Grade 12 CompSci Mac Substitute?

[JamesSwidy]

I'm just entering grade 12 comp sci and we're just learning Java. I believe my class is using 'Ready to Program with Java Technology', except I now run a Mac and 'Ready to Program' hasn't released their Mac version yet. What would be a good program to is in substitute for Ready to Program that's free?
Thanks!

[syntax_error]

consider yourself very lucky you arent using RTP

imo you for your fist time doing java go to the sun site get a complier + get a IDK like Jcreator or since your starting out something like Dr.java quick google search will get you these

[HellblazerX]

Ready to Program is a Java IDE, so you should be able to find an alternative to it in this list of Java IDEs and Editors. The 2 most popular choices, Eclipse and JCreator, do not support Mac OS, but Netbeans does (though I've never used it before). Also, DrJava and BlueJ are both geared towards beginner programmers, and both support Mac OS. However, if your class decides to make use of RTP's console library, you'll need to ask your teacher on how to get it in your computer.

[JamesSwidy]

thanks for all the suggestions....i actually downloaded eclipse yesterday, it does support mac....however, im having difficulty getting to a screen where i can actually begin coding....im used to turing, very straight forward.....is eclipse a decent program if i can figure it out?

[syntax_error]

eclipse -- ahh that isnt the easiest tool to start from use Dr.Java or better yet notepad++ as your text editor and compile use CMD?

i would tell you to strongly use Dr.Java simply since it is very close to how you are used to the way of programming

[Nyrd]

Can't you just use our mystical school computers James? I'm pretty sure they support RTP . . .

[wtd]

Open Terminal, type "which javac", hit enter, and tell us what you see.

[Hendo]

Dude, use the XCode developer tools, it has java built in. It should be on your original OS install disk.

[DemonWasp]

I'm not sure what HellBlazerX is talking about, because Eclipse definitely supports Mac OS X. Eclipse is probably the best IDE you can get for Java, and it's certainly the best IDE (for any language) I've ever worked with. It's more powerful, and more complicated, than what you need.

All you need are the following:
1. A way to edit your .java source files. Since source files are just plain text (like .txt files), you can use anything from Notepad to an IDE. If you want the easy way, use Notepad++. If you want the way that will help you learn, use Vim.

2. A way to compile your java program to .class files. The easy way is to use an IDE (once it's configured), but it's also trivial to do at the command-line. As wtd said, type "which javac" in a terminal and tell us the output; we can guide you more once we have some more information.

3. A way to run the generated .class files. Once you answer #2, we'll be able to help you with #3 as well.

Of course, an IDE lets you edit your source code, then hit a pretty button to do steps 2 and 3. This is what you're used to doing in Turing, and Dr Java or JCreator will give you that ability. The downside to these is that they require some setup.