Juppies2

Projects for the Juppies 2 Course

Setting up

Most Java programmers use an integrated development environment (IDE). This helps with making the Java Programming Language easier to work with. Any errors that we make are automatically highlighted in the IDE.

Before setting up an IDE, it is best to first download and install a Java Development Kit (JDK). Please download and install the latest JDK from Oracle's website.

Let's get back to the IDE. Three main IDEs have emerged:

  • Apache NetBeans

    • Fully open source. Works well for building graphical user interfaces. It is based on NetBeans Platform, which is used by lots of companies for creating rich client interfaces. NetBeans used to belong to Oracle, but was donated to the Apache Software Foundation.
  • IntelliJ IDEA

    • Has a commercial and a free open source version. IDEA is used by lots of pros. It is highly configurable and easy to use. Companies often buy site licenses for their programmers to use their "ultimate" edition.
  • Eclipse

    • Also fully open source. Eclipse is used by lots of enterprises who want to save money. It also has a user interface framework that looks more like a native application than the other alternatives.

Which one should you use?

Like so many things, this is a matter of personal preference. Whilst a lot of public Java speakers use IntelliJ IDEA, there is a small, but influential, tribe of NetBeans fans that will use nothing else on pain of death. Similarly, Eclipse, in combination with some commercial plugins, is also a popular option.

Since the author of this course is most familiar with IntelliJ IDEA, the demos will be mostly done with that. However, we are learning plain Java code, so any IDE will do. We will show how to set up Apache NetBeans and IntelliJ IDEA in this course. Similarly, because the author uses Mac OS X exclusively, the demos will be done on that machine. Windows and Linux will be similar.

  • Apache NetBeans 12.0 or later

  • IntelliJ IDEA Community 2020 or later

  • Eclipse 2020 or later (Not supported in the course)

    • Switch to the Git perspective:
      • Window->Perspective->Open Perspective->Other...
      • Choose Git
      • In the "Git Repositories" view, click Clone a Git repository. If you already have Git repositories, click the second button in the small toolbar, with tooltip Clone a Git Repository and add the clone to this view
    • File->Open Projects from File System...
      • Import source: The directory you chose previously (with /Juppies2 at the end)
      • Click Finish
    • Switch to the Java perspective, either by clicking the button in the top-right corner with a J icon, or using the method above when switching to the Git perspective.

Running the examples

AnagramGame

The main class is Anagrams in src/main/java/com/toy/anagrams/ui.