How to Set up a Java Programming Environment

This updated guide examines How to Set up a Java Programming Environment and organizes the essential facts, background, and practical takeaways in clear American English.

Method 1

On Windows 8/10

1. Install the JDK from the Oracle website.
   • You can find the download here: http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index.html
   • Make sure to download the JDK.
2. Identify the installation location of the JDK.
   • It is usually a sub-folder within this path: C:Program FilesJava
3. Edit the System Environment Variables.
   • On the window that appears, click the "Environment Variables..." button.
4. Create a new variable named JAVA_HOME, and set the installation location of the JDK as the value.
5. Edit the PATH variable.
   • Add a semicolon at the end.
   • Add the JDK installation location with "bin" after the semicolon.
6. Make sure to click "Okay" on all of the Environment Variables to save the new settings.
7. Open up Command Prompt.
   • Hold?Win+Rto open the "Run..." dialog.
   • Entercmdand hit?Enter.
8. Verify the Java compiler is recognized.
   • Typejavac -versionand 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.
9. Run a Java program.
   • 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]XResearch source}Check out How to Change Directories in Command Prompt.
   • Runjavac 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.
   • Runjava HelloWorldto run your compiled Java program.

Method 2

On a Mac

1. Install the JDK from the Oracle website.
   • You can find the download here: http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index.html
   • Make sure to download the JDK.
2. Open the Terminal.
3. Verify the Java compiler is recognized.
   • Typejavac -versionand 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.
4. Run a Java program.
   • 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]XResearch source[3]XResearch source[4]XResearch source}
   • Runjavac 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.
   • Runjava HelloWorldto run your compiled Java program.