Get Started with Java: A Step-by-Step Guide to Installation and Setup
Java is a powerful, high-level programming language that’s widely used across various operating systems. To begin your Java journey, you’ll need to install the Java Development Kit (JDK) on your device. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the installation process on Windows, macOS, and Linux (Ubuntu).
Installing Java on Windows
To set up Java on Windows, follow these easy steps:
Download the JDK
Head to the official Oracle website to download the JDK. Choose the x64 MSI Installer on the Windows tab and click on the download link.
Run the Installer
Navigate to your downloads folder and run the installer you just downloaded. Click Next to proceed with the installation.
Configure Environment Variables
After installation, you’ll need to tell your system where to find Java. To do this, set environment variables by locating the JDK path, accessing environment variables, and updating the Path variable.
Verify Your Installation
Finally, verify whether Java is installed by using the command java -version in the command prompt. If Java is installed successfully, it will print the version information.
Installing Java on macOS
To install Java on macOS, follow these steps:
Check Java Version
First, check if Java is already installed on your Mac by using the command java -version in the Terminal app.
Download the JDK
If Java isn’t installed, download the JDK from the official Oracle website. Choose the appropriate installer for your Mac’s chip architecture.
Run the Installer
Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to initiate the installation process.
Configure Environment Variables
After installation, set up environment variables by adding the JAVA_HOME variable to your .bash_profile file.
Verify Your Installation
Finally, verify whether Java is installed by using the command java -version in the Terminal app.
Installing Java on Linux (Ubuntu)
To install Java on Ubuntu, follow these steps:
Install Java
Open the Terminal and update your package list to ensure you get the latest version of the software. Then, install the default JDK with sudo apt-get install default-jdk.
Verify Installation
Check if Java was installed successfully by using the command java -version. If Java is installed successfully, it will print the version information.
Run Your First Java Program
Now that you’ve set up Java on your computer, it’s time to write your first Java program! Open a text editor, enter the code, and save the file as HelloWorld.java. Compile the program with javac HelloWorld.java, and then execute it with java HelloWorld. You should see “Hello World” printed to the command prompt.
With these steps, you’re all set to start exploring the world of Java programming!