idea

Open the current directory in IntelliJ IDEA

$ idea [path/to/directory]

$ idea [path/to/file_or_directory]

$ idea diff [path/to/file1 path/to/file2 path/to/optional_file3]

$ idea merge [path/to/file1] [path/to/file2] [path/to/output]

$ idea inspect [path/to/project_directory] [path/to/inspection_profile] [path/to/output]

idea [options] [path]

-h, --help
    Display usage help and exit.

-d <path>
    Set the specified directory as project root.

<path>
    Optional path to project directory or file to open.

The idea command is a convenience shell script distributed with JetBrains IntelliJ IDEA, a powerful cross-platform IDE primarily for Java development but supporting numerous languages via plugins. On Linux, it simplifies launching the IDE, handling JVM setup, memory allocation, and project loading.

Typically installed by extracting the official tarball to /opt/idea-* and creating a symlink like ln -s /opt/idea-2024.1/bin/idea.sh /usr/local/bin/idea. Running idea opens the recent projects screen or last project; specifying a path opens that project directory or file.

It respects user configurations in ~/.config/JetBrains/IntelliJIdea*/ or ~/.IntelliJIdea*, including VM options for heap size (idea.vmoptions). The script detects system properties, sets $JAVA_HOME if needed, and supports both Oracle JDK and OpenJDK.

Key benefits include integrated debugging, refactoring, Git support, and Maven/Gradle integration. It's widely used by developers for professional workflows. Note: versions update frequently; command path may change with new releases unless managed via JetBrains Toolbox.

Not a core Linux utility; requires manual or Toolbox installation of IntelliJ IDEA and a compatible JDK. Script location varies by version (e.g., /opt/idea-*/bin/idea.sh). JVM args must precede options or go in config files.

Download tar.gz from jetbrains.com/idea/download, extract to /opt/, symlink idea.sh to /usr/local/bin/idea. Or use JetBrains Toolbox for management.

Edit ~/.config/JetBrains/IntelliJIdea*/idea.vmoptions for JVM tweaks like -Xmx4096m. Plugins via IDE UI.

Introduced with early Linux support for IntelliJ IDEA (2001 by JetBrains). Script evolved from basic launcher to handle multi-JDK, HiDPI, and Wayland. Toolbox app (2017+) automates updates, symlinks.

java(1), javac(1)