Free IntelliJ IDEA for OSS Developers

Have you been thinking about starting an Open Source Software (OSS) project? Do you already contribute to one? If so, JetBrains is willing to part with a free license to their top notch Java IDE, IntelliJ IDEA.

This is actually becoming a recurring theme in the Java development arena; large software vendors seem think that getting their products into wide circulation in the OSS arena is a great form of advertising. I can’t say I disagree.

IntelliJ IDEA is by all reports an awesome piece of engineering, and although I’ve used Borland JBuilder for years, I’ve definitely wanted to give alternatives like IDEA and Eclipse a try. This offer might be just the ticket.

To get in on the deal, you have to fill out an application form online. If you qualify, you’ll receive a free license for one year. You can renew the license every year as long as you continue to be active in a qualifying OSS project.

If you want to hop on the bandwagon and you don’t already have an OSS project underway, you can grab a free 30-day evaluation copy of IntelliJ IDEA, get your project underway, and then apply for the free license.