How to Install Apache NetBeans 27 on Ubuntu 24.04: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Apache NetBeans 27 is the latest and most powerful version of this open-source IDE, offering improved Java 21 support, better performance, and refined UI features. Whether you’re a Java developer or work with PHP, C++, or web technologies, NetBeans remains one of the best free IDEs on Linux.

In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to install Apache NetBeans 27 on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, configure it properly, and get it running for your development projects.

What is Apache NetBeans?

Apache NetBeans is a full-featured, open-source IDE developed under the Apache Software Foundation. It supports multiple languages and frameworks, making it a go-to tool for developers worldwide.

Key Features of NetBeans 27

• Full support for Java SE 21 and Jakarta EE 10
• Improved code completion and editor performance
• Enhanced Git, Maven, and Gradle integration
• Lightweight UI with dark and light modes
• Plugin manager for language and framework extensions

Prerequisites

Before installing NetBeans 27, make sure your Ubuntu 24.04 system meets these requirements:

• Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat)
• Java Development Kit (JDK 17 or newer)
• Sudo privileges
• Minimum 4 GB RAM (8 GB recommended)

To confirm your Ubuntu version:

lsb_release -a

Step 1: Install Java (OpenJDK 21 Recommended)

NetBeans requires Java to run. The best choice for NetBeans 27 is OpenJDK 21, which you can install easily:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install openjdk-21-jdk -y

After installation, verify Java:

java -version

You should see output similar to:

openjdk version "21.0.3" 2025-04-16

Step 2: Download Apache NetBeans 27

Visit the official Apache NetBeans downloads page or use wget to get the latest release directly:

wget https://downloads.apache.org/netbeans/netbeans/27/netbeans-27-bin.zip

Once downloaded, unzip the package:

unzip netbeans-27-bin.zip

Move the extracted folder to /opt (a standard directory for third-party applications):

sudo mv netbeans /opt/netbeans

Step 3: Configure Environment Variables (Optional)

Although optional, adding NetBeans to your PATH allows you to launch it easily from the terminal.

Open your bash configuration file:

nano ~/.bashrc

Add the following line at the end:

export PATH=$PATH:/opt/netbeans/bin

Apply the changes:

source ~/.bashrc

Now you can launch NetBeans simply by typing:

netbeans

Step 4: Create a Desktop Shortcut (Recommended)

For convenience, create a desktop launcher so you can open NetBeans from your Ubuntu application menu.

Run:

sudo nano /usr/share/applications/netbeans.desktop

Paste this content:

[Desktop Entry]
Name=Apache NetBeans 27
Exec=/opt/netbeans/bin/netbeans
Icon=/opt/netbeans/nb/netbeans.png
Type=Application
Categories=Development;IDE;
Terminal=false

Save (CTRL + O) and exit (CTRL + X), then make it executable:

sudo chmod +x /usr/share/applications/netbeans.desktop

You can now search NetBeans in the Ubuntu launcher menu.

Step 5: Launch Apache NetBeans 27

Start NetBeans from the terminal or the application launcher:

netbeans

The IDE will open with the Apache NetBeans 27 splash screen. Once loaded, you’ll see the welcome screen with options to create new projects or open existing ones.

Step 6: Verify Installation

To confirm everything works:

1. Click File → New Project
2. Choose Java with Ant → Java Application
3. Name your project and click Finish

If the project builds successfully and you see the code editor, your installation is complete.

Step 7: Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue 1: Java Not Found
If NetBeans shows an error like “Cannot find Java,” reconfigure your default Java version:

sudo update-alternatives --config java

Issue 2: NetBeans Won’t Launch
Ensure permissions are correct:

sudo chown -R $USER:$USER /opt/netbeans

Issue 3: Slow Startup or UI Glitches
Try launching with performance flags:

netbeans --jdkhome /usr/lib/jvm/java-21-openjdk-amd64

Step 8: Uninstalling Apache NetBeans 27 (Optional)

If you ever want to remove NetBeans completely, use:

sudo rm -rf /opt/netbeans
sudo rm /usr/share/applications/netbeans.desktop

That’s it — clean and complete removal.

Why Use NetBeans 27 on Ubuntu 24.04?

Running NetBeans 27 on Ubuntu gives you:

• Full compatibility with modern Java versions
• Stable performance in a Linux-native environment
• Access to open-source tools and package managers
• Better system integration than on Windows or macOS

Whether you develop enterprise apps, web projects, or academic assignments, NetBeans 27 provides everything in one IDE.

Conclusion

Installing Apache NetBeans 27 on Ubuntu 24.04 is simple and efficient. With just a few commands, you can set up a robust Java IDE that’s open-source, flexible, and fully optimized for Ubuntu.

Now that NetBeans 27 is ready on your system, start building your next big project with confidence — backed by the reliability of the Apache ecosystem.