Java Platform 2
Standard Edition 5.0 (a.k.a Java 1.5)
Java Platform 2 Standard Edition 1.4
For some inscrutable reason, Sun goes
absolutely crazy with its numbering of its Java versions. Figuring out
which version follows which harder than solving Rubik's Cube. Don't even
try. We will give you
a burned CD with all the latest versions, plus a number of other good tools to
use when programming Java. It is all free and
legal. If you download any other programs to work with your Jafva, make
sure they are compatible with the above versions, Java Platform 2
Standard Edition 5.0 (a.k.a Java 1.5)
or Java Platform 2 Standard Edition 1.4. Generally, it is smart to use the
latest production version of Java from Sun.
Text editors and Java IDEs
You can write your Java programs using any text editor.
We will demonstrate Jens File Editor in class. Also, there are a number of
free Integrated Development Environments for Java. Your CD has JCreator
and Sun's NETBEANS. Also, our school computers have IBM's Eclipse IDE
available. Since Java does not contain any proprietary code, you should be
able to use any of these editors or IDEs, or you may use an editor or your
choice after you get used to how Java compiles and runs. The instructor
will not spend a lot of time, however, debugging or troubleshooting problems
caused by an IDE that we have not given you.
Labs with suitable
javac compilers and Java IDEs on
campus
Most CSIT department labs, as posted in
our Open Lab Times.
M108 during most hours that Parkland
is open (see schedule posted
in M108)
Peer Tutoring, D 120, on the first floor of the new D-Wing
Any Wi-Fi "Hot Spot" on campus using a portable computer
and a wireless card
Using Java on your personal computer.
The programs on the CD we give you will
install and run on any Windows computer of the last five to six years. If
you have a Linux system, you may download the equivalent programs from
java.sun.com. The instructor will not spend a lot of time, however,
troubleshooting problems with installing or running Java on a Linux system.
