This paper outlines the technical and historical significance of the NetBeans 5.5
NetBeans 5.5 is not available from the current NetBeans website but is safely preserved in the Apache archives. Follow the instructions above strictly using JDK 5.0. For any new development, use NetBeans 12+ or a modern IDE. Netbeans 5.5 Download
An industry-leading visual editor for Swing applications, allowing "drag-and-drop" design of professional desktop interfaces. which now stewards the project
Here lies the rub. You cannot simply go to the current NetBeans website (netbeans.apache.org) and find version 5.5. The Apache Foundation, which now stewards the project, hosts versions 9.0 and above. The older "Sun Microsystems" era installers have been moved to archives. Netbeans 5.5 Download