The Compiler
Getting your computer to listen to you
You only need three things to start making your own games—a computer (PC, Mac, or Linux), this book … and a compiler. This software program translates your code into a language your computer can understand. If you don’t already have a compiler, it can be downloaded FREE through the Internet.
To install Java and its compiler, go to java.sun.com and click on “Java SE” to the right under “Popular Downloads.”
Click “Get the JDK 6 with NetBeans 5.5”; JDK stands for Java Development Kit. This will allow the computer to understand the code. NetBeans is an IDE (Integrated Development Environment) which makes code writing easier.
Install NetBeans by clicking on the setup icon.
Now, the interface: ...