Download/Install J2SE SDK for learning

[C Hendrick]

Trying to get an understanding of JAVA by using the "Head First Java" book. I need to download the J2SE SDK software and am having a problem getting it to run. I think I've downloaded the right software, but then I have to execute it by keing in "% javac" at the cmd line and I get errors. The directions say to add an entry to the PATH envioronment variable that points to the /bin directory inside the main Java directory. Sorry for such a simple newbie question. I am running this on my Windows 2000 laptop.

[Marilyn de Queiroz]

You compile your source code using
C:\> javac MyClass.java
at the command line.

Do you get an error when you type this? I think '%' is for a Linux/unix environment.

To execute your class, you need to type
C:\> java MyClass
at the command line.

Do you see something?

Have you seen this page? It might help you get started.
[ April 25, 2005: Message edited by: Marilyn de Queiroz ]