Java programming course: 1.6 How Java programs are entered

This is Lesson 1.6 of the Java programming course.

• Previous lesson: 1.5 Java syntax and naming conventions
• Course contents

How Java programs are entered

While it is possible to use a simple text editor to enter Java source code, and to use command line instructions to invoke the compiler, it is generally beneficial to use an Integrated Development Environment (IDE)[1]. Three very popular open-source IDEs are Apache NetBeans[2],  Eclipse[3], and IntelliJ[4]. All three are very capable and more similar than they are different.

This course will use Apache NetBeans, which is itself a Java application.

The simplest way of installing NetBeans is through the version that includes a local Java Development Kit (JDK) that is already integrated. Refer to the following page for instructions:

[1] Sometimes called an Interactive Development Environment.

[2] Available from the Apache website: https://netbeans.apache.org/

[3] Available from the Eclipse Foundation website: https://www.eclipse.org/

[4] Available from https://www.jetbrains.com/idea/

The next lesson will show how to create a simple Java program

Lesson 1.7 Create a simple Java program