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Comparing IntelliJ IDEA and Lapce: Two Distinct Development Tools

Alex Hrymashevych Author by:
Alex Hrymashevych
Last update:
25 Jan 2026
Reading time:
~ 3 mins

IntelliJ IDEA

IntelliJ IDEA, developed by JetBrains, is a robust integrated development environment (IDE) renowned for its comprehensive features and support for multiple programming languages. Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, it caters to diverse developer needs with its standalone architecture. A notable highlight of IntelliJ IDEA is its integration with various advanced language models, including GPT-5, Gemini 2.0, Llama 4, and JetBrains’ proprietary SLMs, enabling intelligent code suggestions and completions. Users benefit from a substantial context window of 200k tokens, facilitating extensive coding projects. Additionally, its local inference capability and agentic editing, which supports multi-file changes, enhance productivity. With full terminal access and predictive editing, IntelliJ IDEA ensures a seamless coding experience. The tool is accessible with a free tier, offering both free and professional pricing models. Privacy is maintained through its standard policy, and enterprise users can rely on its SOC2 Type II certification for security assurance.

Pros

  • Supports multiple advanced language models.
  • Large context window of 200k tokens.
  • Local inference enhances speed and privacy.
  • Offers agentic editing across multiple files.
  • Full terminal access for integrated workflows.
  • Predictive edits improve coding efficiency.

Cons

  • Requires setup for migration.
  • Complexity may be overwhelming for beginners.

Lapce

Lapce is an emerging open-source code editor developed by the Lapce Project, designed to provide a lightweight yet powerful coding environment. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it accessible to a wide audience. Unlike IntelliJ IDEA, Lapce does not currently support advanced language models or custom models, focusing instead on core editing capabilities. It features a context window of 32k tokens, which is suitable for smaller projects. While it lacks local inference and agentic editing capabilities, Lapce is straightforward and easy to use, making it ideal for developers who prefer simplicity. The editor does not offer terminal access or predictive edits, which may limit its functionality for some users. However, its free and open-source nature, along with a standard privacy policy and SOC2 Type II certification, ensures that it remains a secure and accessible option for developers looking for a basic yet efficient coding tool.

Pros

  • Lightweight and easy to use.
  • Open-source and free to use.
  • Available on multiple operating systems.
  • Standard privacy policy with SOC2 Type II certification.

Cons

  • Does not support advanced language models.
  • No local inference or predictive editing features.
  • Lacks terminal access and agentic editing.

Comparison Table

Feature IntelliJ IDEA Lapce
Architecture Type standalone standalone
Supported Os Windows, macOS, Linux Windows, macOS, Linux
Developer JetBrains Lapce Project
Supported Llms GPT-5, Gemini 2.0, Llama 4, Mistral Enterprise, JetBrains SLMs
Custom Model JetBrains SLMs
Context Window 200k tokens 32k tokens
Agentic Editing Yes, multi-file No
Terminal Access Full No
Privacy Mode Standard Privacy Policy Standard Privacy Policy
Certifications SOC2 Type II (Enterprise) SOC2 Type II (Enterprise)
About Price Free/Pro Free
Config File .intellij-ai-config Имя файла для промптинга (напр. .cursorrules).
Migration Requires setup Requires setup

Conclusion

Both IntelliJ IDEA and Lapce offer unique benefits tailored to different developer needs. IntelliJ IDEA stands out with its integration of advanced language models and extensive features, making it ideal for complex projects and professional developers. On the other hand, Lapce provides a simple, lightweight option for those who prioritize ease of use and open-source flexibility. Choosing between them depends on the specific requirements and preferences of the developer.