IntelliJ IDEA Overview
IntelliJ IDEA, developed by JetBrains, is a powerful standalone development tool designed for Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. It supports a wide range of large language models (LLMs) including GPT-5, Gemini 2.0, Llama 4, Mistral Enterprise, and JetBrains’ proprietary SLMs. With a context window of 200k tokens, IntelliJ IDEA excels in handling extensive coding projects. One of its standout features is local inference capability, which allows developers to perform tasks without relying on external servers, enhancing both speed and data privacy. The tool offers agentic editing across multiple files and full terminal access, making it a versatile choice for developers. Additionally, its predictive editing feature helps streamline coding tasks by suggesting smart code completions. IntelliJ IDEA adheres to a Standard Privacy Policy and holds a SOC2 Type II certification, ensuring enterprise-level security. The tool provides a free tier, with additional features available under a Pro plan.
Pros
- ✓ Supports a wide range of LLMs.
- ✓ Offers local inference for improved efficiency.
- ✓ Full terminal access for integrated development.
- ✓ Predictive edits enhance productivity.
- ✓ Enterprise-grade security certifications.
Cons
- ✕ Requires setup for migration.
- ✕ Complex configuration for beginners.
Trae Overview
Trae, developed by ByteDance, is a standalone development tool compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. It supports LLMs such as Claude 3.5 Sonnet and GPT-4o, providing developers with robust language model capabilities. While Trae does not offer local inference, it compensates with seamless migration capabilities, allowing developers to transition smoothly between environments. Like IntelliJ IDEA, Trae supports agentic editing across multiple files and provides full terminal access, making it a comprehensive tool for code development and management. Its predictive editing feature offers intelligent code suggestions, aiding developers in writing efficient and error-free code. Trae operates under a Standard Privacy Policy and has achieved SOC2 Type II certification, ensuring high security standards. The tool is available in a free tier, with additional features accessible through a Pro plan.
Pros
- ✓ Seamless migration process.
- ✓ Full terminal access for comprehensive development.
- ✓ Predictive editing enhances coding efficiency.
- ✓ Strong security certifications.
Cons
- ✕ No local inference capability.
- ✕ Limited LLM support compared to competitors.
Comparison Table
| Feature | IntelliJ IDEA | Trae |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture Type | standalone | standalone |
| Supported Os | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Developer | JetBrains | ByteDance |
| Supported Llms | GPT-5, Gemini 2.0, Llama 4, Mistral Enterprise, JetBrains SLMs | Claude 3.5 Sonnet, GPT-4o |
| 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 | .traerc |
| Migration | Requires setup | Seamless |
Conclusion
Both IntelliJ IDEA and Trae offer robust features for developers with their standalone architectures and support for multiple operating systems. IntelliJ IDEA is ideal for those who prioritize local inference and extensive LLM support, while Trae offers seamless migration and reliable predictive editing. The choice between the two will largely depend on specific project needs and workflow preferences.