Previous Chapter: None Next Chapter: Logging into Neo The Java Tutorials - Chapter 1: Setting Up Java Table of Contents Getting the JDK Updating the PATH Variable (Windows only) Getting an IDE Getting the JDK Well you can't program in Java if you don't have Java installed (duh). People generally have something called the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) installed which allows them to run Java programs. However, in order to develop Java programs, you'll need to install the Java Development Kit (JDK). So let's get that up and running in your system. Go here: http://java.sun.com/javase/downloads/index.jsp Ignore most of the downloads and go straight to "Java SE Development Kit (JDK) > JDK 6 Update 16" (at the time of writing we are on Update 16 but that number may change). Download that and then install. If you run Linux, you should install the JDK via your package manager instead of from the download site. If you run a Mac, you should probably get the JDK from Apple's main site: http://developer.apple.com/java/download/ Updating the PATH Variable (Windows only) In order to use the Java command-line tools, you'll need to update your PATH variable. Click Start > Control Panel > System > Advanced > Environment Variables Then you should see two sections: one for User Variables and one for System Variables. In both of those sections, you should see a variable called PATH. Edit both variables and add the location of your JDK installation. So for example, if you're PATH was initially Code (Text): C:/; C:/Documents and Settings change that to Code (Text): C:/; C:/Documents and Settings; C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.6.0_<version>\bin and replace <version> with with the Java version you installed. Be sure to check the exact location of that bin/ folder so you get that correct. For complete installation notes on getting the JDK working on your system, read this: http://java.sun.com/javase/6/webnotes/i ... ndows.html I included all of the essentials here, but if you want more clarification, read that web page. Getting an IDE An Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is a powerful program that helps application developers immensely by providing them with development tools that speed up the programming process. You'll see what I mean when you write your first program For Java, I recommend the Eclipse IDE and I will assume you will use it as well from now on. The tutorial is still valid if you choose not to use Eclipse, but some of the instructions will be off then. To get Eclipse, download it from their main website: http://www.eclipse.org/downloads/ Download "Eclipse IDE for Java Developers (92 MB)" and install If you run Linux, you should install Eclipse via your package manager.
The current plan is to have a 7 part tutorial. It'll end with making a fully functional Igloo autobuyer.
Ok done. Awaiting part 2. That was easy, I'm going to be such a good Java developer EDIT: Then again, when I click Eclipse.exe, I get this alert. A Java Runtime Environment (JRE) or Java Development Kit (JDK) must be available in order to run Eclipse. No Java virtual machine was found after searching the following locations: C:\Documents and Settings\User\Desktop\eclipse-java-galileo-SR1-win32\eclipse\jre\bin\javaw.exe in your current PATH. I realise there's not even a folder called "jre" in the folder "eclipse" EDIT EDIT: Ok I found out I had to put this in the same folder as the JDK
I'm learning java in school but I had no clue how to set it up at home. Hopefully this well set me off into the right direction
Alright Zer0, you've got me set up and ready to go! Now what?! I've recently determined that learning Java is a number one priority for me and I'd absolutely love to see a few new parts to this series! Can't wait for more!