What level of IntelliJ IDEA expertise do I need for typical enterprise Java development?
For most enterprise projects, you need intermediate-level expertise including build tool configuration, advanced debugging, version control integration, and team workflow setup. Basic users can write code but won't leverage the productivity features that justify the investment.
How can I tell if a developer actually knows IntelliJ IDEA well versus just using it as a basic editor?
Ask them about specific productivity features like live templates, custom inspections, refactoring operations, and debugging workflows. Real experts can explain keyboard shortcuts, plugin configurations, and how they've optimized the IDE for team development.
Can IntelliJ IDEA handle our existing Eclipse projects and build configurations?
Yes, IntelliJ IDEA can import Eclipse projects and most build configurations, but you'll want someone experienced with migration to ensure proper setup of dependencies, run configurations, and team settings. The IDE supports Maven and Gradle projects seamlessly.
How does IntelliJ IDEA integrate with our existing development tools like Jenkins and Docker?
IntelliJ IDEA integrates well with CI/CD pipelines through build tool integration and has excellent Docker support. You can run and debug applications in containers directly from the IDE, and it works seamlessly with version control systems that trigger Jenkins builds.
How long does it take to set up IntelliJ IDEA for a new enterprise project?
Initial project setup takes 1-2 days for basic configuration, but establishing team standards, custom inspections, and integration with your full development workflow typically takes 1-2 weeks. Complex enterprise setups with multiple modules and specialized requirements can take longer.
What ongoing maintenance is needed after setting up IntelliJ IDEA for our team?
Regular updates every few months, occasional plugin updates, and periodic optimization of IDE settings as projects grow. You'll also need someone to maintain team coding standards, update build configurations, and help team members with advanced features as needed.