Is your JetBrains IDE turning into a memory hog? Try this simple fix
Recent versions of JetBrains IDEs have been accused of insatiable memory consumption, leading to user frustration and unanswered support tickets. While the official solution remains elusive, I discovered a workaround that might just offer sweet relief: replacing the default bundled JetBrains runtime JBR Java 17 JDK with GraalVM Java 21 JDK.
The problem: Memory woes run amok
Many developers rely on JetBrains IDEs for their powerful features and smooth workflows. However, recent iterations have been plagued by high memory usage, often exceeding 4 GB and occasionally reaching a staggering 10 GB or even 20 GB. This can cripple OS performance, reduce productivity, and leave users exasperated. Note that changing the memory settings (Help -> Change Memory Settings) won’t help because this is a problem with JetBrains native memory usage.
Unanswered pleas: Frustration mounts
Despite user complaints and support tickets, JetBrains hasn’t yet provided a definitive solution. This leaves developers searching for alternatives, impacting their productivity and satisfaction.