Ubuntu® Linux® Secrets

Chapter 28. Java

Secrets in This Chapter

• The Ubuntu Java Environment

• Running Java Programs

• Using Java IDE Packages in Ubuntu

This chapter takes a look at the Java environment in Ubuntu. Unfortunately, there is some controversy with Java in Ubuntu, mostly because of open-source problems and licensing restrictions. Consequently, there are multiple ways to implement a Java development environment in Ubuntu. This chapter walks you through the controversy and shows you how to implement an open-source solution for a complete graphical Java development environment on your Ubuntu workstation.

The Java Development Environment

The Java programming language has become a popular tool for developers who need to make applications work in environments that support multiple operating system platforms. Instead of having a different version of an application for each operating system platform, you can create Java programs on one platform (such as Ubuntu), then run them on a completely different platform (such as Microsoft Windows workstations), usually with no modifications or problems.

Because of its versatility, the Java programming language has been used in many types of programming environments, from standalone workstation applications to dynamic web programming. This section describes the different ways you can use the Java programming language and discusses the different development environments available for creating your Java programs.

Java Programs

Part of the confusion over Java is trying to define ...