JetBrains Runtime is a Java runtime environment based on OpenJDK that provides an optimized JDK distribution for running IntelliJ Platform-based products on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
The tool addresses the need for a Java runtime tailored to the requirements of JetBrains IDEs. It extends OpenJDK with enhanced class redefinition through DCEVM, enabling hot-swapping of modified classes during development. The runtime integrates optional JCEF support for embedding Chromium-based browsers and includes improvements across font rendering, keyboard handling, windowing and focus management, HiDPI support, accessibility features, and performance optimizations. It also provides desktop integration enhancements and bugfixes not yet available in upstream OpenJDK.
Developers should adopt this runtime if they are using JetBrains IDEs, as it is specifically optimized for that ecosystem. The tool maintains multiple release branches tracking different JDK versions, allowing users to select the runtime version that matches their IDE version. This is not a general-purpose JDK replacement but rather a specialized distribution designed to maximize IDE performance and functionality on the IntelliJ Platform.
The project maintains active synchronization with OpenJDK's master branch while preserving its own enhancements, indicating ongoing integration with upstream development. Release builds are published across multiple supported JDK versions, with coordinated releases aligned to IDE versions. The tool receives regular updates that address both platform-specific improvements and compatibility with new JDK releases.
