The Java Software Development Kit (Java SDK or JDK) is an application created by Sun Microsystems to create and modify Java programs. This is where to start if you would like to start programming in Java.
Step 1
Download the latest version of the * Java JDK from Sun Microsystems.
Step 2
Double-click on the install file and it should open an installer (Fig. 1).
Step 3
Click next, then read and accept the license.
Step 4
On the next screen you will encounter some options. Just leave these alone and click next unless you know what you are doing. (Because this is being read it is assumed that you do not.)(Fig. 2)
Step 5
The next page you encounter should install (and in some cases download) the Java Development Kit. (Fig. 3)
Step 6
After the installer is finished, open run by clicking Start > Run... or by typing Windows Key + R.
Step 7
In the text box, type "cmd" and click "OK".
Step 8
A simple window should be opened with a black background and a text prompt. This is called the "Command Prompt." My command prompt background is red, but it could really be any color. (Fig. 4)
Step 9
After focusing the window, type "javac" and press enter. If the prompt returns something along the lines of: "'javac' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file" then continue with the next step. If it shows many more options and lines, skip to step 15.
Step 10
Open the properties of "My Computer" by either right-clicking the icon on the desktop or right-clicking Start > My Computer. When the pop up menu opens, scroll to the bottom and select "Properties".
Step 11
This should open a window named "System Properties". Click on the "Advanced" tab and then click "Environment Variables". (Fig. 5)
Step 12
Next, another window opens with a lot of confusing sentences and letters. Double-click on the "CLASSPATH" variable on either of the option boxes. It is recommended to edit the variable in the box "User variables for (your username)".
Step 13
Once the variable is opened, a text box in yet another window appears. Careful not to delete anything in this box. At the end of the text box, add a semi-colon if there is not one already, and add "C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.6.0\bin" to the text box. This is assuming you did not change the file path of the installation.
Step 14
Click "Apply" and "OK" to all the windows you have just opened. Open the command prompt again, while following steps 6-9 to see if that "javac" command works.
Step 15
Congratulations! You have taken your first step to starting Java programming.
Tips
- If you would like to change the install path, this would be done by clicking the "Change..." button on the page after the license agreement. Make sure to save the new install path if you do this.
Warnings
- As of Java 1.5 or 5, the Java SDK's name was changed to JDK.
- Be careful to only right click on the My Computer link, not the start menu or any other link.
- This guide is for users of the Java Development Kit 6 on a Windows XP home or professional edition PC.
- Be very, very careful when editing the Environmental Variables as this could mess up your PC.
