How To Install IntelliJ IDEA on AlmaLinux 10

AlmaLinux 10 has emerged as a powerful, enterprise-grade Linux distribution that provides developers with a stable foundation for software development. When combined with IntelliJ IDEA, one of the most sophisticated integrated development environments available, developers can create an exceptional coding environment for Java, Kotlin, and other JVM-based applications.

IntelliJ IDEA offers two distinct editions to meet different development needs. The Community Edition provides a robust, free platform perfect for Java and Android development, while the Ultimate Edition delivers advanced features for enterprise and web development with comprehensive framework support. This guide will walk you through multiple installation methods, ensuring you can set up IntelliJ IDEA successfully on your AlmaLinux 10 system.

Whether you’re migrating from another development environment or setting up a fresh development workstation, proper installation and configuration of IntelliJ IDEA will significantly enhance your productivity and development workflow.

Prerequisites and System Requirements

Hardware Requirements

Before installing IntelliJ IDEA on AlmaLinux 10, ensure your system meets the necessary hardware specifications. Minimum requirements include 2 GB of free RAM, though 8 GB of total system RAM is strongly recommended for optimal performance. Your processor should be any modern CPU, but IntelliJ IDEA performs best with multi-core CPUs since it supports multithreading for various operations.

Disk space requirements mandate at least 3.5 GB for basic installation, but an SSD drive with 5 GB of free space ensures better performance. Monitor resolution should be at least 1024×768, though 1920×1080 provides the best user experience. These specifications ensure smooth operation during development sessions and prevent performance bottlenecks.

Software Prerequisites

AlmaLinux 10 systems require specific software components before IntelliJ IDEA installation. First, ensure your system runs on a 64-bit processor with x86_64 architecture. You’ll need essential utilities including wget, curl, and tar for downloading and extracting installation files.

While IntelliJ IDEA includes JetBrains Runtime based on JBR 21, you’ll need a standalone JDK for Java application development. Install OpenJDK using the DNF package manager or download Oracle JDK separately. Root or sudo access is required for system-wide installation and configuration tasks.

AlmaLinux 10 Preparation

Start by updating your AlmaLinux 10 system to ensure all packages are current:

sudo dnf update -y

Verify your AlmaLinux version compatibility and install essential development tools:

sudo dnf install wget curl tar -y

Check your system’s Java installation status:

java -version

If Java isn’t installed, install OpenJDK:

sudo dnf install java-11-openjdk-devel -y

Preparation Steps

Installing Java Development Kit

OpenJDK installation through DNF package manager provides the most straightforward approach. Execute the following command to install the latest OpenJDK version:

sudo dnf install java-17-openjdk-devel -y

After installation, configure the JAVA_HOME environment variable by adding it to your .bashrc file:

echo 'export JAVA_HOME=/usr/lib/jvm/java-17-openjdk' >> ~/.bashrc
source ~/.bashrc

Verify your Java installation:

java -version
javac -version

System Preparation

Create a dedicated directory structure for development tools:

sudo mkdir -p /opt/development-tools
sudo chown $USER:$USER /opt/development-tools

Prepare a downloads directory in your home folder:

mkdir -p ~/Downloads/intellij-setup
cd ~/Downloads/intellij-setup

Set proper permissions for the installation directories:

sudo chmod 755 /opt

Installation Methods

Method 1: Manual Installation via Tarball

Download Process begins with accessing the official JetBrains website. Navigate to the IntelliJ IDEA download page and select the appropriate Linux distribution. For command-line download, use wget:

cd ~/Downloads/intellij-setup
wget https://download-cdn.jetbrains.com/idea/ideaIU-2025.1.3.tar.gz

For the Ultimate Edition:

wget https://download.jetbrains.com/idea/ideaIU-2025.1.3.tar.gz

Verify the download integrity by checking file size and comparing with the official website specifications.

