How to count lines of Java code using IntelliJ IDEA?

Strategically using the Statistic plugin

Installing and accessing the Statistic plugin

1. Navigate to File > Settings > Plugins > Marketplace and search for "Statistic".
2. Access the new plugin through the toolbar in your project: View > Tool Windows > Statistic.
3. The ensuing window gives a precise breakdown of different stats, such as the total lines of Java code.

Here's a fun fact: If Statistic were a baking ingredient, it would be the kitchen scale – accurate, efficient, and indispensable.

Leveraging the MetricsReloaded plugin

How to analyze using MetricsReloaded

1. Choose Analyze > Calculate Metrics from IntelliJ IDEA.
2. If you don’t see it, install it from the JetBrains repository.
3. Select your scope and explore detailed metrics of your Java project.

As they say, MetricsReloaded is like that Swiss army knife you wish you had in a deserted island - a complete toolkit in one plugin.

Crafty Bash commands for Unix/Linux users

For Linux or Unix system users, count Java code lines using this bash command:

# Bash command to end all commands! 
# (Well, at least for line counting)
find . -name '*.java' -print0 | xargs -0 cat | grep -cve '^\s*$'


This command finds all .java files, concatenates them, and counts non-empty lines excluding whitespace and comments.

Mastering Regular Expressions and Global Search

Swift line count with '\n'

1. Use global search with Ctrl+Shift+F.
2. Key in \n and turn on 'Regular expression'.
3. The search result provides the count of newline characters consequently, code lines.

Narrowing down to non-empty lines with '\n'

For a precise count of non-empty lines:

1. Initiate again, a global search.
2. Use the regex pattern "\n+" or "(\s*\n\s*)+" to exclude lines with only whitespaces.
3. The number retrieved is the count of valuable lines exclusively.

Integration: keeping it all within IntelliJ IDEA

Why integrate with IntelliJ IDEA?

Why switch between applications when IntelliJ IDEA gives us an all-in-one platform? Using these tools and plugins lets us enhance productivity and maintain the workflow within the same IDE environment.

4. **Uncover** all the hidden treasures (lines of code) dispersed across your project.

## Navigating potential roadblocks

### Handling extensive projects
Running line count tools on large projects can be resource-intensive. Check if your system is up for the task or divide the code inspection into smaller, more manageable parts.

### Addressing comments and whitespace
Comments and whitespace-only lines can inflate line counts if not addressed in your search expressions or plugin settings.

### Architectural considerations 
A project with multiple modules or libraries might necessitate a more segmented approach to line counting. Adjust your methods and tools accordingly.