Getting Started

In this chapter, we will first acquire a copy of JDK (Java Development Kit) and an IDE (Integrated Development Environment). JDK is what we need to develop programs for java. Without this, we cannot compile and test what we wrote. If you want to do it the hard way, you wouldn't need an IDE but we don't want that right? IDE will help us in writing codes and debugging, but before we use an IDE, we will first learn how to do it the hard way so that you can appreciate what an IDE do for us. Okay first thing we need are:

1. Acquiring JDK and IDE at once. Why at once? Because they are already
available bundled together. Go to http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index.html. It is possible that at the time that you are reading this, the page could have been changed, just google it (e.g. java jdk). On that page, select the Downloads tab. You will notice that there are two options, Java Platform (JDK) and NetBeans with JDK. Select the second and select 'Accept License Agreement' then select the download link that suits your operating system. After downloading, just install it on the default directories. I'm using Windows so all the instructions that I'm going to use is for Windows but I'm sure you'll know how to do it in your platform (I hope).


2. Text Editor. Next we will select our preferred text editor. Most of the operating systems today has a text editor already installed. I will suggest Notepad++ for Windows. It has great features that could help you in writing codes for different languages. It has syntax highlighting and is free.

3. Setting Environment Variables. This step is optional, if you are gonna use an IDE, you don't need to set this up. But as I said, we are going to do some coding the hard way first so just follow the instructions and you'll be set. (Note: For Windows only)
     a) Right click 'My Computer'
     b) Select Properties. The System window will show.

     c) Click on 'Advanced system settings', the System Properties window will appear.

     d) Click on Environment Variables
     e) On the System Variables box, select PATH from Variables column then click Edit.

     f) Now go to the installation directory of your java. (e.g. C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.8.0_40\bin)

     g) Copy the location and paste it on the Variable Value preceded by a semicolon then click Ok.