Getting Started Programming in JavaEnough background! For the second half of this day let’s actually dive into simple Java programming and create two Java programs: a standalone Java application and an applet that you can view in a Java-enabled
browser. Although both these programs are extremely simple, they will give you an idea of what a Java program looks like and how to compile and run it.

Getting a Java Development Environment

In order to write Java programs, you will, of course, need a Java development environment. (Although browsers such as Netscape allow you to play Java applets, they don’t let you write them. For that you’ll need a
separate tool.) Sun’s JDK, which is available for downloading at the JavaSoft Web site (http://www.javasoft.com/) and included on the CD for this book, will do just fine. It runs on Solaris, Windows 95 and NT,
and Macintosh. However, despite the JDK’s popularity, it is not the easiest development tool to use. If you’re used to using a graphical user interface-based development tool with an integrated editor and debugger, you’ll
most likely find the JDK’s command-line interfaces rather primitive. Fortunately, the JDK is not the only tool in town.

As mentioned earlier, a number of third-party development environments (called integrated development environments, or IDEs) are also available for developing in Java. These include Sun’s Java Workshop for Solaris,
Windows NT and Windows 95 (you can get more information about it at http://www.sun.com/developer-products/java/); Symantec’s Café for Windows 95, Windows NT, and Macintosh
(http://cafe.symantec.com/); Microsoft’s Visual J++ for Windows 95 and Windows NT (http://www.microsoft.com/visualj/); and Natural Intelligence’s Roaster
(http://www.natural.com/pages/products/roaster/index.html). All three are commercial programs, but you might be able to download trial or limited versions of these programs to try them out. You’ll learn
more about the features and capabilities of the various Java IDEs on Day 22, “Java Programming Tools.”

Note
I find the graphical development environments far easier to use than the standard JDK. If you have the money and the time to invest in one of these tools, I highly
recommend you do so. It’ll make your Java development experience much more pleasant.

To get started with programming in Java, you’ll want to follow these steps:

1. **Install Java Development Kit (JDK)**:
– Visit the official Oracle website or OpenJDK website to download and install the latest version of the JDK appropriate for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux).
– Set up environment variables (like JAVA_HOME) as per your operating system’s requirements to ensure that your system recognizes Java commands.

2. **Choose a Development Environment**:
– There are several IDEs (Integrated Development Environments) available for Java development, such as Eclipse, IntelliJ IDEA, and NetBeans. These IDEs offer features like code completion, debugging, and project management, making development easier.
– Alternatively, you can use a simple text editor like VS Code or Sublime Text, along with the command line, if you prefer a lightweight setup.

3. **Write Your First Java Program**:
– Open your chosen IDE or text editor.
– Create a new Java file with a “.java” extension. For example, “HelloWorld.java”.
– Write a simple program, such as the classic “Hello, World!” program, to understand the basic syntax and structure of Java. Here’s an example:
“`java
public class HelloWorld 

{
public static void main(String[] args) 

{
System.out.println(“Hello, World!”);
}
}
“`
– Save the file.

4. **Compile and Run Your Program**:
– If you’re using an IDE, it likely has built-in tools to compile and run Java programs. Look for options like “Run” or “Debug” in the menu.
– If you’re using a text editor, open your command prompt or terminal, navigate to the directory where your Java file is saved, and use the `javac` command to compile your Java file:
“`
javac HelloWorld.java
“`
– After compiling successfully, use the `java` command followed by the name of the class containing the `main` method (without the “.class” extension) to run your program:
“`
java HelloWorld
“`

5. **Learn the Basics**:
– Familiarize yourself with basic Java concepts such as variables, data types, operators, control flow statements (if-else, loops), methods, and classes.
– Explore object-oriented programming (OOP) principles like encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism.

6. **Practice, Practice, Practice**:
– Start with simple exercises and gradually work your way up to more complex projects.
– Utilize online coding platforms, tutorials, and Java programming challenges to reinforce your learning.

7. **Refer to Resources**:
– Make use of online tutorials, books, documentation, and community forums to deepen your understanding of Java programming.

By following these steps and continuously practicing, you’ll become more proficient in Java programming and be well on your way to developing your own applications.