When we have to start a new project in Java or we have to join an existing project there are many points to be clarified and choices to do. You can find an updated list here: https://github.com/marco76/java-project-checklist (you can add your suggestions)

Example:

IDE – choice

• Eclipse – Intellij – Netbeans
• Free choice?

IDE – configuration

• Is it possible to use custom plugins?
• Is it possible to use custom configuration?
• Are there existing profiles to be imported?

Java SE version

• Which version?

Java enterprise framework

• Spring – JavaEE – Other

JavaEE – injection preference

• CDI – EJB
• No preferences (mixing allowed) [… continue on GitHub …]