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How to Set Up a Java Programming Environment

Java is a popular and long-standing programming language, used by large and small, new and old companies alike. Setting up your computer to run Java for the first time can be a mild hassle. This wikiHow will detail how to configure the Java Development Kit (JDK) on your computer to prepare you for running Java. Setting up an integrated development environment (IDE) like Eclipse or IntelliJ is not included within the scope of this article.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

On Windows 8/10

    • It is usually a sub-folder within this path: C:\Program Files\Java
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    • On the window that appears, click the "Environment Variables..." button.
    • Add a semicolon at the end.
    • Add the JDK installation location with "\bin" after the semicolon.
    • Hold ⊞ Win + R to open the "Run..." dialog.
    • Enter cmd and hit ↵ Enter .
    • Type javac -version and hit ↵ Enter .
    • If you see the version of Java printed out, it worked! If you see that it's "not recognized", go back and check the previous steps for any errors.
    • Copy the Hello World program from Oracle's website and save it to a file: https://docs.oracle.com/javase/tutorial/getStarted/cupojava/win32.html
    • In Command Prompt, navigate to where to saved the file.
      • If you're not comfortable with command prompt, there are many tutorials to help. [1] Check out How to Change Directories in Command Prompt.
    • Run javac HelloWorld.java (assuming your file is named HelloWorld.java) to compile your Java source file into a class file.
      • If you see an error, you likely have a bug in your program or haven't navigated to where your file is located.
    • Run java HelloWorld to run your compiled Java program.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

On a Mac

  2. Open the Terminal .
    • Type javac -version and hit ↵ Enter .
    • If you see the version of Java printed out, it worked! If you see that it's "not recognized", go back and check the previous steps for any errors.
    • Copy the Hello World program from Oracle's website and save it to a file: https://docs.oracle.com/javase/tutorial/getStarted/cupojava/win32.html
    • Navigate to where you saved the program.
      • If you're not familiar with how to navigate in Terminal, there are many tutorials to help. [2] [3] [4]
    • Run javac HelloWorld.java (assuming your file is named HelloWorld.java) to compile your Java source file into a class file.
      • If you see an error, you likely have a bug in your program or haven't navigated to where your file is located.
    • Run java HelloWorld to run your compiled Java program.
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      Warnings

      • If you're not familiar with system environment variables, do not delete anything in the related dialogs. If you delete the wrong variable, you can render your system unusable.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.digitalcitizen.life/command-prompt-how-use-basic-commands
      2. ↑ https://www.macworld.com/article/2042378/master-the-command-line-navigating-files-and-folders.html
      3. ↑ https://computers.tutsplus.com/tutorials/navigating-the-terminal-a-gentle-introduction--mac-3855
      4. ↑ https://macpaw.com/how-to/use-terminal-on-mac
      5. https://www.java.com/en/download/help/path.html

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