Getting started
From Java Tutorials
This isn't a tutorial as such but it just explains what you need to get started with the rest of the tutorials. The following programs are free.
[edit] Install the JDK
Firstly, you'll need to download the Java Development Kit (JDK). This is a collection of programs that let you run Java programs, and also compile them (convert them from human readable source code files to machine instructions). As of 19 May 2006, the latest version was J2SE 5.0 Update 6, which you could download from Sun (if that link doesn't work, then try navigating there from this page). What you are looking for is the Windows installer (assuming you are running Windows!), whether you choose the online or offline option is up to you. Unfortunately it's a fairly large download. Once it's finished downloading, install it. Remember the directory that you installed it to, you might need this directory later on.
[edit] Install an IDE
You will need a program to edit Java source code. You can use something like plain old Notepad but it's better to use what's called an IDE (integrated development environment) which formats your code nicely, compiles your code and runs it all from the one program. It's much much easier. A quick search led me to a program called JCreator. There are a few different versions, you can get a dated, but free version (version 2.50 LE) from Tucows.
Once downloaded, unzip it and run the setup program. Just hit next on the window about File Associations, and on the next screen you'll be prompted for the directory that the JDK is installed to. JCreator does a pretty good job of finding this out for itself, but just double check that it has found the right directory. In the next window, you'll be prompted for the directory containing the Java documentation - if you don't have it, don't worry, it's on the web here (bookmark it! You'll need it later).
So now everything is installed and you're all ready to start coding.
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