How to clean project cache in IntelliJ IDEA like Eclipse's clean?

java

intellij-idea

cache-management

development-tools

byNikita Barsukov·Dec 9, 2024

Here's your quick-fix for clearing IntelliJ cache:

Invalidate Caches: Fire up this instruction: File > Invalidate Caches / Restart... > Invalidate and Restart.
Rebuild: Seal the deal by stroking Build > Rebuild Project.

// Step 1: Say goodbye to cache
File > Invalidate Caches / Restart... > Invalidate and Restart 
// Step 2: Rebuild, because who doesn't love a comeback?
Build > Rebuild Project

A two-step tango to clear out your IDE's cobwebs and give your code base a neatly ironed look.

Deep cleaning IntelliJ cache

When your routine 'dust-off-the-old-cache' act doesn't quite hit the spot, it's time for a thorough cleaning. Think of it as a spring cleaning episode for stubborn cache-related issues that refuse to go away after a version upgrade or for those pesky, hard-to-reach cache bugs:

Manual Cache Cleanup: For when you need to roll up your sleeves and take control, head over to the .IntelliJIdea directory, dig into the system folder, and annihilate the caches manually.
Project-level Cleanup: If deleting .idea folder and *.iml files sounds scary, remember to backup first! This could save you from project-confined nightmares.
Local History: A bit like the historian of your project. Note, it's immune to normal cache invalidation rituals. Explicitly select it if you want to clear it off.
Reciprocal Suffering: Android Studio and IntelliJ IDEA have shared custody of cache directories so think of the collateral damage.
Surgical Strike on Cache: After several cache invalidation attempts with no payoff, it's time to take aim at the cache directory specific to your issue.

Project-specific cache busting

When the problem child is a specific project, targeted therapy is needed:

Purge Project Cache: Project-specific dramas can often be ended with the swift removal of .idea directory and *.iml files.
Dependency Management: For those Gradle and Maven parents out there, refreshing dependencies by reimporting, or using the build systems to iron out stubborn wrinkles might be needed.
Plugin Clean-up: Plugins are lazy buggers; they often nap and keep their own cache files wrapped up. Look into plugin documentation for some DIY advice.