Technology · head to head
Apache Spark vs Eclipse
Apache Spark
Technology
A multi-language engine for data engineering, data science, and machine learning
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
Eclipse
Technology
The Eclipse Foundation - home to a global community
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Apache Spark licensed under Apache License 2.0 per spark.apache.org; as open source software it has no paid tier or vendor price to compare; Eclipse high memory consumption and CPU usage, especially with multiple plugins installed
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Apache Spark and Eclipse actually diverge.
| Attribute | Apache Spark | Eclipse |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | open-source | Unknown |
| Platforms | Web | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Founded | Unknown | 2001 |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Technology).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in Apache Spark
Nothing recorded that Eclipse does not also cover.
Only in Eclipse
- Java development environment
- Extensible plugin architecture
- Integrated debugger
- Code refactoring
- Version control integration
- Build automation
- Multi-language support
- Rich client platform
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Apache Spark
No use cases recorded yet. See the Apache Spark review.
Eclipse
- Java application developmentnot Apache Spark
- Enterprise software developmentnot Apache Spark
- Web application developmentnot Apache Spark
- Plugin developmentnot Apache Spark
- Educational programmingnot Apache Spark
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Apache Spark
- Licensed under Apache License 2.0 per spark.apache.org; as open source software it has no paid tier or vendor price to compare
- Installation on a laptop requires pip install pyspark or a Docker image per spark.apache.org; there is no hosted single-click deployment offered by the Apache project itself
Eclipse
- High memory consumption and CPU usage, especially with multiple plugins installed
- Slow startup times and performance degradation with large projects or many open editors
- Requires configuration of eclipse.ini file to optimize heap sizes for adequate performance
- User interface considered outdated compared to modern IDE alternatives
- User base fell from 39% of Java developers in 2024 to 28% in 2025, indicating market decline
Pricing, plan by plan
Apache Spark
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Apache Spark review.
Eclipse
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Eclipse review.
Which should you pick?
Choose Eclipse if
- You need java development environment.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
- You also want extensible plugin architecture.
Questions people ask
- Is Apache Spark or Eclipse better?
- Neither clearly leads. Apache Spark starts at Free and Eclipse at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Apache Spark or Eclipse?
- Apache Spark starts at Free and Eclipse at Free.
- Does Apache Spark or Eclipse run on more platforms?
- Apache Spark runs on Web. Eclipse runs on Windows, macOS, Linux.
- Can I use Apache Spark for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What can Apache Spark do that Eclipse cannot?
- Eclipse covers Java development environment, Extensible plugin architecture, Integrated debugger, Code refactoring.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Eclipse: How much does Eclipse IDE cost?
Eclipse IDE is completely free and open-source, released under the Eclipse Public License 2.0.
Source