installed jdk ... but how do I open it to use it?

850580

hello;

I'm new to java.

I downloaded jdk ( winXP ) ... I expected that it would be an authoring environment, like Flash ... but i can't find anyway to open it.

thanks,
Shannon

796440

847577 wrote:
I expected that it would be an authoring environment, like Flash

If you're going to do any amount of programming, you'll need to learn to check your assumptions.

http://download.oracle.com/javase/tutorial/getStarted/cupojava/index.html

796440

847577 wrote:
I expected that it would be an authoring environment, like Flash

If you're going to do any amount of programming, you'll need to learn to check your assumptions.

http://download.oracle.com/javase/tutorial/getStarted/cupojava/index.html

850580

I guess the usage of the phrase 'development Kit' led me to the assumption ...

I am beginning to believe that jdk should be called jbc ==> java background compiler, as in it runs on your OS in the background and then smartly c*ompiles text written in a text editor whenever I snap my fingers 3 times ... am I correct:)

793415

847577 wrote:
..I downloaded jdk ( winXP ) ... I expected that it would be an authoring environment, ..

I guess the closest equivalent in Java programming would be an IDE, most of which are good, powerful & free.

OTOH it is generally a good idea for newbies to get used to using the JDK tools from the command line, and just use a 'simple' editor (such as TextPad - which provides compile and run from keyboard shortcuts and syntax highlighting, but little more) until they are comfortable with what the JDK tools do, and how they work.

If newbies come to rely on their IDE, the first time that something goes wrong, they will be completely lost.

793415

847577 wrote:
..I am beginning to believe that jdk should be called jbc ==> java background compiler, as in it runs on your OS in the background and then smartly c*ompiles text written in a text editor whenever I snap my fingers 3 times ... am I correct:)

No. But wait, let me reconsi.. No.

796440

847577 wrote:
I guess the usage of the phrase 'development Kit' led me to the assumption ...

I am beginning to believe that jdk should be called jbc ==> java background compiler, as in it runs on your OS in the background and then smartly c*ompiles text written in a text editor whenever I snap my fingers 3 times ... am I correct:)

Nope. JDK is the correct term. It's more than just a compiler. And it gets run in the foreground quite a lot.

EJP

I am beginning to believe that jdk should be called jbc ==> java background compiler, as in it runs on your OS in the background and then smartly c*ompiles text written in a text editor whenever I snap my fingers 3 times ... am I correct:)

No, you are dead wrong. That is what would happen if you installed an IDE which appears to be what you are looking for. By itself the JDK is just a collection of tools and documentation with no 'background' aspect whatsoever