IntelliJ IDEA Overview
IntelliJ IDEA is a standalone development tool created by JetBrains, offering robust support for various large language models such as GPT-5, Gemini 2.0, and JetBrains SLMs. It is compatible with multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it highly versatile for developers across platforms. The tool includes a comprehensive context window of 200k tokens and supports local inference, which enhances the efficiency of coding tasks. IntelliJ IDEA excels in agentic editing with capabilities for multi-file edits and provides full terminal access. It boasts a predictive editing feature that enhances the development workflow by suggesting code improvements in real-time. Privacy is secured under a standard policy, and the tool is SOC2 Type II certified, ensuring data protection and compliance. The free tier availability and a straightforward pricing model make it accessible to both individual developers and enterprise teams.
Pros
- ✓ Supports multiple operating systems
- ✓ Comprehensive LLM support including custom models
- ✓ Extensive context window for better inference
- ✓ Full terminal access
- ✓ Predictive editing feature
- ✓ SOC2 Type II certified for data security
- ✓ Free tier available
Cons
- ✕ Requires setup for migration
- ✕ Privacy mode is standard, not enhanced
Melty Overview
Melty, developed by Charlie Holtz and Jackson de Campos, is a standalone tool designed for versatility and compatibility with major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. It supports an array of advanced large language models such as GPT-5 and Claude 4.5, providing users with a powerful platform for development. With a context window of 200k tokens, Melty ensures efficient processing of extensive code bases. Like IntelliJ, it supports local inference and offers agentic editing with multi-file capabilities. Full terminal access and predictive edits are key features that enhance user productivity. Melty’s privacy policy aligns with industry standards, and it is SOC2 Type II certified, providing users with confidence in its security measures. The tool is available with a free tier, making it accessible for various user needs.
Pros
- ✓ Multi-OS compatibility
- ✓ Supports a variety of LLMs
- ✓ Large context window for effective processing
- ✓ Full terminal access
- ✓ Predictive editing capabilities
- ✓ SOC2 Type II certified
- ✓ Free tier availability
Cons
- ✕ Migration requires setup
- ✕ Lacks custom model support
Comparison Table
| Feature | IntelliJ IDEA | Melty |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture Type | standalone | standalone |
| Supported Os | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Developer | JetBrains | Charlie Holtz, Jackson de Campos |
| Supported Llms | GPT-5, Gemini 2.0, Llama 4, Mistral Enterprise, JetBrains SLMs | GPT-5, Claude 4.5, Gemini 3.0, o3 |
| Custom Model | JetBrains SLMs | – |
| Context Window | 200k tokens | 200k tokens |
| Agentic Editing | Yes, multi-file | Yes, multi-file |
| Terminal Access | Full | Full |
| Privacy Mode | Standard Privacy Policy | Standard Privacy Policy |
| Certifications | SOC2 Type II (Enterprise) | SOC2 Type II (Enterprise) |
| About Price | Free/Pro | Free/Pro |
| Config File | .intellij-ai-config | .meltyrc |
| Migration | Requires setup | Requires setup |
Conclusion
Both IntelliJ IDEA and Melty offer robust features suitable for a wide range of developers, from individual users to large enterprises. While IntelliJ IDEA stands out with its support for custom models and JetBrains’ specific enhancements, Melty provides a similar level of functionality with a broad range of LLM support. Both tools ensure data privacy and security, making them reliable choices for development projects. Ultimately, the choice between these tools will depend on specific user needs, such as preference for custom models or ease of integration.