Setting Up a Java IDE
Once Java programmers have properly installed the Java Development Kit (JDK) on their computer, the next step is to create an integrated development IDE setup environment for Java program development. Below are detailed steps for setting up some popular Java IDEs, including Eclipse, IntelliJ IDEA, and NetBeans.
Setting up an Eclipse Java Application.
Step 1 – Download and Install the Eclipse IDE.
First, download the Eclipse IDE version for Java developers.
Open the Eclipse download page in your web browser.
Click on the “Download Eclipse” version and select the Eclipse Java version that is appropriate and latest for your operating system (Windows, macOS, and Linux). The Eclipse IDE for Java developers is commonly used to develop Java software.
Install the Eclipse IDE on your computer.
Depending on your operating system, run the downloaded Eclipse Java installer file (.exe or .dmg setup) for Windows and Mac OS, follow the Eclipse software installation instructions properly, and select the default Eclipse installation directory.
For Linux operating systems, extract the Java user .tar.gz file to your home directory or any other desired location, and then run the Eclipse executable file.
Step 2 – Launch the Eclipse IDE application.
Open the Eclipse IDE software. When Java users run it for the first time, it will ask them to select a workspace project store location (the directory where their projects will be stored). Select your own location or accept the default path.
Step 3 – Configure the JDK tools in the Eclipse IDE.
Check the JDK application configuration.
The Eclipse IDE should automatically detect the JDK version installed on your system. If it doesn’t, go to Window > Preferences (Eclipse > Preferences in macOS).
In Windows, go to Java > Installed JREs.
If the JDK isn’t listed, click Add, select Standard VM, and browse to the location of your JDK installation. For example, C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-17 on Windows or /usr/lib/jvm/java-17-openjdk on Linux. Configure.
Set the JDK for your Java program project.
Now, create a new Java project in the Eclipse Java IDE and configure the appropriate Eclipse Java settings, including selecting the correct JDK version by going to Project Properties > Java Build Path > Libraries.
Similarly, select Add Library > JRE System Library, then select the correct JDK version.
Step 4 – Create your first Java project.
Create a new Java project.
Go to the File > New > Java Project menu.
Name your desired Java project here and click the Finish menu.
Create a new Java Class.
Right-click the src folder in the Project Explorer and select New > Class.
Provide a name for the Java class, e.g., Main, and check public static void main(String[] args) to add the main method.
Java programmers create the program source code, then click the Run button to run the code.
Setting up IntelliJ Java IDEA.
Step 1 – Download and install the IntelliJ IDEA application IDE.
First, download the IntelliJ IDEA Java IDE to your computer.
Open the IntelliJ IDEA official download page in your web browser.
Here, select IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition (free) or Ultimate Edition (paid, with advanced features).
Install IntelliJ IDEA on your computer.
Run the IntelliJ IDEA installer file on your computer and follow the setup instructions properly.
On Microsoft Windows, the installer typically automatically adds IntelliJ IDEA to your system’s PATH.
Similarly, on Apple macOS and Linux operating systems, simply drag and drop the IntelliJ IDEA icon into the Applications folder on macOS or run the installation command on Linux.
Step 2 – Configure the JDK in IntelliJ Java IDEA.
First, open IntelliJ Java IDEA and create a new project.
From the Welcome screen, select Create New Project.
Select the JDK version.
In the New Project dialog, IntelliJ IDE should automatically find the JDKs installed. If this isn’t correct, you can select Add JDK. Click and look for the installation path of the JDK version you previously installed.
This will automatically configure the selected JDK tools for the Java IntelliJ project.
Step 3 – Create a New Java Project.
After selecting the JDK version in your IDE, click the Next option and select Java as the project type.
Here, name your new project and indicate the project storage location. Finally, click the Finish option.
Step 4 – Create a new Java class.
In IntelliJ Java IDEA, right-click the src folder in the Project Explorer on the left and select New > Java Class.
Provide your desired class name, e.g., Main, and click OK.
Inside the class, write the Java program source code for the main method.
public class Main {
public static void main(String[] args) {
System.out.println(“Welcome to Java programming!”);
}
}
Run the program – In IntelliJ Java IDEA, click the green play button at the top right, or right-click the class file and select the Run ‘Main’ option.
Setting up the NetBeans Java IDE.
Step 1 – Download and install the NetBeans IDE.
First, download NetBeans in your computer’s web browser.
Here, you’ll be redirected to the official NetBeans download page.
Select the Java SE version here, or select the All-in-One bundle if you plan to use additional features.
Install the NetBeans IDE on your computer.
Run the installer on your computer and follow the on-screen instructions properly.
If NetBeans IDE isn’t already installed on your computer, it will automatically install the required JDK version. However, Java users may need to configure the installed JDK version later.
Step 2 – Configure the JDK version in NetBeans IDE.
Open the NetBeans Java IDE and go to the Tools > Java Platforms menu.
If your JDK version isn’t listed, click Add Platform on the menu, select the Java Standard Edition version, and browse to the JDK installation directory.
Here, you can specify the JDK version selected as the default platform.
Step 3 – Create a new Java project.
In the NetBeans IDE, go to the File > New Project menu.
Select Java in the Categories section, and then select Java Application in Projects.
Provide a name for your project and click the Finish option.
Step 4 – Create a new Java class.
Right-click the Source Packages folder and select New > Java Class.
Provide a name for the class, such as Main, and click the Finish option.
Write your Java program source code in the newly created class.
public class Main {
public static void main(String[] args) {
System.out.println(“Welcome to, Java language!”);
}
}
Run the program – Right-click the project folder and select Run or click the green Play button to run the program.
General setup tips for all Java application IDEs.
- Install required plugins – Each Java IDE may require specific plugins for features like version control and database support. Fix here so that users can install and configure the required plugins if needed.
- Enable auto-completion and code formatting – Most IDEs today provide features for auto-completion and formatting of program code. For optimal Java version productivity, review and configure your IDE’s settings to enable these features.
- Set up version control – If you plan to use Git or another version control system, configure it in your Java IDE. Every Java IDE usually has built-in support or plugins available for Git. This makes it easy to track modifications to program source code and collaborate with other online users or communities.
Setting Up a Java IDE Explanation.
- Setting up a custom Java IDE on your computer involves installing the IDE, configuring the JDK version, and creating your first Java project. Details on setting up the IDE in three Java versions are provided here.
- Eclipse Java IDE – Download the JDK version in Preferences > Java > Installed JREs, install it on your computer, set up a Java workspace, and configure the necessary settings.
- IntelliJ IDEA Java IDE – Download the latest JDK version during your Java project setup. Install the JDK on your computer, select it, and create your project and a Java class.
- NetBeans Java IDE – Download the JDK version in Tools > Java Platforms, install it on your computer, perform the appropriate configuration, and create your project and a class.
