FAQ 2b
Updated: 1/7/00

>>>>>> How Do I compile Java Code?
==================================

You need to install a JDK (Java Development Kit).

The leading JDK is avaialable for download at JavaSoft.
Go to this site, click on the word 'Download' in the left side menu,
then look for 'Products & APIs'.
Under the Product Shortcuts look for 'JDK 1.1'.
If all you want is to RUN a java program, then look for 'JRE 1.1'

While the latest JDK is version 2.0, the JDK 1.1 is plenty for getting started.
I still write my code for the low-end machine, so I don't use much java 2.

AFTER INSTALLATION you will have a folder called 'JDK1.1.8'.  You may need to edit 
your Path value to include the 'JDK1.1.8/bin' directory.  This is so that you can 
run 'java.exe' and 'javac.exe' from your command line.



>>>>>> Actually Compiling...
============================
Now that your JDK is installed, go to your code directory, open up your command 
prompt and type this:
javac.exe *.java

This will compile all your '*.java' files, and produce '*.class' files.
If you do this with 'HelloWorld.java' you will get 'HelloWorld.class'

ALERT: javac.exe is CASE SENSITIVE.  'helloworld.java' is not the same as 'HelloWorld.java'



>>>>>> Extended answer for people with lots of money.
=====================================================

Java Development Environments allow you to compile java code.

See the bottom of FAQ_2a.html for details.