IntelliJ IDEA automatically detects Git repositories within your project directories. To enable version control manually, navigate to VCS and select 'Enable Version Control Integration'. You can also use the built-in terminal to perform Git operations by accessing it through F12 or via View → Tool Windows → Terminal .

Maven and Gradle are critical in Java project management because they automate the build and dependency management processes. Maven uses an XML configuration (pom.xml) that facilitates standardized builds with consistent dependency management. Gradle offers flexibility with scripting capabilities (via build.gradle), allowing dynamic task customization. IntelliJ IDEA supports both, simplifying setup and maintaining compatibility with different development and deployment environments .

Keyboard shortcuts in IntelliJ IDEA reduce reliance on the mouse, speeding up navigation, code editing, and management processes. Key shortcuts include Ctrl + R for running applications, Option + Enter for auto-import, Shift + F6 for renaming, Cmd + O for class/file search, and Option + Cmd + L for reformatting code. These shortcuts streamline frequent tasks, minimizing downtime and enhancing developer productivity .

Using IntelliJ IDEA's built-in terminal provides seamless access to command-line operations within the IDE environment. It allows developers to execute build commands, access version control systems, and perform file operations without switching contexts. This integration streamlines workflows and boosts productivity by keeping all necessary tools within reach .

To create and run a basic Java class in IntelliJ IDEA, right-click on src/main/java and select 'New → Java Class'. Name it 'Main', and add your Java code. To run the application, right-click the file and select 'Run Main.main()' or click the green triangle next to the main() method .

To enhance productivity in IntelliJ IDEA, enable auto-import by going to Settings (Cmd + ,) → Editor → General → Auto Import and select 'Add unambiguous imports on the fly'. Additionally, set up actions on save by going to Settings → Tools → Actions on Save and check 'Reformat code' and 'Optimize imports' . These settings streamline code management and reduce manual import handling.

Auto-import features can be enabled in IntelliJ IDEA by navigating to the settings through Cmd + , and going to Editor → General → Auto Import. Enabling 'Add unambiguous imports on the fly' automates import management, reducing manual correction and ensuring that imports are consistently applied throughout the project .

To manage dependencies using Maven in IntelliJ IDEA, edit the pom.xml file in your project directory. You can add dependencies by specifying them within the <dependencies> section of the XML. For example, to add a Spring Boot starter dependency, include: <dependency> <groupId>org.springframework.boot</groupId> <artifactId>spring-boot-starter</artifactId> <version>3.2.0</version> </dependency> in your pom.xml file .

Recommended plugins for IntelliJ IDEA include String Manipulation for enhanced text handling, Lombok for reducing boilerplate code, Rainbow Brackets for code readability, Key Promoter X for learning shortcuts, and JUnit Generator for simplifying test development. These plugins enhance code efficiency, readability, and developer productivity .

To set up IntelliJ IDEA for a new Java project using Maven on macOS, launch IntelliJ IDEA and choose your preferred theme, keymap, and enable recommended plugins during the initial setup. Create a new Project by selecting 'New Project' and choosing Java as the language and Maven as the build system. If the JDK is not listed, add it by clicking Add SDK and locating it at /opt/homebrew/opt/openjdk. Then, name your project and choose a location before finishing the setup. The project structure includes src/main/java for Java source code, src/test/java for unit tests, and pom.xml for Maven configuration .