Starting out with Java

I'm having real problems getting started with Java . . .
I've downloaded the JDK 1.4 from Sun, but I can't seem to get my program compiled.
I'm running Windows ME and I've set the path, following the installation notes, but when I go to MSDOS and type the name of my program (a simple 5 line program copied from an introductory book on Java, written on Notepad) - it doesn't work.

I type javac Hello.java, and I get the message

error: cannot read Hello.java

So the compiler can't find the text file of the program I've written in notepad - but how do I get it to find then compile the file (which is stored in C\jdk1.4\bin)?

Do I need to type another line of code so that the compiler can find my program - and if so what code or path instructions do I need?

I'm sure this is a trivial problem, but It's very frustrating because it's stopping me from getting started with Java.

Any suggestions would be very warmly welcomed.

David E.Quinn
davidedwardquinnAsked:
Who is Participating?
Advertise Here
 
DennisBorgConnect With a Mentor Commented:
David:

>I type javac Hello.java, and I get the message
>
>error: cannot read Hello.java
>
>So the compiler can't find the text file of the program
>I've written in notepad - but how do I get it to find
>then compile the file (which is stored in C\jdk1.4\bin)?

Here are a few things which should help you get started.

1) The name, spelling, and capitalization of the file name, must match exactly as you have named your class. For example, if you have declared your class as follows:

   class David {
   }

Then the name of the file must be "David.java".

DAVID.java and david.java will not work.



2) You can add C:\jdk1.4\bin to your PATH statement, so that DOS can find javac without your explicitly specifying the path. Then, from the directory where your java file is, you can issue a command like the following:

   javac Hello.java

Or, you can give the full path of where javac is located:

   C:\jdk1.4\bin\javac Hello.java



3) While in the C:\jdk1.4\bin directory, you can explicitly specify the location of your Hello.java file:

   javac C:\MyJavaFiles\Hello.java


4) You can always (from whatever directory you're in) explicitly specify the location of both javac and your Hello.java file:

   C:\jdk1.4\bin\javac c:\MyJavaFiles\Hello.java


-Dennis Borg
0
 
ozymandiasCommented:
Check your classpath settings.
The first item should be "." - i.e. current working directory.

To test this go to a command prompt and type :

    echo %CLASSPATH%

This should show your classpath.
It should start .;

If it doesn't type :

    set CLASSPATH = ".;%CLASSPATH%"

Then try javac Hello.java from the same directoiry that Hello.java is stored in.

If you still have problems try using the full path to Hello.java :

    javac c:\directory\Hello.java
0
 
MarkSharkCommented:
I recommend downloading a program called JCreator from the following site: www.jcreator.com

It's easier to set up and compile your scripts than using DOS.

Good Luck
0
 
rgiacaloneCommented:
Hi, you should create a .bat file with lines:

javac -classpath %CLASSPATH% Hello.java
pause
java  -classpath %CLASSPATH% Hello
pause

and even add any class or .jar you need after %CLASSPATH%,
example:

javac -classpath %CLASSPATH%;classes12.zip Hello.java
pause
java  -classpath %CLASSPATH%;classes12.zip Hello
pause

be sure to have your %CLASSPATH% variable set to at least value:    .;<jdk installation path>\lib\tools.jar

hope this answer will be useful to you.
Romain.
0
 
SpideyModCommented:
Force Accepted

SpideyMod
Community Support Moderator @Experts Exchange
0
Question has a verified solution.

Are you are experiencing a similar issue? Get a personalized answer when you ask a related question.

Have a better answer? Share it in a comment.

All Courses

From novice to tech pro — start learning today.