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To program in Java, you need a "java compiler", a program to convert Java source code to bytecode. In the old days, the only option was Sun’s Java Development Kit; but now you have many options, including the GNU project’s gcj which creates class files or native executables, and jikes, IBM’s open source contribution. You also will need a Java virtual machine, which is a "machine within a machine" which understands Java bytecodes and translates them into machine language on the target processor. There are many available, but you can never go wrong with the javac compiler and java JRE virtual machine included with Sun’s Java standard edition.

1) Visit Sun’s J2SE page and download the correct package for your platform: typically Windows, Linux, or Solaris. Macintosh users will find they already have the J2SE installed. For maximum portability, it may be better to get an older edition; not all your potential users will have the latest JVM installed. Alternatively, use an open-source or other third-party compiler such as gcj or jikes, and compile to a native executable or run it with the Java JRE.

2) Learn to use a "clean" editor like Notepad++, Vim, or Emacs. These don’t taint your program source with formatting information, as does Microsoft Word. Whatever editor you use, it must have the option to save as "plain text".

3) Learn the basic edit-compile-test cycle:  

1. Create or edit the program source file(s).
2. Compile to .class files.
3. Run the program with the java executable, or as an applet in a browser. If the functionality isn’t correct, or you want to add more features, start again at step 1.

4) If you can afford it, buy a good book about Java programming and carefully read the beginning. With this language, the beginning is more difficult than later steps.

5) If you face any problems, always try a web search. There are a lot of good articles about Java on the web.

6) Don’t reinvent the wheel. Java was always about reusing open-source libraries. If you need something that is not very uncommon there’s usually a lib that helps you.

More information:

• Core java tutorials
• Advanced java tutorials

live.pirillo.com – Turtleneck37 writes: “I was just wondering what, in your opinion is the best Anti-Virus program and the best Anti-Spyware program. Ive had quite a few problems with my computer and have had to format a few times and i believe it is a direct result of some kind of virus.” chris.pirillo.com

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Antivirus Software