X Practical Tips for Improving Development Efficiency with JetBrains Tools

In modern software development, efficiency is one of the key factors for the success of development teams. As a leading global provider of development tools, JetBrains offers a range of powerful integrated development environments (IDEs) and tools to help developers improve their work efficiency. This article will share X practical tips for JetBrains tools to help you complete tasks more efficiently in your daily development.

1. Use AI Assistant for Code Autocompletion

JetBrains' AI Assistant can not only autocomplete code but also provide editing suggestions based on context, greatly enhancing development efficiency. The basic steps to use the AI Assistant are as follows:

• Open AI Assistant: In the IDE, press Alt + Enter to bring up the context menu.
• Select Suggestions: When suggestions appear, review the completion options provided by AI and choose the one that fits your needs.
• One-Click Apply: If you are satisfied with the suggestions provided by AI, you can click to apply directly, saving time on manual modifications.

Example Code

// Assume we are writing Java code
public void calculate(int number) {
    if (number > 0) {
        // AI Assistant suggests: can automatically add else statement
    }
}

2. Quickly Fix Common Errors

JetBrains' IDE provides a one-click fix feature for quickly resolving common syntax errors. When you find an error in your code, you can use the following steps:

• Hover for Tips: Hover your mouse over the erroneous code to see specific error information.
• Quick Fix: Press Alt + Enter and select the fix suggested by the IDE.
• Check for Other Updates: After applying the fix, you can click "Analyze Code for Other Syntax Updates" to ensure code compliance.

Example Code

fun main() {
    val name: String? = null
    println(name.length) // This will prompt an error
}

Quick Fix Steps

1. Hover to view the error prompt.
2. Press Alt + Enter, select the appropriate fix.
3. Confirm the fix and check for other related issues.

3. Make Good Use of the .gitignore Feature

JetBrains' IDE allows users to quickly generate a .gitignore file using AI, suitable for handling various project types. Here are the specific steps:

• Create a .gitignore File: Right-click in the project root directory, select "New" -> "File", and name it .gitignore.
• Use AI Assistance: When adding file types in the .gitignore file, AI will proactively suggest, such as "Should we exclude compiled files?".
• One-Click Apply Suggestions: After confirming the suggestions, click to apply.

4. Organize and Manage Project Dependencies

JetBrains' various IDEs support dependency management features, especially for Maven and Gradle projects. Here are the steps for effectively managing dependencies:

• View Dependency Tree: Right-click in the project view and select "Show Dependencies".
• Add New Dependencies: You can quickly add dependencies using code completion in the pom.xml or build.gradle files.
• Update Dependencies: Use the panel on the right to check for available updates and apply them swiftly.

Example Code (Maven)

    
        org.springframework
        spring-context
        5.3.9
    

5. Regularly Participate in JetBrains Online Seminars and Conferences

In addition to using JetBrains tools, participating in online seminars and conferences is also an important way to enhance skills. JetBrains regularly hosts online conferences covering the latest development tools and technology trends.

• Register and Attend Conferences: Follow JetBrains' official website for the latest conference news and register for online events.
• Learn Practical Tips: By watching industry experts share their insights, you can gain new development techniques and usage experiences.

Example Conference

• IntelliJ IDEA Conf 2026
  • Date: March 26-27, 2026
  • Registration Link: Join Conference

6. Customize IDE Interface and Themes

JetBrains' IDE allows users to customize the interface and themes according to personal preferences. For example, adjusting color themes can improve visual comfort and enhance focus. The steps are as follows:

• Select Theme: Go to File -> Settings -> Appearance to choose your preferred theme.
• Install Additional Themes: You can visit the JetBrains Plugin Repository to search for and install theme plugins, such as VSCode-style themes.

Custom Theme Steps

1. Open File -> Settings -> Appearance.
2. Select the desired theme and click "Apply".
3. Restart the IDE to experience the new interface.

7. Generate Code Documentation

When working on large projects, writing code documentation is an important part of maintaining project readability and usability. JetBrains' IDE supports directly generating documentation comments. The steps are as follows:

• Add Documentation Comments: Type /** above a method or class and press Enter, the IDE will automatically generate a documentation comment template.
• Fill in Documentation Information: Fill in relevant content based on method parameters and return values to ensure documentation accuracy.

Example Code

/**
 * Calculate the sum of two numbers
 * @param a The first number
 * @param b The second number
 * @return The sum
 */
public int add(int a, int b) {
    return a + b;
}

Conclusion

With the above X practical tips, you can use JetBrains tools more efficiently to improve development efficiency. From utilizing the AI Assistant, quickly fixing errors to managing project dependencies and generating documentation, these tips can play an important role in daily development. In career development, continuously learning and adapting to new tools is key to maintaining competitiveness. Wishing you greater achievements on your journey using JetBrains tools!