How to Improve IntelliJ IDEA Performance

Edited 3 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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IntelliJ IDEA is a fantastic development tool, known for handling large-scale projects with ease, providing smart assistance for developers, auto-completing code, and a plethora of other features. However, with such capabilities, it can sometimes consume a fair amount of your computer’s resources, leading to sluggish performance. If you’re experiencing delays or slow responses, don’t worry – we have a comprehensive guide to improving IntelliJ IDEA performance, ensuring it runs as smooth as the wind.

1. Allocate more memory

If IntelliJ IDEA does not have enough memory allocated, it may struggle. You can increase the amount of memory using JVM options.

To change the memory settings:

• Locate idea64.exe.vmoptions (64-bit systems) or idea.exe.vmoptions (32-bit systems) file.
• Open the file with a text editor.
• Search and replace -Xms and -Xmx options. The option -Xms sets the initial memory, and -Xmx sets the maximum memory. Example:

  -Xms1024m -Xmx2048m

• Save the file and restart IntelliJ IDEA.

2. Customize the IDE index

Indexes in IntelliJ IDEA help the IDE quickly locate code and provide information about it. By default, indexing can consume resources. You can optimize this process as follows:

• Exclude files and directories from indexing that you don't need. Right-click on the directory, select "Mark directory as" > "Exclude".
• Disable unused plugins that may be hindering performance by going to File > Settings > Plugins.

3. Configure antivirus exclusions

Antivirus software can affect the performance of IntelliJ IDEA by scanning files that are being read or written by the IDE. To improve performance, you should exclude the following from antivirus scanning:

• IntelliJ IDEA installation and configuration directories.
• The project's working directories (e.g., .idea folders).
• The folders listed in File > Project Structure > Modules.
• Exclude your main source folders to minimize scanning impact.

4. Use power save mode

IntelliJ IDEA has a power save mode that disables some background activities such as inspection and code analysis. This can be beneficial for slow systems or when battery life is a concern.

To enable Power Save Mode:

• Go to File > Power Save Mode.

Keep in mind that this mode boosts performance, but reduces the number of useful tools that run in the background.

5. Make changes in the editor

The editor is where you will spend most of your time, and customizing it can improve overall performance. Here are some adjustments:

• Disable unnecessary getters such as line numbers if performance degrades severely.
• Turn off features such as code folding, usage highlighting, or parameter name hints.
• Go to File > Settings > Editor, and you'll find a range of options to adjust it to your liking.
• Disable clipboard history if not needed: File > Settings > Editor > General > Clipboard.

6. Customize the startup routine

A smooth startup can have a significant impact on your productivity. You can try the following:

• Edit the startup options located in the idea.properties file to remove unnecessary or legacy options.
• Make sure system updates and cache cleanups are performed regularly for better startup optimization.

7. Configure plugins wisely

Plugins are great because they extend the functionality of IntelliJ IDEA, but having too many active can decrease performance. To manage plugins:

• Remove unused plugins by going to File > Settings > Plugins and uninstalling plugins you no longer use.
• Avoid using heavy plugins unless absolutely necessary.

8. Increase the cache size

The cache stores data temporarily to facilitate quick access. By default, IntelliJ IDEA manages the cache memory dynamically, but you can increase the size of the cache:

• Open idea.properties.
• Find idea.max.intellisense.cache.size and increase its size.

9. Upgrade system hardware

Sometimes, improving software performance is tied to physical limitations. Upgrading your RAM, using an SSD for disk storage, or opting for a faster CPU can significantly speed up your development environment.

10. Update IntelliJ IDEA regularly

Make sure you're running the latest version of IntelliJ IDEA. Many updates come with performance improvements, bug fixes, and new features.

To update, simply go to Help > Check for Updates, and if a new version is available, you can download and install it directly from the IDE.

Conclusion

Tuning IntelliJ IDEA for better performance doesn't have to be a hassle. Simply start by allocating more memory, optimizing indexing processes, configuring your environment, and using select plugins. Sometimes, even making minor changes can lead to significant improvements. Explore these strategies, and with consistent practice, IntelliJ IDEA should become faster, allowing you to focus more on developing quality software efficiently.

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