not even beginning...

This is my first attempt at java, and I'm having trouble getting started.
I've been typing in examples from a book, and keep getting this error message when I run javac:
error: cannot read: MyFirstApp.java
1 error
Obviously, I spent hours checking for typos. Now I've read the page here on how to get started, copied the example code from this site in directly and even WIPED the whole thing clean- without altering this message at all!
I'm obviously doing something ELSE wrong.
I'm writing in textedit on mac osx 4, and javac is definately there. Should I be saving my java document somewhere in particular, or typing in fuller directions as to where it is located? I don't seem to be missing out any of the stages in the book I have.
I've tried the apple developers' site recommended, and am more confused than ever.
Just hoping someone might save me another 24hrs or so of stress and mounting confusion...

Welcome to JavaRanch!

It sounds like your file is not saved as plain text (it's probably rich text instead). Unfortunately, I'm on a Windows machine now, so I can't tell you the exact options -- I'll check this later tonight. I think you want to select "Plain Text" from the Format menu before saving. Then when you save, enter ".java" as the extension, and when TextEdit asks if you want to append or use the .txt extension, tell it that you're sure you want to use .java instead.

Also, note that we have a Mac OS forum specifically for Mac topics. I'll move this post there for you, so you can get expert Mac help.

Let us know how this works!
[ May 16, 2006: Message edited by: marc weber ]