Install NetBeans IDE on Ubuntu 18.04 with Snap and OpenJDK 8

NetBeans is a free, open-source, cross-platform IDE developed by the Apache Software Foundation. It was one of the first IDEs to ship with a drag-and-drop GUI builder for Java Swing applications, and it has since grown into a full-featured development environment that supports a wide range of languages and project types.

Out of the box, NetBeans includes an embedded debugger, built-in Git integration, syntax highlighting, code templates, code generators, and refactoring tools. It also supports major build automation tools like Maven, Ant, and Gradle without requiring plugins or manual configuration.

This guide shows you how to install NetBeans on Ubuntu 18.04 using Snap. The same steps apply to Ubuntu 16.04, Kubuntu, Linux Mint, and Elementary OS.

<strong>Prerequisite:</strong>&nbsp;You need sudo access.

Install NetBeans on Ubuntu: Install OpenJDK 8 and the Snap Package

Install Java. NetBeans requires Java 8 or above. Install OpenJDK 8 with:

bashsudo apt updatesudo apt install openjdk-8-jdk

Verify the installation:

bashjava -version

You should see output like openjdk version "1.8.0_191". If the version matches, Java is ready.

Install NetBeans using Snap. The Snap package is the simplest and most reliable way to install NetBeans on Ubuntu. It handles all dependencies and keeps the IDE updated automatically:

bashsudo snap install netbeans --classic

The --classic flag gives NetBeans full access to the system, which it needs to compile and run projects, manage SDK paths, and interact with build tools. The download may take a few minutes depending on your connection speed.

When the installation finishes, you will see:

netbeans 10.0 from 'apache-netbeans' installed

Launch NetBeans and Explore the Start Page

Start NetBeans from your terminal:

bashnetbeans

Or open it from the Activities menu by searching for “NetBeans.”

NetBeans loads the Start Page on first launch. This page gives you quick access to recent projects, sample applications, and links to the official learning resources. You can close it from the Window menu if you prefer to work with a clean editor window.

To create a new project, go to File > New Project. NetBeans walks you through selecting a project category and template. It then generates the project structure, build files, and any starter code based on your choices.

NetBeans also includes a project-aware file manager in the left panel. You can manage source files, libraries, and build configurations from the same sidebar without switching tools.

What You Can Build with NetBeans: Languages, Tools, and Plugins

NetBeans supports multiple languages natively. Java is the primary focus, with full support for Java SE, Java EE, and Jakarta EE applications. PHP support is built in as well, with a project wizard, FTP deployment, and a Xdebug integration for server-side debugging.

Beyond Java and PHP, NetBeans handles C and C++ projects, including Makefile support and a C++ code analyzer. JavaScript, Groovy, and Javadoc are also supported, making NetBeans a practical choice even if your work spans multiple languages on the same machine.

The plugin manager (under Tools > Plugins) connects to the Apache NetBeans Plugin Portal and lets you search, install, and update community plugins directly from inside the IDE. This includes additional language support, framework integrations, and editor themes.

The built-in Git client covers the most common version control workflows: staging, committing, branching, merging, and viewing diffs. For teams that use external CI systems, NetBeans integrates cleanly with Maven and Gradle, so your IDE build targets stay in sync with your pipeline.

NetBeans is now installed on your Ubuntu 18.04 system. Visit the NetBeans documentation to explore project templates, debugging tools, and the plugin ecosystem. Leave a comment below if you run into any issues.