Getting Started with Java

Before you ever write your first line of code, there are a few things you will need. Lucky for you, they are all free and I’ll tell you where you can get them. Except for the most important thing; a computer. For that you are on your own.

However, to begin, you will need to install Java. It is possible your PC already has Java installed. You can check to find out. Launch the Command Prompt. Then type, “java -version” and press enter.

C:\Users\UserName>java -version

If Java is installed, you will see a message like this.

java version “1.8.0_261”
Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.8.0_261-b12)
Java HotSpot(TM) Client VM (build 25.261-b12, mixed mode)

You will know that you do not have Java installed if you receive a message like this one.

‘java’ is not recognized as an internal or external command,
operable program or batch file.

And if this is the case, you can download Java for free from this link. https://www.oracle.com/java/

After downloading Java you will need to install it. You can follow this link for help on installing. https://java.com/en/download/help

Once you think you have installed Java correctly, launch the command prompt and test it again by typing “java -version” and pressing enter.

Next Topic: Your First Program