Chapter 2

Installing and Using Java Tools

IN THIS CHAPTER

check Downloading Java from the Oracle website

check Installing Java

check Using Java tools

check Getting help

Java development environments have two basic approaches. On the one hand, you can use a sophisticated integrated development environment (IDE) such as NetBeans or Eclipse. These tools combine a full-featured source editor that lets you edit your Java program files with integrated development tools, including visual development tools that let you create applications by dragging and dropping visual components onto a design surface.

At the other extreme, you can use just the basic command-line tools that are available free from Oracle’s Java website (http://java.oracle.com). Then you can use any text editor you want to create the text files that contain your Java programs (called source files), and compile and run your programs by typing commands at a command prompt.

Tip As a compromise, you may want to use a simple development environment, such ...

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