Java Development Kit

Popular programs in Java

What is Java Development Kit

The Java Development Kit (JDK) is a free collection of tools that allows anyone to start writing programs for the Java platform. The basic download includes the Java runtime executable, the core libraries for the language and the Java compiler to turn human-readable files into bytecode. Installation is done through a simple wizard. The only thing users have to do is choose what packages to install and where the kit should go. The installer also checks for updates immediately. This is important since minor version updates of Java seem to come out relatively frequently.

The first thing most people will notice is that the installation does not add any new executables to the desktop or start menu. This is because the Java Development Kit contains only command-line tools. This means users have to open a console window and move to the directory where the program was installed. Commands need to be entered from the command line in order to compile a program or use one of the other tools. This is easily remedied by downloading an integrated development environment, although one is not included with the development kit.

An issue to be aware of is that some system changes might be necessary after installing the development kit. Java looks to the classpath variable in order to see where executables and libraries are located. People who are used to working through a visual development environment might be unfamiliar with how to add Java to the classpath. Instructions are included on the main Java website by Oracle, although it would have been nice to include the instructions in the download.

The Java Development Kit is one of the most complete packages for creating applications that can be downloaded for free today. The package includes nearly every library necessary to write network applications and servers, web-based applets and programs accessing relational databases. It also includes a number of command-line tools that make it easy to compile jar files for distribution and to create automated technical documentation for source files. The package includes advanced monitoring and performance measuring tools like JConsole. Developers will find everything needed to create basic and advanced applications within the toolkit.

One of the main advantages of the Java Development Kit is that it is easy to learn. Experienced developers can quickly learn the language since the syntax is similar to other languages like C. People who are new to programming will enjoy the high-level nature of the language. The class names and keywords used in Java are simple to understand. Java is also one of the most popular languages in the world and is used to write apps for mobile devices, desktop systems and custom electronics. The Java Development Kit is a good download for anyone who wants to start programming today.

Pros

- Everything is included to create Java programs

- Installation and updates are very easy

- The kit is completely free

Cons

- Only command-line tools are included

- Configuration can be confusing at first

- No tutorials in the download