Extraction and Installation involves extracting the tarball to the /opt directory for system-wide access:

sudo tar -xzf ideaIC-*.tar.gz -C /opt/

Rename the extracted directory for easier management:

sudo mv /opt/idea-IC-* /opt/intellij-idea-community

Set proper ownership and permissions:

sudo chown -R root:root /opt/intellij-idea-community
sudo chmod +x /opt/intellij-idea-community/bin/idea.sh

Desktop Integration Setup creates convenient access methods. Create a symbolic link for command-line access:

sudo ln -s /opt/intellij-idea-community/bin/idea.sh /usr/local/bin/intellij

Create a desktop entry file:

sudo tee /usr/share/applications/intellij-idea.desktop > /dev/null <

Update the desktop database:

sudo update-desktop-database

Method 2: Using JetBrains Toolbox

Toolbox App Installation provides centralized management for all JetBrains products. Download the Toolbox App:

cd ~/Downloads
wget https://download.jetbrains.com/toolbox/jetbrains-toolbox-1.28.1.15219.tar.gz
tar -xzf jetbrains-toolbox-*.tar.gz

Run the Toolbox App:

./jetbrains-toolbox-*/jetbrains-toolbox

IntelliJ IDEA Installation via Toolbox streamlines the process. Launch the Toolbox App and select IntelliJ IDEA from the available products list. Choose between Community and Ultimate editions based on your requirements. The Toolbox App handles downloads, installations, and updates automatically.

Benefits include automatic updates, version management, and easy switching between different IDE versions. This method particularly benefits developers working with multiple JetBrains products.

Method 3: Using Snap Package

Snap Installation requires enabling snap support on AlmaLinux 10:

sudo dnf install snapd -y
sudo systemctl enable --now snapd.socket
sudo ln -s /var/lib/snapd/snap /snap

Restart your system or reload the PATH to recognize snap commands.

Install IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition:

sudo snap install intellij-idea-community --classic

For Ultimate Edition:

sudo snap install intellij-idea-ultimate --classic

Snap Benefits and Limitations include automatic updates and sandboxed applications for enhanced security. However, snap packages may have slower startup times and potential theme integration issues compared to manual installations.

Installation Verification

Launch IntelliJ IDEA to verify successful installation:

intellij

Or use the desktop entry from your applications menu. The first launch will trigger the initial setup wizard, confirming proper installation.

Post-Installation Configuration

Initial Setup Wizard

Welcome Screen Navigation presents several configuration options during first launch. The import settings dialog allows you to import configurations from other IDEs or previous IntelliJ IDEA installations. Select “Do not import settings” for fresh installations.

License Activation differs between editions. Community Edition activates automatically, while Ultimate Edition requires license key entry or JetBrains account login. Create a JetBrains account if you don’t have one for Ultimate Edition access.

Plugin Installation customizes your development environment. Essential plugins include:

Version Control Integration: Git, SVN support
Build Tools: Maven, Gradle integration
Framework Support: Spring, Hibernate plugins
Language Plugins: Additional language support as needed

JDK Configuration

Project SDK Setup ensures IntelliJ IDEA recognizes your Java installation. Navigate to File → Project Structure → Project Settings → Project. Configure the Project SDK by selecting your installed JDK version.

Add additional JDK versions if needed:

Click “New” in the Project SDK dropdown
Select “Add JDK”
Navigate to your JDK installation directory
Click “OK” to confirm

Global JDK Settings establish default configurations for new projects. Access File → Project Structure → Platform Settings → SDKs to manage global JDK settings. This configuration applies to all new projects unless specifically overridden.

IDE Customization

Editor Configuration optimizes your coding experience. Adjust font size and family through File → Settings → Editor → Font. Configure code style preferences under File → Settings → Editor → Code Style for consistent formatting across projects.

Customize keymaps for improved productivity:

Navigate to File → Settings → Keymap
Select your preferred keymap scheme
Customize individual shortcuts as needed

Appearance Settings personalize your IDE interface. Choose between IntelliJ Light and Darcula themes through File → Settings → Appearance & Behavior → Appearance. Adjust UI scaling for high-DPI displays and configure toolbar visibility preferences.

First-Time Setup and Usage

Creating Your First Project

New Project Wizard guides you through project creation. Click “New Project” from the welcome screen and select your project type. Choose appropriate project templates based on your development needs – Java application, Spring Boot, or Maven/Gradle projects.

Configure project SDK and location:

Select Project SDK from the dropdown
Choose project location on your filesystem
Enter project name and configure additional settings
Click “Finish” to create the project

Project Import Options accommodate existing codebases. Select “Open or Import” from the welcome screen to import existing projects. IntelliJ IDEA automatically detects Maven, Gradle, and other build configurations, simplifying project setup.

