Can I run NetBeans using only the Java Runtime (JRE)?

NetBeans 6.5 and higher

Since NB 6.5, we allow some distributions of the IDE to run on JRE, not requiring full JDK. Concerned IDE distributions are Ruby, C/C++ or PHP bundles which don't require full JDK installation.

Have in mind, the full IDE distribution or any distribution which requires JDK libraries such as tools.jar and dt.jar like Java SE or Web & Java EE still need to run on full JDK installation. When you try to run such IDE distribution on JRE, you will get a warning on startup saying that many modules have to be disabled. If you continue, the IDE will come up and you'll be able to work with it, but many standard features will be unavailable.

Moreover, if you are running IDE on JRE and would like to install any plugin requiring JDK libraries via Tools|Plugins, Plugin Manager will prevent you from installing that plugin.

What to do if I'm running IDE on JRE and I need to use plugins requiring full JDK installation?

1. install full JDK
2. either edit <netbeans-IDE-installation>/etc/netbeans.conf
   1. unmark netbeans_jdkhome
   2. link to JDK location e.g. /usr/local/share/java/jdk1.6.0_07/
3. or use --jdkhome command-line option e.g. ./bin/netbeans --jdkhome /usr/local/share/java/jdk1.6.0_07/

Applies to: NetBeans 6.5 or higher

Platforms: All

NetBeans before 6.5

Yes and no. The IDE will run, but some functionality will be disabled.

The NetBeans IDE is a development tool and some of its modules depend on JDK libraries such as tools.jar and dt.jar that are available in full JDK installation only.

When you try to run NetBeans on JRE, you will get a warning on startup saying that many modules have to be disabled. If you continue, the IDE will come up and you'll be able to work with it, but many standard features will be unavailable.

It is highly recommended to use NetBeans IDE with a full JDK. The installer will even reject to install NetBeans when no JDK is found.

Applies to: NetBeans 4.0, 4.1, 5.0, 6.0, 6.0.1, 6.1

Platforms: All