Trying to come back after many years

[Paul Ralph]

I downloaded and installed jdk-6u37-windows-i586.exe, but I must be doing something wrong (like downloading the wrong thing) because my computer doesn't recognize javac.

So what should I do?

[Greg Charles]

Most likely you just need to set your PATH to include Java's bin directory. There are instructions for setting paths on various OSes here: http://java.com/en/download/help/path.xml It says that it shouldn't be necessary for Windows, but I'm not sure why. It might mean the installer was supposed to do it, or maybe it's only talking about java (the runtime), not javac (the compiler). In any case, my recommendation is to set an environment variable called JAVA_HOME to the root folder of your installation, and then add %JAVA_HOME%\bin to your PATH environment variable.

[Campbell Ritchie]

More details in our FAQ.

[Paul Ralph]

Thanks! It's working now.

[Campbell Ritchie]

You’re welcome

[Darryl Burke]

I'm curious -- why Java 6 and not the latest and greatest Java 7, now in update 13?

[Paul Ralph]

I jumped off of the Cattle Drive page instead of How to create your first program. Java 6 was the highest build on the linked page.

Is there any difference for a beginner like me?

If so, should I just download the latest JDK (and will it copy over Java 6 nicely)?

[Campbell Ritchie]

You won’t notice any difference until you try writing numbers in binary.
Yes, you can download the latest JDK7.
Yes, it will work atop a JDK6 installation, as long as you adjust the PATH.

[Paul Ralph]

OK! Java 7 is installed.

Thanks for your help.

[Bob Scott]

Paul Ralph wrote:OK! Java 7 is installed.

Thanks for your help.

Welcome, Paul! I am also coming back after many years.