Introduction: Programing With Java Using Command Prompt

This instructable will teach you how to: 

1. Install the Java Development Kit.

2. Set system variables to easily be able to compile and execute java files.

3.  Compile and execute a Java file from Command Prompt.  

** This is mainly for Windows 7 and Vista.

Step 1: Download Latest JDK

1.Follow this link: http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index.html
2. Click Download JDK under the download Java Standard Edition panel.
3. Choose your operating System and agree to the terms of service. **
** This will  probably be Windows since your using Command Prompt.

Step 2: Setting Path for Command Prompt

1. Open the Command Prompt .
2 Type "set Path=C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.6.0_21\bin" .*
3. Type  " set HomePath= C:\Program Files\Java\ jdk1.6.0_21 *

* If you have a later jdk ( i.e. jdk 1.6.0_22) replace the portion that says jdk1.6.0_21 with it.

** If you don't know which jdk you have go to: start pane( at bottom left corner of you screen)>click run> click browse>Then  go to C:\Program Files\Java

*** Do not type quotation marks in steps 1-3  at command prompt.

 

Step 3: Creating a Simple Java Program

Create Program
1. Go to Start pane>All Programs > Accessories> Notepad.exe
2 Copy and paste the following exactly:
public class helloworld
{
public static void main(String[] args)
{

System.out.println("Hello World!");

}
}
3. a.Save file as: helloworld.java 
     b.Make sure "save as type" under where you typed the file name as "All Files" (as opposed to the default "Text-File").
      c. You want to save your java file where  the Command Prompt  is set to open at.*

*Such as C:\Users\MyUserName 

Step 4: Compiling and Executing the Program

1.First compile file by going to Command Prompt and typing javac  helloworld.java
2.This will create a class file which you can execute by typing java helloworld
3. It should print "Hello World!" to show your done.

Step 5: Learn More

1. The next thing you want to do is get a textbook that will teach you the Java language, precisely.I recommend Programing and Problem Solving with Java
 by Nell B. Dale and  Chip Weems .
2. You can get this from Amazon.com following this link:
http://www.amazon.com/Programming-Problem-Solving-Java-Weems/dp/0763734020/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1291909285&sr=8-2