Apache NetBeans 27 released with Gradle 9 fixes, improved JDK 25 compatibility, and more

Apache NetBeans 27 introduces a broad set of updates across multiple areas of the IDE, enhancing compatibility, performance, and developer productivity. Gradle integration has been improved, including support for the latest Gradle versions, fixes for Gradle 9 compatibility, and optimizations to avoid unnecessary introspection and references. Maven support also receives key updates, such as bundling Maven 3.9.11, fixing regressions in test sessions, deprecating Compile on Save (COS) notifications, and improving archetype support. Ant build handling has been streamlined by decoupling certain sources and resolving issues with JSF library loading.

Java development is a major focus in this release, with numerous refinements to the editor, hints, and debugger. Notable changes include improved refactoring for standalone files, enhancements to code formatting and reindenting, and better handling of compact source files. Support for JDK 21 and early JDK 25 builds has been expanded, with upgrades to nb-javac and fixes to javadoc generation. Debugger usability improves with value inlining, while code analysis tools gain performance boosts and optimizations for unused and variable-hiding hints. New language features such as Pattern Case Labels are also supported.

On the web and enterprise side, NetBeans 27 strengthens its integration with modern frameworks and servers. PrimeFaces, OmniFaces, and JSF tooling see improvements in autocompletion, tag feature providers, and usability. Support extends to GlassFish 7 and 8 as well as Payara 5.x on JDK 21. Web development features include media query level 4 support, enhanced JSON semantic analysis, and better Vue file handling. Enterprise monitoring also benefits from expanded servlet support in the HTTP Monitor. PHP development has been updated with PHPUnit configuration options, fixes to highlighting, and more flexibility in HTML tag handling.

Finally, the release introduces various usability and platform enhancements. The editor gains tree diff functionality for comparing directory structures, SVG preview support, and Markdown tooling updates. Versioning tools now allow branch renaming, while UI and platform improvements include FlatLaf 3.6.1, removal of deprecated flags, and JDK 25 adjustments. The Language Server Protocol (LSP) and Visual Studio Code extension both receive refinements, such as inlay hints, customizable commit characters, and fixes for null results and stability issues. Together, these updates make NetBeans 27 a more robust, modern, and developer-friendly IDE.