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Eclipse vs ESLint

Eclipse logo

Eclipse

Technology

The Eclipse Foundation - home to a global community

From
Free
Free plan
Yes
Full reviewWebsite
ESLint logo

ESLint

Developer Tools

Find and fix problems in JavaScript code

From
Free
Free plan
Yes
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Eclipse high memory consumption and CPU usage, especially with multiple plugins installed; ESLint slow performance on large codebases compared to newer tools like Oxlint and Biome
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Eclipse and ESLint actually diverge.

Attributes where Eclipse and ESLint differ
AttributeEclipseESLint
PlatformsWindows, macOS, LinuxBrowser-based JavaScript, Node.js, Any JavaScript environment
CategoryTechnologyDeveloper Tools
Founded20012019

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (Unknown), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).

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 Eclipse

  • Java development environment
  • Extensible plugin architecture
  • Integrated debugger
  • Code refactoring
  • Version control integration
  • Build automation
  • Multi-language support
  • Rich client platform

Only in ESLint

Nothing recorded that Eclipse does not also cover.

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Eclipse

  • Java application developmentnot ESLint
  • Enterprise software developmentnot ESLint
  • Web application developmentnot ESLint
  • Plugin developmentnot ESLint
  • Educational programmingnot ESLint

ESLint

  • Statically analysing JavaScript and JSX to find problems before runtimenot Eclipse
  • Automatically fixing issues with syntax-aware rewritesnot Eclipse
  • Enforcing a consistent code style across a teamnot Eclipse
  • Running as a CI step to block non-conforming codenot Eclipse
  • Writing custom rules for project-specific conventionsnot Eclipse

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

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

ESLint

  • Slow performance on large codebases compared to newer tools like Oxlint and Biome
  • Complexity in configuration from scratch, particularly for TypeScript support
  • Limited built-in TypeScript support, requiring separate parsers and coordination with new TypeScript features

Pricing, plan by plan

Eclipse

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Eclipse review.

ESLint

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the ESLint 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.
Eclipse review

Choose ESLint if

  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Browser-based JavaScript, Node.js, Any JavaScript environment.
ESLint review

Questions people ask

Is Eclipse or ESLint better?
Neither clearly leads. Eclipse starts at Free and ESLint at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Eclipse or ESLint?
Eclipse starts at Free and ESLint at Free.
Does Eclipse or ESLint run on more platforms?
Eclipse runs on Windows, macOS, Linux. ESLint runs on Browser-based JavaScript, Node.js, Any JavaScript environment.
Can I use Eclipse for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Eclipse best used for?
Eclipse is most often used for java application development, enterprise software development, web application development, plugin development. Of those, java application development and enterprise software development are not what ESLint is typically brought in for.
What can Eclipse do that ESLint 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
ESLint: Does ESLint automatically fix code issues?

Many problems ESLint finds can be automatically fixed via the --fix flag. ESLint fixes are syntax-aware so you won't experience errors introduced by traditional find-and-replace algorithms.

Source
ESLint: How much does ESLint cost?

ESLint is completely free and open-source software maintained by the OpenJS Foundation. The project accepts voluntary donations from sponsors.

Source
ESLint: Can I write custom ESLint rules?

Yes. You can develop custom rules that work alongside built-in functionality through ESLint's plugin system, allowing complete customization for your project needs.

Source
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