Does Linux Support Java Technology?

Java, originally created by Sun Microsystems and initially running on Unix workstations, was later ported to Windows. Despite its origin, Java runs seamlessly on Linux. The entire point of Java's cross-platform compatibility means it supports multiple operating systems, including Linux.

Requirements and Prerequisites

This document details the setup of a Java development environment on Linux, assuming some familiarity with the command line. All necessary software will be freely available online.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Java on Linux

1. Install Java

Use the Java Platform Standard Edition Development Kit, JDK 8. Below are instructions for Ubuntu users:
[sudo] add-apt-repository ppa:webupd8team/java
[sudo] apt-get update
[sudo] apt-get install oracle-java8-installer
[sudo] apt-get install oracle-java8-set-default For other Linux distributions, check your distribution's package manager. Confirm Java by running:
[javac -version] [java -version] Ensure the Java version is 1.8 or later.

Creating and Compiling Your First Java Program

Step 1: Install a Programming Environment
Create a directory /usr/local/introcs and navigate to it. Install textbooks like DrJava, Checkstyle, and FindBugs by following these steps:

Create the directory: [sudo mkdir introcs]
[sudo chmod 755 introcs] Navigate to introcs: [cd introcs]

Step 2: Create and Compile a Program in DrJava

Navigate to DrJava and customize settings. Write and compile your program using DrJava or the command line. Confirm successful compilation with: [javac -version] [java -version]

Step 3: Run Your Program

Edit, compile, and run your Java program using DrJava's interaction pane. For shell commands, use: [java HelloWorld] [javac ] [java -cp /usr/local/introcs HelloWorld]

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues, refer to common troubleshooting steps provided. Ensure you are using the correct Java and JDK versions, and check your Java environment variables (PATH). For further assistance, consult:

Your Linux distribution-specific package manager DrJava's settings or other IDE configurations Shell environment variables (SHELL, PATH) Textbook libraries' directory paths (stdlib.jar)

Conclusion

Setting up a Java development environment on Linux is straightforward with the right tools and instructions. Whether you're using DrJava, Eclipse, or other IDEs, the key is to ensure your Java environment is correctly configured and all necessary libraries are accessible.