AI Assistants for Java Developers: Top Tools of 2024

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AI Tools for Java Development: 2024 Overview

Artificial intelligence has firmly entered the daily work of Java developers. Modern AI assistants don't just suggest the next character — they analyze the project context, generate entire methods, and even write unit tests. In this overview, we've gathered the best tools of 2024 that will help speed up Java development, reduce the number of errors, and improve code quality.

1. GitHub Copilot — Universal Assistant

The most popular AI assistant based on OpenAI's GPT-4 model. For Java, Copilot offers:

Autocompletion — from simple expressions to entire methods taking into account Spring Boot annotations;
Test generation — creates JUnit tests based on the method signature;
Refactoring — suggests replacing Stream API with loops or vice versa;
Framework support — works correctly with Hibernate, Lombok, Maven.

Cons: requires an active internet connection, sometimes suggests syntactically incorrect code for older versions of Java.

2. Tabnine — Local and Private

Tabnine (formerly Codota) is an AI that can be run locally. For Java development, it is especially useful in enterprise projects with strict security requirements. Features:

Local model — code never leaves your computer;
Contextual completion — takes into account not only the current file but the entire project (up to 30 files);
Java 8-21 support — understands lambdas, optional types, and Records well;
Integration with IntelliJ IDEA — works without delays.

Cons: limited knowledge base in the free version.

3. IntelliJ IDEA AI Assistant (JetBrains)

A built-in IDE assistant based on the JetBrains AI model. For Java, it offers unique features:

Full-line code completion — autocompletion of entire lines taking into account coding style;
Documentation generation — automatically writes JavaDoc for classes and methods;
Code explanation — select a fragment and AI will explain it in English or Russian;
Smart hints for Lombok — correctly handles @Data, @Builder, and other annotations.

Cons: paid subscription, requires a JetBrains account.

4. Amazon CodeWhisperer — Free and Powerful

A free tool from AWS, trained on a huge number of open-source Java projects. Features for Java:

Flagship libraries — knows Spring, Hibernate, Apache Commons well;
Security — built-in OWASP vulnerability scanner;
Code generation from comments — write // create a REST controller and get a ready-made class;
Java 17+ support — works correctly with the module system.