java. - Tech Support Forums

dingdong · May 16th, 2005, 03:15 AM

i'm gonna learn java, but there's a problem which always coming back around.
i don't know how to start. i know i've to d/l the developer kit in sun.com, but there's to many type of java, like j2jse-x_x_x, j2sdk-x_x_x.... after i tried to d/l all and have a test one by one, there's still not working. i asked my friends, and knowing now that it can work with textpad (i use textpad 4.7). when i finish writing the java code, i press ctrl+1 to compile....save as .java with the same file name with the class name, and then ctrl+2,to run it.,.....

is everything i do is under the procedure?

how many type of java is there? how to make the object one?
later i'll send the the code to make sure that it's not the problem on the code.... but on the software i use....

thnx for help.....

rpertusio · May 16th, 2005, 04:08 AM

You'll want the 'j2sdk' one.

Actually, may I stop you in your tracks and direct you to a really nice free program?
Borland Jbuilder Foundation

be SURE to get the 'Foundation' version, it is free!

- Rp

crobat · May 17th, 2005, 12:04 AM

When you go to the website on sun, this is the link I used right here

It's the latest version of Java. You can of course use textpad with it. Let me know if you still can't compile.

Blazer06 · May 17th, 2005, 12:06 AM

Eww, I would not use that SDK.

Go with Eclipse.

-Blaze

crobat · May 17th, 2005, 01:29 AM

*slaps forehead* Yes. Use Eclipse. I don't know if it's standalone without the SDK from the link that I listed, but heck that's what experimenting is for.

VHockey86 · May 17th, 2005, 01:47 AM

If you want the real java, get the SDK.
Unless you are doing stuff with CVS, eclipse is a burdensome POS IMO. Although personally I think all IDE's are overkill unless its a big group project. Just use a text editor and learn how to program/compile the real way. I think its also only fully up to date with Java 1.4, 1.5 has some nice improvements worth learning.

If you want help with any coding just throw me a PM.

crobat · May 17th, 2005, 07:45 PM

Just some FYI, the current Eclipse supports Java 5.0 (or 1.5, though it was renamed by Sun as 5.0 for some reason).

What VHockey is trying to say (with some subjectivity) is you have some choices on how to develop Java code.

VHockey86 · May 17th, 2005, 07:58 PM

Thank you for pointing that out crobat, I was unaware of the Eclipse update.

My recommendation (in perhaps a less-ranting style this time around) would be to download the SDK and give it a try. If you find it a pain, try out an IDE like eclipse.

Myself, in windows I use the SDK and 'TextPad'
In linux I use xemacs and the command line to compile.

Blazer06 · May 17th, 2005, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VHockey86

If you want the real java, get the SDK.
Unless you are doing stuff with CVS, eclipse is a burdensome POS IMO. Although personally I think all IDE's are overkill unless its a big group project. Just use a text editor and learn how to program/compile the real way. I think its also only fully up to date with Java 1.4, 1.5 has some nice improvements worth learning.

If you want help with any coding just throw me a PM.

I guess it depends how you code, I find that the Eclipse IDE is great, especially for people new to Java like I was a year and a half ago. The reason why, is because then you have error reporting as you type, so if you write something wrong, you know.

Also helps you save a lot of time because you don’t need to keep recompiling code all the time, just to find you have some sort of stupid error.

But, to each his own. I like the Eclipse IDE for other reasons, but I would definitely recommend using that first before trying to use a notepad / command line interface, until the person can code a substantial program.

-Blaze

VHockey86 · May 17th, 2005, 08:06 PM

I guess, but he java compiler is pretty rediculous. Its not like some standard C and C++ errors where you have no idea where it is. It basically tells you "insert semicolon after line 87...". I think you learn faster if you get annoyed by it not compiling and having to fix it =).

As many smaller programs and I tend to write, I just find the whole "setup a project" thing to be overkill. I don't need an entire source/distribution subdirectory structure for 1 or 2 source files.

As previously stated, to each his own. I was just trying to give my recommendation for someone starting out, presumably on smaller things not to be burdened by learning a software package on top of the language itself.