<p> Getting Started with Java under Windows</p><p>This information is taken from Maria Litvin’s APCS web page at www.skylit.com/javamethods/faqs/gettingstarted.html </p><p>What software do I need? You need a Java compiler and an IDE. </p><p>What is a compiler? A compiler translates Java code into bytecodes. </p><p>Where do I get it? There is essentially only one Java compiler. It is part of JDK (Java Development Kit) and it is available free for downloading from Oracle’s web site. The latest version, as of July 2012, is JDK 7, Update 5. </p><p>What is an IDE? An IDE (Integrated Development Environment) serves as a front end for the Java compiler and interpreter. It also includes an editor for writing Java code, a project maker, sometimes a debugger, all conveniently packaged into one program with a graphical user interface. We will use the IDE JCreator. Others are Netbeans and Eclipse. Eclipse can run on Macs.</p><p>Downloading JDK and Docs</p><p>To download JDK, go to </p><p> http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index.html</p><p>Click on the leftmost icon "Java -- Java Platform (JDK 7u25)" (or the latest available update). Accept the license agreement, then click on the installation file appropriate for your system, for example, jdk-7u25-windows-x64.exe for 64-bit Windows. Click Save in the dialog box that pops up and save the JDK installation file (about 92 MB) to the desktop or a folder of your choice. </p><p>If you wish, you can also download and install the documentation. Personally, I just look it up online when I need it at: http://docs.oracle.com/javase/7/docs/api/ </p><p>Installing JDK and Docs</p><p> Install the JDK and documentation first, then an IDE.  To install the JDK, run the downloaded JDK file, for example jdk-7u25-windows-x64.exe and follow the instructions. Accept all the defaults. By default, the JDK is installed in the C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-... folder. Downloading and Installing JCreator</p><p>To download JCreator, go to http://www.jcreator.org/download.htm In the summer of 2012, Xinox Software started charging license fees for JCreator LE Version 5. It used to be free. Now JCreator LE v5.00 download is a trial version. The terms of the trial are not specified; the cost of the license is not clearly stated, but appears to be $35. </p><p>The Downloads page states that Version 4.50 runs under Vista and Windows XP, but it also runs fine under Windows 7. This fully functional version appears to be free. </p><p>Choose the third link -- </p><p>JCreator LE v4.50 Click on the Download button. You have to supply an email and the download and installation instructions are sent to your email.</p><p>Download the JCreator setup file jcrea450_setup.exe to the desktop or a folder of your choice. To install JCreator, run jcrea450_setup.exe. Accept all the defaults. </p><p>Running a Java Program in JCreator</p><p> Start JCreator  From the File menu choose New --> File, click on Java Classes, click on Empty Java File, click next.  Type in the name of your file, for example, HelloWorld. The name must match your class name! Then click Finish. Browse to a folder where you want to save your file, for example, C:\mywork.  Type in the text of a short Java program, for example: </p><p> public class HelloWorld { public static void main(String[] args) { System.out.println("Hello, World!"); } }</p><p> From the Build menu choose Build file.  From the Run menu choose Run file. </p><p>For more detailed info on how to download and configure Java and JCreator, please see Maria Litvin’s web page: http://www.skylit.com/javamethods/faqs/gettingstarted.html </p>