Skill-Building Exercises

Summary

A Java IDE combines many software-development tools into one convenient package. Using a set of tightly-integrated development tools speeds software development. JBuilder is an excellent example of a Java IDE. JBuilder is project-centric. This means you begin the program-creation process with JBuilder by creating a project. JBuilder will then manage just about every aspect of the project, from source-file creation to project execution.

The issues regarding Java development in the Linux environment are similar to those associated with the Microsoft Windows operating system. You must obtain and install the Java SDK, configure the PATH and CLASSPATH environment variables, select a suitable text editor with which to create the Java source files, compile them using the javac compiler command, and run the main application with the java command.

The actual procedure for setting the PATH and CLASSPATH environment variables depends on your choice of Linux command shells. If you use a shell other than sh or bash, consult a reference for that shell.

Macintosh OS X provides a complete suite of Java programming tools. These range from traditional UNIX text editors such as vi and emacs to the full-featured IDE Xcode. The Java SDK comes with OS X. Updates to the SDK must be obtained directly from Apple.

You can create executable .jar files with the jar command-line tool. To create an executable .jar file you need to create a manifest file that provides the fully-qualified name of the main application class. Be sure to add an extra line to the manifest so that it work in the Microsoft Windows environment. Execute the .jar file using the java command with the -jar option.