N00b doesn't even do it

[Matthew Ehlert]

Embarrassed. So embarrassed. 20 years ago I was literally by far the best in my class when I took a simple programming course learning BASIC, LOGO, and C++ (basic stuff, obviously) but I was good, and great with computers in general.  So cut to now, I decide I want to get back into it and I buy some books on Java, and after 3 days I haven't even successfully installed a platform.  WITH 2 BOOKS!!  The one thing I can't seem to find is just a simple explanation of how to be able to start coding.

The first book, Head First Java, encourages me to use Notebook to write original code, and feed that into the compiler.  Ok, weird, but I was willing to try it.  Downloaded JDK 8 for 32 bit Windows (yeah, I have 32 bit 10), and the API documentation, but I guess I messed up the part where I am supposed to change the PATH in the environmental variables because I can't even get the code I downloaded from the book's site to run, and that's the only part I could have screwed up.


I decided using an IDE was more my speed, especially with my experience with C++ and BASIC, and the other book I bought, Sams Teach Yourself Java, recommends NetBeans, which I downloaded both the .bin and source for, but which I still don't understand how to install.  It mentions ANT, which I also downloaded, but there isn't any setup or install file, and all the manuals just list a bunch more environmental variables to create, which I have zero experience with, and really am sick of playing with.


I have an RCA Cambio, running 32 bit Windows 10.  Can anyone walk me through actually getting NetBeans up and running?  I'm sorry, but I am beyond frustrated at this point.

[Naziru Gelajo]

Don't beat up on yourself. It is counter-intuitive and counter-productive (I should take my own advice ) with that said, With Java, get the latest java jdk for version 8. I think it's 1.8.0_171. Install Netbeans of IntelliJ. There are tons of online Java courses taught in many parts of the world.

Alternatively, you could take some Community College courses or if you would rather not, you could always use some LMS platform like Edureka.

Whilst books are great, I believe that the best way to learn is by doing. Community Colleges and Online Learning Platforms like edureka, edX, coursera, etc. give you assignments to confirm the skills you have added to your skillset. Again, don't get discouraged. We all have those moments.

[Jeanne Boyarsky]

You definitely don't want the .src. That's if you wanted to build NetBeans yourself.

You might find this video helpful. It walks you through how to install the NetBeans binary. And if you get stuck, you can tell us what timestamp in the video you got up to.

[Jeanne Boyarsky]

I've added this to our NetBeans forums so people who know Netbeans better can also give you advice.

Don't worry, you'll get it! And welcome to CodeRanch!

[salvin francis]

Hi Matthew, Welcome to Coderanch.

Instead of diving into an IDE, I would still suggest to stick to basic text editor when learning java. I know that things can get tricky, but we can help you out.
Here's a quick tutorial (it's a bit outdated, but it should still work) : https://javaranch.com/java-college.jsp

[Matthew Ehlert]

So, again, embarrassed about sums it up.  I was literally just looking in the wrong place for the exe, and based on the reading I had done, was under the impression I had to basically build the IDE myself from parts.  I am also still open to using a text editor, but I couldn't get the JDK to run even the hello world program I copy/pasted (it was saying there was no jvm when I launched mission control) so this way I can at least play with stuff.  And it may have been 20 years ago, but based on the Java I have seen, the syntax isn't that different from the C++ I leaned.

One thing is for sure, you were all incredibly helpful incredibly quickly, so maybe the whole thing was just the universe's way of getting me on this forum, which has already become an invaluable resource which I am sure I will use to exhaustion (literally, you will all be exhausted from helping me).  So thank you so much, and here's to the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

[salvin francis]

Matthew Ehlert wrote:... but I couldn't get the JDK to run even the hello world program ...

I am not sure about windows tablet, but in regular windows, I'd go to Run -> , type "cmd" and press enter to open a command prompt.

Assuming that the jdk is installed fine on your system, can you share what happens when you run the following commands in the command prompt:
java -version
javac -version

Please paste the complete output exactly as it appears in your command prompt window in this thread.

[Matthew Ehlert]

Everything's up and running beautifully, now.  I have been following along with Sams Teach Yourself Java in NetBeans in my free time for the last two days now and it has been going really well, it's coming back fast. I have no doubt I will have all kinds of questions for you guys once I start playing around on my own.  Thanks again for the help.

[Matthew Ehlert]

C:\WINDOWS\system32>java -version
java version "1.8.0_191"
Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.8.0_191-b12)
Java HotSpot(TM) Client VM (build 25.191-b12, mixed mode)

C:\WINDOWS\system32>javac -version
javac 1.8.0_191