Now that we are familiar with the fundamental Java concepts, we are ready to actually install Java and write some simple classes. You will need JDK 5.0 Update 9 as well as the J2SE 5.0 Documentation. Although NetBeans 5.5, an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) that allows you to create, edit, debug, and otherwise manage Java applications with great ease is not necessary (you can always use any text editor to write .Java files), it is highly desirable. Netbeans 5.5 is available on the internet and can be downloaded for free. Use it to work with all the applications you will learn to implement over the course of this tutorial. This tutorial assumes that you are using the Netbeans 5.5 development environment. Developing software without an IDE is not recommended.

In This Chapter:

Java Download and Installation

How to download and install a Java Application

A First Java Program

How to write a basic and simple Java class

Basic Java Objects - Arrays

Specific number of values of the same type

Basic Java Objects - Strings

An array of characters that cannot be modified

A Sample Program Using Strings and Arrays

A new program using the concepts learned