

JRebel is a powerful plugin that allows developers to instantly see the effects of code changes without needing to restart the application. This can significantly speed up the debugging process, especially in large applications. It supports various frameworks and can be integrated seamlessly with IntelliJ IDEA.

Are there any free alternatives to these plugins?

Yes, there are free alternatives! For instance, the built-in IntelliJ debugger is quite powerful on its own. Additionally, you can use EclEmma for code coverage analysis, which is free and can help identify untested parts of your code.

How do I install these plugins?

To install plugins in IntelliJ IDEA, go to File > Settings (or Preferences on macOS) > Plugins. From there, you can search for the plugins by name and click Install. After installation, restart IntelliJ IDEA to activate the plugins.