Tutorials
How To Do It!
In most people's experience we all have run into areas where a little extra insight would have smoothed the learning curve of a new subject. The information below is meant to provide that insight, hopefully identifying the common pitfalls more experienced people have struggled against. These are not meant as replacements for existing, comprehensive documentation (where it may already exist), but are meant more to serve as guideposts on the path toward enlightenment.
Note: Please endure with us as we build this section. Once the content is complete, it will be formatted more betterer. Thanks!
| Title | Summary |
|---|---|
| My First Java Environment | How to set up a Java environment on a Windows system for free |
| From Zero to Applet in 60 Minutes | How to write your first Java applet |
| Graphics Files | Coming Soon |
| VGA Compatibility Requirements | Coming Soon |
| Protecting Yourself Against Viruses And Other Malware | Coming Soon |
My First Java Environment
Who is this written for? It is expected that you have at least some technical background, with at least a remedial understanding of web pages, the Internet, and your operating system (i.e. Windows). If you can't tell the difference between a file extension and a hair extension, perhaps this isn't the appropriate tutorial for you.
Dum de dum dum.
Still with me? Excellent. Here are the key points I hope to cover:
- The Java Runtime Environment (JRE)
- The Java Development Kit (JDK)
- The Java Documentation
- The Text Editor
- The Integrated Development Environment (IDE)
The Java Runtime Environment
Before starting on any Java development, it is essential that your machine already have the most current Java Runtime Environment installed. Note that the Java Runtime Environment is sometimes called the JRE for short. Under Microsoft Windows, Internet Explorer and most other browsers require a third-party plugin to execute Java. If you're not sure if your browser is Java-enabled, try this quick test: Java Runtime Test.
The latest version of the JRE is available from Sun Microsystems at: Java Runtime Environment. You'll need to install this before going any further. Once it's installed, try the Java Runtime Test again to verify your browser is Java enabled.
The Java Development Kit (JDK)
Downloading
Now it's time to get the real stuff. There are many versions of the JDK to download (and usually several bundling options), so you'll have to choose the one that best suits the types of applications you'll be developing. Since we're focusing on applets, we should get the Java SE Development Kit.
Caveat: Please note that version numbers and web pages are at the discretion of Sun and therefore are subject to change without notice.
The JDK we're most interested in can be found on this page: Java SE Downloads. Look for the latest release of the "Java SE Development Kit (JDK)". It's usually a standalone item, not a bundle. Click the "Download" button and save it to your hard drive.
Make sure to choose Windows as the platform, and to check your agreement with the license agreement before finally pressing "Continue".
Next you right click on the filename (in the example it's jdk-6u14-windows-i586.exe) and save it to your local hard drive. Remember where you put it, because you'll have to find it to run it! Note that if you have a slow connection (i.e. modem), then you should probably use the Sun Download Manager in case you get disconnected during the download. Otherwise, using a broadband connection that downloads in less than ten to fifteen minutes, it's probably not necessary.
Once the download starts, hit the BACK button a couple times until you return to the original download page. Just under the download button is a "Docs" link. Click that to download the Java SE Documentation.
Select the language ("English" would probably be a good choice) and check your agreement with the license agreement before pressing "Continue".
Next you right click on the filename (in the example it's jdk-6u10-docs.zip) and save it to your local hard drive. Note that if you have a slow connection, then you should probably use the Sun Download Manager.
Installation
So far, so good? You should have a couple files downloaded now. One is the executable used to install for the JDK (e.g. jdk-6u14-windows-i586.exe) and one is the zipped documentation (e.g. jdk-6u10-docs.zip). We'll leave the documentation alone for a little bit and just focus on the Java tools installation first.
The Java Documentation
Under construction
Text Editors
Under construction
The Integrated Development Environment (IDE)
Under construction
Definitions - Terms Used In This Tutorial
- Eclipse IDE
- Initially built for Java developers, it is now considered a multi-language software development platform; currently the IDE of choice for many Google Android developers.
- GlassFish
- Application server for the Java EE platform.
- IDE
- Integrated Development Environment - used as a complete soup-to-nuts development platform that includes editor, compiler, linker (when appropriate), and debugger. Examples of IDE's include Microsoft Visual Studio, NetBeans, and Eclipse.
- Java EE
- Java Platform, Enterprise Edition - used to build Java applications that are typically server based. Additional libraries are provided to create fault-tolerant, distributed applications with modular components.
- Java ME
- Java Platform, Micro Edition - used to build Java applications that are typically executed on mobile phones or set-top boxes.
- Java SE
- Java Platform, Standard Edition - used to build Java applications for general use.
- JavaFX
- Scripting language that executes on top of Java.
- JDK
- Java Development Kit - tools used to build Java applications.
- JRE
- Java Runtime Environment - the interpreter that runs in your browser.
- NetBeans IDE
- Popular IDE for many Java developers.
From Zero to Applet in 60 Minutes
Under construction.
Graphics Files
Coming soon.
VGA Compatibility Requirements
Coming soon.
Protecting Yourself Against Viruses And Other Malware
Coming soon.