Java

Installing Java & IDE

Setup your development environment. Install the JDK and configure IntelliJ IDEA or VS Code.

By TechCoder TeamLast updated: 2026-06-02
In a Nutshell

Setup your development environment. Install the JDK and configure IntelliJ IDEA or VS Code. This hands-on tutorial focuses on practical implementation of installing java & ide concepts.

Installing Java & IDE Setup

Before we code, we need the tools! We need the JDK and an IDE (Integrated Development Environment).

Step 1: Install the JDK

Java has different versions (8, 11, 17, 21). We recommend Java 17 LTS (Long Term Support) or Java 21 LTS for modern development.

Windows / Mac / Linux

  1. Go to the Oracle Java Downloads or use OpenJDK via Adoptium.
  2. Download the installer for your OS.
  3. Run the installer and follow the prompts.
  4. Verify installation: Open your terminal/command prompt and type:
java -version
javac -version

You should see something like: java version "17.0.1" ... javac 17.0.1 ...

[!TIP] Environment Variables: If the command is not found, you might need to set your JAVA_HOME environment variable and add %JAVA_HOME%\bin to your system PATH.

Step 2: Choose your IDE

An IDE makes coding easier with syntax highlighting, autocomplete, and debugging.

Recommended IDEs:

  1. IntelliJ IDEA (Community Edition): The most popular and powerful Java IDE. Highly recommended.
  2. Eclipse: A classic, solid open-source choice.
  3. VS Code: Great if you want a lightweight editor (install the "Extension Pack for Java").

Step 3: Your First Java Program

Let's write a "Hello World" program to test everything.

JAVA PLAYGROUND
⏳ Loading editor…

Understanding main

The main method is the entry point of any Java application.

  • public: Accessible everywhere.
  • static: Can be called without creating an object.
  • void: Returns nothing.
  • main: The name looks for by the JVM.
  • String[] args: Command line arguments.

AI Mentor

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Quiz

Quiz

Question 1 of 3

Which command checks the installed Java version?

java --check
java -version
jdk -version
check java

Next Steps

Setup complete? Great! Now let's dive deep into the syntax and rules of the Java language.