As long as ZF library folder is somewhere underneath the project directory, IDE should pick it up. Remember, that it should be a proper PHP project since the IDE needs to perform full indexing of all the classes to provide the code assist. If you are using Aptana, also do not forget to install PHP development plugin.
If you do not want to have ZF a part of every project, then you can put it in IDE's include path. In Aptana this is done by:
- going to project properties --> PHP include path
- In libraries tab, click Add Library
- In new dialogue (User libraries) press Config
- In filtered preferences dialogue that comes up press new
- Give it a name and press OK
- With new library name selected, press Add external folder and navigate to ZF library folder (overall path should be like /usr/local/ZendFrameworkCli/library)
- Click OK for PHP Libraries
- New library should now be in list of User libraries dialogue. Put a checkbox next to library you just created
For NetBeans procedure is similar (although much shorter):
- Tools --> options
- PHP tab
- In Global Include Path choose Add Folder and pick the location of ZF library.