How to start programing with Java/Eclipse

alentz627

May 22, 2010

Computers

This tutorial will teach you the basics in how to get started programing using a combination of Java and Eclipse. It will show exactly what you need to download, and also how to begin a new project.

*This tutorial is stricly for the Windows platform

First we must download Eclipse from http://www.eclipse.org/downloads.

Click on"Eclipse IDE for Java Developers"

You will then be brought to a page with download mirrors (chose whichever you prefer)

Next, you must download and extract the file

Next you will need to extract all the files to a location of your choice

After the files have been extracted a new folder will open containting another folder named "eclipse". Double click on the "eclipse" folder, and inside you wil find the eclipse application

To make things easier in the future you may want to pin this application to the start menu (optional step)

Now in order to start writting Java programs we need to download the latest Java JRE. To do this go to http://www.java.com/en/download/manual.jsp#win and chose "Windows XP/Vista/2000/2003 Online"

Select "Save File" and let the files download

Double click on the newly downloaded Java exe and follow the on screen instructions

Once Java is done installing you are ready to begin programming! To begin, open Eclipse and select a workspace (where ever you want Eclipse to save your work)

When you open Eclipse for the first time you will be greeted with a welcome screen, this can simply be closed

To open a new Java program navigate to File -> New -> Java Project

Next, name your project what ever you like and hit "finish"

Next, single click on your newly created project on the left hand side and select File -> New -> Class

Once you click "Class" you must name the class

After naming the class be sure to check the "public static void main(String[] args"option under "Which method stubs would you like to create?" This will create a working method for you