IntelliJ IDEA Overview
IntelliJ IDEA, developed by JetBrains, is a robust and versatile integrated development environment (IDE) designed to support a wide array of programming languages and frameworks. It is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it accessible to a diverse range of users. One of its standout features is the support for multiple large language models (LLMs), including GPT-5 and Gemini 2.0, alongside JetBrains’ own custom models. With a context window of up to 200k tokens, it provides ample space for handling complex and large-scale projects efficiently. IntelliJ IDEA offers full terminal access and agentic editing capabilities across multiple files, enhancing its utility for developers who require comprehensive editing solutions. Additionally, it supports local inference, which ensures that development processes can be carried out with minimal dependence on external servers. The privacy settings adhere to a standard privacy policy, and the tool is certified SOC2 Type II, adding a layer of reliability and trust for enterprise users.
Pros
- ✓ Supports a wide range of LLMs including GPT-5
- ✓ Comprehensive multi-file agentic editing
- ✓ Full terminal access
- ✓ Local inference capability
- ✓ SOC2 Type II certification
Cons
- ✕ Requires setup for migration
- ✕ Standard privacy policy might not suit all users
Void Overview
Void is an open-source standalone tool that caters to developers seeking a flexible and highly compatible environment. Like IntelliJ IDEA, it is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring wide accessibility. Void supports an impressive array of LLMs such as Gemini 2.5 and Claude 3.7, allowing for dynamic and varied AI model integration. One of its most significant advantages is the unlimited context window provided by its RAG (Retrieve-And-Generate) architecture, which facilitates extensive and uninterrupted workflows. Void also excels in privacy, offering Zero Data Retention (ZDR) policies, which is a critical feature for users prioritizing data security. The tool’s seamless migration capability further enhances its appeal, allowing users to transition effortlessly without significant setup requirements. With full terminal access and the ability to perform predictive edits, Void is tailored to meet the needs of developers looking for a powerful and flexible development environment.
Pros
- ✓ Unlimited context window with RAG
- ✓ Zero Data Retention (ZDR) privacy mode
- ✓ Seamless migration
- ✓ Supports a wide range of LLMs
- ✓ Open-source flexibility
Cons
- ✕ Lacks custom model integrations
- ✕ Might require technical expertise to maximize utility
Comparison Table
| Feature | IntelliJ IDEA | Void |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture Type | standalone | standalone |
| Supported Os | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Developer | JetBrains | Void (open-source) |
| Supported Llms | GPT-5, Gemini 2.0, Llama 4, Mistral Enterprise, JetBrains SLMs | Gemini 2.5, Claude 3.7, GPT-4, Grok 3, o4-mini, Qwen 3, DeepSeek, Llama, Gemma 3 |
| Custom Model | JetBrains SLMs | – |
| Context Window | 200k tokens | Unlimited (RAG) |
| Agentic Editing | Yes, multi-file | Yes, multi-file |
| Terminal Access | Full | Full |
| Privacy Mode | Standard Privacy Policy | Zero Data Retention (ZDR) |
| Certifications | SOC2 Type II (Enterprise) | SOC2 Type II (Enterprise) |
| About Price | Free/Pro | Free |
| Config File | .intellij-ai-config | settings.json |
| Migration | Requires setup | Seamless |
Conclusion
Both IntelliJ IDEA and Void offer powerful features for developers, with IntelliJ providing robust support for custom models and enterprise-level certifications, while Void emphasizes privacy and open-source flexibility. The choice between them will largely depend on specific user needs regarding privacy, model support, and ease of migration.