Once you've brought up the environment variables, find the PATH variable listed under "System variables" and add this to the end of it: On Windows XP and 2000, right-click the My Computer icon on your desktop and select Properties. Click the Advanced System Settings link, then click the Environment Variables.
On Windows 7 and Vista, click the start orb in the lower-left corner of the screen, move your mouse over Computer, right-click, and select Properties from the pop-up menu. How you get to these environment variables is slightly different on different versions of Windows. So, to make the JDK work, you have to modify the PATH and CLASSPATH environment variables on your system, so that Windows will be able to find javac and java, and so that javac and java will be able to find all of the necessary Java classes. CLASSPATH is a list of folders, separated by semicolons, in which the Java compiler or virtual machine will look for a Java class whenever it's trying to find one. This is the job of the CLASSPATH environment variable. Similarly, whenever the Java compiler or Java virtual machine need to be able to use a Java class (such as when you import a class from the Java library), the compiler or virtual machine needs to be able to know where to find it. PATH is a list of folders, separated by semicolons, in which Windows will look for a program whenever you try to execute one. This is the job of the PATH environment variable. But there's a catch: Windows has to know where it can find these programs. You can execute programs from a Command Prompt by simply typing their names, such as javac or java. The (not all that) hard part: PATH and CLASSPATH
The reason for this suggestion is that the next steps in the installation process will be simpler if the folder you choose has a shorter name that, importantly, has no spaces in it. I suggest changing it to the following folder instead:
When asked what folder you should install the JDK into, the default will be: However, after running the installation program, you still won't be able to execute javac or java, without making a couple of modifications "under the hood" of your system. The JDK includes an installation program, which places all of the files into the appropriate places and sets up some desktop shortcuts for you.
(The JRE is the Java Runtime Environment, which includes the necessary code to allow you to run Java programs, but not to write and compile them!) The download is free! Be sure you download the JDK and not the JRE! The JDK includes a Java compiler ( javac), a Java virtual machine ( java), and all of the standard Java library components - in other words, everything you need to write Java programs in a wide variety of problem domains, and more than enough firepower for the assignments we'll be giving you.
A great option is to download the Java SE 6 JDK (JDK 6) from, the latest version of which is JDK 6 Update 18. In no event shall Progress, its employees, or anyone else involved in the creation, production, or delivery of the code be liable for any damages whatsoever (including, without limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information, or other pecuniary loss) arising out of the use of or inability to use the sample code, even if Progress has been advised of the possibility of such damages.What you'll need to get started is a Java compiler and Java virtual machine, both of which must support Java 6. The entire risk arising out of the use or performance of the sample code is borne by the user. Progress makes no warranties, express or implied, and disclaims all implied warranties including, without limitation, the implied warranties of merchantability or of fitness for a particular purpose. The sample code is provided on an "AS IS" basis.
Progress Software Corporation makes no explicit or implied claims to the validity of this information.Īny sample code provided on this site is not supported under any Progress support program or service. However, the information provided is for your information only. Progress Software Corporation makes all reasonable efforts to verify this information. The origins of the information on this site may be internal or external to Progress Software Corporation (“Progress”).