new to java

[Nick]

ok so i wanna start learning java but the problem is iunno which software to download.... there is so many things on the java.sun website and since i learned programming in turing it makes zero sense to me so could someone please tell me what i need

PS please dont say something like a compiler please say something like IDE and then explain what that is... ive heard the terms but dont know what they are

thanks
~momop

[HeavenAgain]

- If you have a version of the JDK older than v5.0 installed, then uninstall it and reboot your computer.
- Download and install JDK 5.0 Update 9 from Sun Microsystems site [Filename: jdk-1_5_0_05-windows-i586-p.exe].

Follow these installation instructions carefully.
Do not download the NetBeans 4.1 IDE, J2EE 1.4, or JRE 5.0 from Sun -- only the link for JDK 5.0 Update 9.

- Once you have downloaded and installed JDK 5.0 Update 9, verify that you have the latest version installed. The verification page should say that you have Java Runtime Version 1.5 installed.
- Download and install the latest stable version of Dr. Java for Windows. Dr. Java is a single executable (.exe) file, there is no installation program for it. I recommend putting the Dr. Java application on your desktop.
- Add or change the file associations for .java and .class files to open with Dr. Java:

Open the Folder Options control panel in Windows.
Click the File Types tab.
Create or change the association for .java and .class files to point to the Dr. Java application on your desktop.


- Reboot your machine, and run Dr. Java.
- Click the Compile All button. If everything is set-up properly, you should see javac 1.5.0 listed at the bottom right of the Dr. Java window under the heading "Compiler".

i hope this is not out dated, but um try it?

[rizzix]

Click here

Click the JDK 6 Update 2's download button

Click the Accept option.

Click "Windows Offline Installation (build 06), Multi-language"

When completed...

Double click the .exe, and just follow the awkward instructions.

[rdrake]

It would be worth noting that any IDE (Integrated Development Environment) must make use of a compiler in order to really make anything useful. An IDE just gives you prettier code and some helpful features.

[Aziz]

Start learning Java by writing the code in notepad/notepad++/some simple text editor, and compiling/running it via command line. IDE's are confusing and misleading for beginners.

[HeavenAgain]

Aziz @ Fri Sep 07, 2007 11:08 am wrote:

Start learning Java by writing the code in notepad/notepad++/some simple text editor, and compiling/running it via command line. IDE's are confusing and misleading for beginners.

reminds me of Crimson Editor a very good program to use for lots of coding

[syntax_error]

or another IDE that I like that makes life simpler is Dr.Java

its clean simple and mainly for students
also if are planing to do huge projects in java eg: multi lvl game or something along that size
use net beans you can get that off the sun site

[Euphoracle]

I find DrJava perfect for my needs. I prefer to use Notepad when drafting code, however. I like the interface and highlighting better.

[Euphoracle]

Euphoracle @ Mon Sep 17, 2007 9:57 pm wrote:

I find DrJava perfect for my needs. I prefer to use Notepad(++) when drafting code, however. I like the interface and highlighting better.

Dammit, pressed the quote button instead of edit. My mistake >_>.