So how do I get started?
 

• The easiest way to start using Java is to download the NetBeans/SDK Co Bundle. Simply click the download link for the appropriate operating system, and follow the directions.
• The above link will work fine for our class, and is the highly recommended approach. But if you are inetersted, there are a couple other ways to get a Java Development Environment on your computer. They are a little more complex to install than the co-bundle, and require a Java Software Development Kit (SDK, also called JDK by old timers like me).
• Hard Core: Download the JDK, use a text editor (Notepad, Wordpad, Programmer's File Editor).
• Get really daring on Unix: use vi.
• Efficient: Use an Integrated Development Environment
• Sun ONE is a Sun product, and the Community Edition is free for academic use.  That's what we're using, feel free to download it at home.
• NetBeans is based on Sun ONE, and is free and open source. It can be downloaded with the co-bundle (above), or separately from the SDK.
• Other proprietary IDEs are available, like Oracle JDeveloper, Borland JBuilder, and WebGain Visual Cafe'.

Created by:  Brandan Jones December 17, 2001
Updated January 7, 2004 with co-bundle information.