Essential Features Overview

Code Navigation and Editing leverage IntelliJ IDEA’s intelligent features. Use Ctrl+Space for code completion, Ctrl+Shift+F for global search, and Ctrl+Click for navigation to definitions. The IDE provides real-time error detection and suggestions for code improvements.

Debugging and Testing tools integrate seamlessly with your development workflow. Set breakpoints by clicking line numbers, use F9 to debug, and leverage the integrated testing framework for unit test execution and coverage analysis.

Integration Setup

Configure version control systems through VCS → Enable Version Control Integration. Select Git, SVN, or other supported systems. Set up database connections using the Database tool window for full-stack development projects.

Terminal integration provides command-line access within the IDE. Access it through View → Tool Windows → Terminal for git commands, build scripts, and system operations.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Installation-Related Issues

Permission Errors commonly occur during installation. Ensure you have sudo privileges and proper directory permissions. If extraction fails, verify you have write access to the target directory:

sudo chown $USER:$USER /opt/

For “Permission denied” errors when running idea.sh:

chmod +x /opt/intellij-idea-community/bin/idea.sh

Java-Related Problems may prevent IntelliJ IDEA from starting. Verify Java installation and PATH configuration:

which java
echo $JAVA_HOME

If IntelliJ IDEA doesn’t start, check for conflicting Java versions or corrupted installations. Reinstall OpenJDK if necessary:

sudo dnf remove java-*-openjdk*
sudo dnf install java-17-openjdk-devel -y

Performance and Runtime Issues

Memory Configuration optimization improves IDE performance. Edit the JVM options file:

nano ~/.config/JetBrains/IntelliJIdea2024.1/idea64.vmoptions

Increase memory allocation:

-Xms1024m
-Xmx4096m
-XX:ReservedCodeCacheSize=512m

UI and Display Problems may occur on certain desktop environments. If fonts appear incorrectly, install additional font packages:

sudo dnf install dejavu-fonts liberation-fonts -y

For high-DPI display issues, adjust UI scaling in IDE settings or set environment variables:

export GDK_SCALE=1.5
export GDK_DPI_SCALE=1.5

Integration Issues

Desktop Environment Integration problems can prevent proper application launching. Regenerate desktop database if menu entries don’t appear:

sudo update-desktop-database
sudo update-mime-database /usr/share/mime

Plugin Compatibility issues may cause IDE instability. Disable problematic plugins through File → Settings → Plugins. Check plugin compatibility with your IntelliJ IDEA version before installation.

Best Practices and Tips

Performance Optimization

Memory Allocation should match your project requirements and system capabilities. For large projects, increase heap size to 6-8 GB on systems with sufficient RAM. Monitor memory usage through Help → Find Action → “Memory Indicator” to optimize settings.

Plugin Management affects IDE performance significantly. Disable unused plugins to reduce memory consumption and startup time. Regularly review installed plugins and remove those no longer needed for your development workflow.

Project Indexing optimization improves code analysis speed. Exclude unnecessary directories from indexing through File → Settings → Project Structure → Modules. Add build output directories and temporary files to exclusion lists.

Security Considerations

User Permission Management ensures secure development environments. Run IntelliJ IDEA with standard user privileges rather than root access. Configure file permissions appropriately for project directories and avoid storing sensitive credentials in project files.

Network Security settings protect against external threats. Configure proxy settings if working in corporate environments and enable HTTPS for plugin downloads and updates through File → Settings → Appearance & Behavior → System Settings → HTTP Proxy.

Maintenance and Updates

Regular Update Procedures keep your IDE secure and feature-rich. Enable automatic update checks through File → Settings → Appearance & Behavior → System Settings → Updates. Review update notifications and install patches promptly to maintain security and stability.

Configuration Backup strategies preserve your customizations. Export settings through File → Manage IDE Settings → Export Settings. Store configuration backups in version control or cloud storage for easy restoration after system changes.

Version Management allows testing new features while maintaining stability. Use JetBrains Toolbox for easy version switching or maintain multiple installations for different project requirements.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed IntelliJ IDEA. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing IntelliJ IDEA on your AlmaLinux OS 10 system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official Jetbrains website.

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