In this programming article, we will look at some of the best Netbeans IDE plugins you can use to make the most out of your Java applications. We will be showcasing add-ons for several different categories, including reporting, mobile app development, database development, and GUI (graphical user interface).
One of the most important abilities for any application you develop is to be able to print out reports based on user submitted data or data from a database. This can include information for financial programs, user management - virtually any information you want to see in a clean layout.
While you can achieve this solely with the Java language and some formatting functions, at the end of the day why bother when you can use a pre-built, tested plug-in? Keeping that in mind, the first plug-in I want to highlight is very popular for creating reports - in fact, it is one of (if not the) most downloaded Netbeans plugin out there: JasperForge’s iReport.
Created around 2006, JasperForge.org is home to a community of developers with a focus on business intelligence and reporting apps, including its main core:
JasperReports
iReport
JasperServer
JasperAnalysis
JasperETL
iReport works off of the JasperReports library, giving you the ability to simply create reports in html/on the web, .doc/.docX, PDF, OpenOffice and others.
To utilize the full power of iReports, JasperForge suggests you use the JasperReports library, the iReport plugin, and JasperServer in conjunction, but this isn’t wholly necessary, as you can deploy it on your own server if you like (though you will lose some of the built-in functions of JasperServer; it all depends on your personal needs).
To download iReport, you can visit: http://plugins.netbeans.org/plugin/4425/ireport. For more information or technical support, you can go to JasperForge’s site: http://jasperforge.org/
Java & J2EE 
