Tools
You will need to have on your computer:
- An editor to write Java code, we’ll use Visual Studio Code, install it from here.
- Install the JDK (Java Development Kit) when prompted.
- Install the Extension Pack for Java.
- Java, more specifically the Java Development Kit.
- The command line to compile and execute your programs.
Command line. The command line is a text interface to interact with the computer, it is already installed in your computer. It’s a program that takes in commands, which it passes on to the computer’s operating system to run. From the command line, you can navigate through files and folders on your computer, just as you would with a file graphic navigation interface.
Short videos on how to use basic command line commands:
VSCode has a builtin console, here is a list of commands.
Writing your first Java program. How to video on how to use VSCode and the command line (console).
iLab machines. You can remotely use the machines located in the computer science department. Here is a how to video explaining how to use the iLab machines to create Java programs.