Installing IntelliJ on Linux requires choosing between the Ultimate and Community editions from the official repository. This guide will walk you through the complete process of how to install IntelliJ on Linux using multiple methods, ensuring you get the IDE running smoothly on your system. Whether you’re a Java developer or working with other languages, IntelliJ IDEA is a powerful choice for your development environment.
Before we begin, make sure your Linux distribution is up to date. Open a terminal and run the appropriate update command for your system. This ensures you have the latest package lists and dependencies.
Prerequisites For Installation
You need a working internet connection and a user account with sudo privileges. Java Development Kit (JDK) is required for IntelliJ to run, but the IDE includes its own runtime. However, having JDK installed is recommended for development work.
- Ubuntu/Debian: sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
- Fedora: sudo dnf update
- Arch Linux: sudo pacman -Syu
Check if Java is installed by typing java -version in the terminal. If not, install OpenJDK 11 or later. For Ubuntu, run sudo apt install openjdk-11-jdk.
How To Install Intellij On Linux
There are three main ways to install IntelliJ on Linux: using the official tarball, through Snap, or via the JetBrains Toolbox App. Each method has its advantages, and we’ll cover all of them in detail.
Method 1: Installing Via Official Tarball
This method gives you the most control over the installation. You download the archive directly from JetBrains and extract it to your preferred location.
- Visit the official JetBrains website at jetbrains.com/idea/download
- Choose either the Ultimate or Community edition. Community is free and open-source, while Ultimate requires a paid license.
- Download the .tar.gz file for Linux. The file is around 600-800 MB depending on the edition.
- Open a terminal and navigate to your Downloads directory:
cd ~/Downloads - Extract the archive:
tar -xzf ideaIC-2023.2.3.tar.gz(replace with your actual filename) - Move the extracted folder to /opt:
sudo mv idea-IC-232.10227.8 /opt/ - Navigate to the bin directory:
cd /opt/idea-IC-232.10227.8/bin - Run the setup script:
./idea.sh
After running the script, IntelliJ will launch. You can create a desktop entry from within the IDE by going to Tools > Create Desktop Entry. This adds IntelliJ to your application menu.
Method 2: Installing Via Snap
Snap packages are easy to install and automatically update. This method works on any Linux distribution that supports Snap.
- Ensure Snap is installed. On Ubuntu, it comes pre-installed. For other distros, install snapd first.
- Install IntelliJ Community:
sudo snap install intellij-idea-community --classic - For Ultimate edition:
sudo snap install intellij-idea-ultimate --classic - Launch from the terminal:
intellij-idea-community
The –classic flag is required because IntelliJ needs full system access. Snap installations are sandboxed but this flag removes those restrictions for the IDE.
Method 3: Using JetBrains Toolbox App
The Toolbox App manages multiple JetBrains products and keeps them updated. It’s the recommended method for developers who use several JetBrains tools.
- Download the Toolbox App from jetbrains.com/toolbox-app
- Extract the downloaded archive:
tar -xzf jetbrains-toolbox-1.27.3.14493.tar.gz - Run the installer:
./jetbrains-toolbox - The Toolbox icon appears in the system tray. Click it and sign in with your JetBrains account.
- From the Toolbox interface, click “Install” next to IntelliJ IDEA Community or Ultimate.
The Toolbox automatically handles updates and version management. It also allows you to install multiple versions side by side.
Post-Installation Configuration
After installing IntelliJ, you should configure some basic settings. The first launch will prompt you to import settings from a previous installation or start fresh.
Setting Up JDK
Configure the JDK path within IntelliJ. Go to File > Project Structure > SDKs and add your JDK installation path. Typically, this is /usr/lib/jvm/java-11-openjdk-amd64.
Creating A Desktop Shortcut
If you installed via tarball, create a desktop entry manually. Create a file called intellij.desktop in ~/.local/share/applications with the following content:
[Desktop Entry] Version=1.0 Type=Application Name=IntelliJ IDEA Icon=/opt/idea-IC-232.10227.8/bin/idea.png Exec="/opt/idea-IC-232.10227.8/bin/idea.sh" %f Comment=The Drive to Develop Categories=Development;IDE; Terminal=false StartupWMClass=jetbrains-idea
Save the file and make it executable: chmod +x ~/.local/share/applications/intellij.desktop
Configuring Memory Settings
IntelliJ can be memory-intensive. Adjust the heap size by editing the idea64.vmoptions file located in the bin directory. Increase -Xmx to 2048m or higher if you have enough RAM.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes installations don’t go smoothly. Here are solutions to frequent problems.
IntelliJ Won’t Launch
Check if Java is properly installed. Run java -version in the terminal. If Java is missing, install it. Also check the log files in ~/.cache/JetBrains/ for error messages.
Missing Icons Or Fonts
Install required font packages. On Ubuntu, run sudo apt install fonts-dejavu-core. For other distros, search for “dejavu fonts” in your package manager.
Permission Denied Errors
Ensure the idea.sh script has execute permissions: chmod +x /opt/idea-IC-232.10227.8/bin/idea.sh. Also check that your user owns the installation directory.
Uninstalling IntelliJ
Removing IntelliJ depends on how you installed it. For tarball installations, simply delete the directory: sudo rm -rf /opt/idea-IC-232.10227.8. Also remove configuration files from ~/.config/JetBrains/ and ~/.cache/JetBrains/.
For Snap installations, use: sudo snap remove intellij-idea-community. For Toolbox, uninstall from within the Toolbox interface.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install both Community and Ultimate editions?
Yes, you can install both versions side by side. They use separate configuration directories and won’t conflict. Just ensure they are installed in different locations.
Do I need to install Java separately?
IntelliJ includes its own Java runtime, but installing JDK separately is recommended for compiling and running your projects. The IDE will detect system JDK automatically.
How do I update IntelliJ on Linux?
For tarball installations, download the new version and replace the old directory. Snap updates automatically. Toolbox users get update notifications within the app.
Why is IntelliJ running slow on my Linux machine?
Increase memory allocation in the VM options file. Also ensure you have enough free RAM. Close unnecessary applications and consider using a lighter theme.
Can I use IntelliJ on older Linux distributions?
IntelliJ requires a 64-bit system with glibc 2.28 or later. Very old distributions may not be supported. Check the system requirements on the JetBrains website.
Optimizing IntelliJ For Your Workflow
Once installed, customize IntelliJ to match your preferences. Install plugins from the marketplace, set up version control integration, and configure code styles.
For Java developers, enable the “Show method separators” option in Editor > General > Appearance. This adds visual dividers between methods in your code.
Keyboard shortcuts can be customized under File > Settings > Keymap. You can import keymaps from other IDEs like Eclipse or Visual Studio Code.
Use the built-in terminal (Alt+F12) for quick command-line access. It respects your shell configuration and environment variables.
Enable “Save files on frame deactivation” to prevent data loss. This is found under Appearance & Behavior > System Settings > Synchronization.
Conclusion
Installing IntelliJ on Linux is straightforward once you choose the right method for your needs. The tarball method offers full control, Snap provides easy updates, and Toolbox simplifies management of multiple products.
Remember to configure memory settings and create a desktop shortcut for convenience. With IntelliJ installed, you can start developing Java, Kotlin, and other languages efficiently on your Linux system.
If you encounter any issues, refer to the troubleshooting section or consult the JetBrains documentation. The community forums are also helpful for resolving specific problems.
Now you have a fully functional IntelliJ IDEA on your Linux machine. Start coding and enjoy the powerful features this IDE offers for your development projects.