Downloading Java

The Java Development Kit (JDK) is available for free download from http://java.sun.com

There are three main components: the J2SE Development Kit (JDK), the installation instructions and the documentation. They can all be downloaded from

http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.5.0/download.jsp

Before you download the JDK, you might read ahead and consider whether you want to use an IDE such as NetBeans.  If so, then don't download the JDK from the link above as it is included in the NetBeans download.

Using Java

Java programs start off as text files and can be written using a text editor such as Windows NotePad.  Before they can be run, they must first be compiled into a 'class' file using the Java compiler (javac.exe).  Once correctly compiled, programs can be run using the Java.exe application.

To make life easier and to avoid having to switch from a text editor to the command line when creating programs, you can use an Integrated Development Environment (IDE).  IDEs make writing easier because they help you identify errors in your code. 

There are a number of Java development tools available, including Borland JBuilder, NetBeans, Sun ONE Studio (a commercial version of NetBeans), Eclipse, and WebGain Visual Café. These tools provide an integrated development environment (IDE) for rapidly developing Java programs. Editing, compiling, building, debugging, and online help are integrated in one graphical user interface. Using these tools effectively will greatly increase your programming productivity.

One of the popular IDEs is the J2SE Software Development Kit (SDK) and NetBeans Integrated Development Environment (IDE). Download this from http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.4.2/download-netbeans.html  NetBean's Welcome Screen has information about how to get started. 

Path Variable If you are not using an IDE such as NetBeans, then Java is run from a command window. Before you can run Java programs from the command line, you need to set the path variable on your computer so it knows where to find the files it needs.  Otherwise you will need to type the full path to java.exe and javac.exe every time you want to compile or run your programs.  Here is some information on setting your path variable

This page has been produced by Margaret Meijers.  Questions or feedback may be directed by email to mmeijers at ictmindtools.net

 
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Attribution should include the statement: "This has been adapted from a resource originally created by Margaret Meijers at http://ictmindtools.net"