Currently, Oracle pushes the new extension of Java in Visual Studio Codes. This quite interesting because there is already Java extension build by Microsoft. On this article, we will discuss the two-extension comparison. By examining the features and functionalities of each extension in relation to different Java project structures and build management systems, this comparison will offer valuable insights for Java developers seeking to maximize their efficiency within the VS Code environment.
Microsoft Java Extension: Project Type Support and Features
Microsoft offers the "Extension Pack for Java" as its recommended and comprehensive solution for enabling a full spectrum of Java development capabilities within Visual Studio Code.This extension pack conveniently bundles several essential extensions that collectively provide robust support for various aspects of Java development, including project management. This bundled approach simplifies the initial setup process for developers, ensuring that they have a curated set of tools considered fundamental for a productive Java development experience from the outset.
For developers working with basic Java projects, which can range from individual, self-contained Java source files to collections of files organized within unmanaged folders (projects that do not rely on explicit build configurations like Maven or Gradle), the Microsoft Java extension offers flexible support through its "Lightweight Mode" and "Standard Mode".The distinction between these two modes reflects the extension's adaptability to different development scenarios, optimizing resource utilization based on the complexity of the project and the immediate needs of the developer.In "Lightweight Mode," the language server primarily focuses on resolving source files and the configured Java Development Kit (JDK), making it particularly suitable for tasks such as quickly reviewing code, performing basic navigation, and identifying syntax errors.
In contrast, "Standard Mode" activates the full capabilities of the language server, enabling the resolution of imported dependencies and the building of the project. This mode is essential for more advanced development activities, including running, debugging, refactoring, and detecting semantic errors.To further enhance user experience, the Microsoft Java extension provides a "Hybrid" launch mode. This mode defaults to starting a workspace in "Lightweight" mode and intelligently prompts the user to switch to "Standard" mode if it detects unresolved Java projects within the workspace, offering a balance between initial performance and comprehensive functionality.For projects organized within unmanaged folders, the Project Manager for Java extension, which is included in the "Extension Pack," plays a crucial role. It provides a user interface that allows developers to configure the classpath, enabling the language server to correctly identify and resolve dependencies even in the absence of explicit build tool configurations.
The Microsoft Java extension ecosystem provides comprehensive support for widely adopted Java build tools, namely Maven and Gradle.This support is primarily offered through dedicated and highly specialized extensions: "Maven for Java" and "Gradle for Java".The availability of these separate extensions underscores a commitment to providing tailored and feature-rich support for developers utilizing these specific build technologies, recognizing the distinct project structures, lifecycle phases, and configuration mechanisms associated with each tool.Key features for Maven projects include the ability to generate new projects from Maven Archetypes and to import existing Maven projects by simply opening the folder containing the pom.xml file. Similarly, for Gradle projects, developers can import existing projects by opening the folder containing the build.gradle file. Both extensions facilitate the execution of common Maven goals and Gradle tasks directly from within the VS Code interface, streamlining the build and management processes.
The process of creating new Java projects is further simplified by the "Java: Create Java Project..." command, accessible through the Command Palette in VS Code.This command guides developers through the selection of a project type (e.g., basic, Maven, Gradle), and VS Code intelligently detects the chosen type and prompts the user to install any necessary extensions that might be missing for that specific project structure.This automated extension installation significantly streamlines the project setup, reducing the need for manual configuration and ensuring developers have the required tools from the outset.For managing existing projects and their dependencies, the "Java Projects" view, typically located below the Explorer view in VS Code, provides a dedicated interface.This view allows developers to easily navigate the project's hierarchical structure, visualize the project's dependencies, and access various project management functionalities through convenient entry points.Additionally, the Microsoft Java extension provides the capability to export Java projects as executable JAR (Java Archive) files, a standard format for distributing Java applications
You can see the video about this plugin here
Oracle Java Extension: Project Type Support and Features
Oracle provides its own dedicated Java extension for Visual Studio Code, known as the "Java Platform Extension for Visual Studio Code".This extension signifies Oracle's direct engagement and investment in the VS Code Java development ecosystem, potentially offering unique advantages or closer integration with Oracle's Java technologies.
The Oracle Java extension supports fundamental Java project structures, enabling developers to quickly create new Java classes that include the essential public static void main(String args) method, which serves as the entry point for executable applications. Furthermore, the extension provides the "Java: New File from Template..." command, allowing developers to generate various predefined Java file types, such as interfaces, abstract classes, and more, accelerating the process of creating new code elements.
Similar to the Microsoft offering, the Oracle Java extension provides robust support for managing projects built with Maven and Gradle.Developers can create new Maven or Gradle-based projects directly from within VS Code using the "Java: New Project..." command.Moreover, the extension automatically detects and provides support for existing Maven and Gradle projects simply by opening the root folder of the project containing the pom.xml (for Maven) or build.gradle (for Gradle) configuration file. The extension also offers direct integration with the build lifecycles of both Maven and Gradle through commands like "Java: Compile Workspace," which invokes the build process, and "Java: Clean Workspace," which executes the clean lifecycle phase. For more complex project structures, the Oracle Java extension supports multi-project Maven and Gradle setups, including features for opening subprojects within a larger project hierarchy and the ability to perform Gradle priming builds to optimize build performance. The "Java: New Project..." command serves as a central feature for initiating new Java projects of various types, including those managed by Maven and Gradle.
The Oracle Java extension includes a "Run Configurations" panel, which allows developers to configure various settings related to running and debugging their Java applications.This panel provides a user-friendly interface for setting essential runtime parameters such as program arguments, Java Virtual Machine (JVM) options, and environment variables, offering a convenient way to customize the execution environment for different scenarios.
A notable feature of the Oracle Java extension is its advanced JDK management capabilities.The extension can automatically download and install a suitable JDK if none is detected on the system, simplifying the initial setup for new users.Additionally, it offers the flexibility to specify different JDKs for the Language Server (which powers code analysis and language features) and for the actual execution and compilation of projects through the jdk.jdkhome and jdk.project.jdkhome settings, respectively. This granular control over the JDK environment can be particularly beneficial for developers working on projects with specific JDK compatibility requirements or those who need to test their applications against different Java versions.
Conclusion
In summary, both the Microsoft and Oracle Java extensions for Visual Studio Code offer substantial support for a variety of Java project types, including basic projects and those utilizing the popular build tools Maven and Gradle. Microsoft's "Extension Pack for Java" provides a comprehensive and user-friendly bundled solution, making it an excellent choice for developers seeking a streamlined and integrated experience. Its "Lightweight" and "Standard" modes offer flexibility for managing basic projects, and the inclusion of dedicated extensions for Maven and Gradle ensures robust support for these build systems. On the other hand, the Oracle Java extension distinguishes itself by offering more granular control over the JDK environment, including automatic installation and the ability to specify different JDKs for the language server and project execution. This feature, along with specific commands tailored for certain development tasks, might make it a preferred option for developers with particular JDK requirements or those deeply integrated with Oracle's Java technologies. Ultimately, the choice between these two powerful extensions will depend on the individual developer's specific needs, preferences, and the nature of the Java projects they are working on. Both extensions contribute significantly to making Visual Studio Code a viable and compelling environment for Java development.