jdk
  textmate / jedit / nano
  ant

What else do you need? :/

Is it common for java developers to use a "dumb" editor like textmate / jedit / nano? I've heard that a good IDE is a requirement for writing significant amounts of Java. To be fair, I've mostly been interested in Scala; but it seems like you have to know Java to get the most out of Scala.

It's a myth. People who don't like Java moan on that it's so verbose and the only way to get anything done is by using an IDE.

Do people use IDE's to write assembly language? I'd say majority do not. You just learn to organize your code well and to be concise and tidy. A good skill to learn.

My current project (Mibbit), is about 25k loc, in around 200 files. I've never had any issue working with it.

I think the difference lies in if you write 'Enterprise' java, use XML for everything, use patterns, tons of threads etc or if you just write tight, tidy, concise speedy java.

> I think the difference lies in if you write 'Enterprise' java, use XML for everything, use patterns, tons of threads etc or if you just write tight, tidy, concise speedy java.

There's a saying, "one of the problems that lawyers have, is that 95% of those in the profession give all the rest a bad name". That's also true for people who view Java.

notch's screencasts show that there is an alternative, and I'll take your word for it that you're in that class as well. But you're part of the 5%; maybe the 1%.