How to Install the Java Software Development Kit

The Java Software Development Kit (Java SDK or JDK) is an application created by Sun Microsystems to create and modify Java programs. This is where to start if you would like to start programming in Java.

Download the latest version of the *Java JDK from Sun Microsystems.

Double-click on the install file and it should open an installer (Fig. 1).

Click next, then read and accept the license.

On the next screen you will encounter some options. Just leave these alone and click next unless you know what you are doing. (Because this is being read it is assumed that you do not.)(Fig. 2)

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The next page you encounter should install (and in some cases download) the Java Development Kit. (Fig. 3)

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After the installer is finished, open run by clicking Start > Run... or by typing Windows Key + R.

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In the text box, type "cmd" and click "OK".

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A simple window should be opened with a black background and a text prompt. This is called the "Command Prompt." My command prompt background is red, but it could really be any color. (Fig. 4)

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After focusing the window, type "javac" and press enter. If the prompt returns something along the lines of: "'javac' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file" then continue with the next step. If it shows many more options and lines, skip to step 15.

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Open the properties of "My Computer" by either right-clicking the icon on the desktop or right-clicking Start > My Computer. When the pop up menu opens, scroll to the bottom and select "Properties".

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This should open a window named "System Properties". Click on the "Advanced" tab.

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Click "Environment Variables". (Fig. 5)

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Next, another window opens with a lot of confusing sentences and letters.Double-click on the "Path" variable on either of the option boxes. It is recommended to edit the variable in the box "User variables for (your username)".

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Once the variable is opened, a text box in yet another window appears.Careful not to delete anything in this box. At the end of the text box, add a semi-colon if there is not one already, and add "C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.6.0\bin;" to the text box. This is assuming you did not change the file path of the installation.

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Click "Apply" and "OK" to all the windows you have just opened. Open the command prompt again, while following steps 6-9 to see if that "javac" command works.

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Congratulations! You have taken your first step to starting Java programming.