There are many reasons to download the NetBeans IDE and give Oracle's open source IDE another try, including Node.js support and increased efficiency.

NetBeans, which has been a prominent Java IDE for years, is featuring Node.js and JavaScript capabilities in its latest incarnation. Version 8.1 of the open source IDE, released late last week ...

NetBeans 8.1 is now generally available, supporting developers working with Java SE 8, Java SE Embedded 8, and Java ME Embedded 8, and adding a number of new tools and enhancements.

NetBeans 8.2 became generally available last week, marking the last release under Oracle's stewardship before it becomes an Apache Incubator Project.