Java 1: Getting Started

Installation

After completing the Java Coding 1 workshop, if you haven’t set up your computer for coding with Java, here are some instructions to help you get started.

What you’ll need:

• Java Development Kit (JDK)
• Integrated Development Environment (IDE) OR Text Editor

You can download the JDK from the section of the Oracle website. It’s free for personal use, but make sure to read the licensing information before you download.

Here are some videos from LinkedIn Learning to help with downloading and installation. Note that you’ll need to log in to your GSU campusID and password to view:

• Install Java on Windows
• Adding Java to the system PATH on Windows – This is a necessary step to make sure things work properly on Windows machines.
• Install Java on OS X

You can use a text editor on your computer, but there are also plenty of free IDE’s out there as well that help make the coding process smoother. One such IDE that is widely used is Visual Studio Code. It’s free, customizable, and available on both Mac and PC. Here is some information to help you get started.

Resources

Activities

Practice what you’ve learned so far with some challenges. The challenges come with a challenge java file with a description of what you’re supposed to do and an answer java file with some possible solutions to the challenge.