Installing JDK and Setting Up an IDE:

Step 1: Install the Java Development Kit (JDK) The JDK is a software development kit used to develop Java applications. It includes the Java Runtime Environment (JRE), a compiler, and various tools for Java programming. ✅ Download the JDK Visit the official Oracle JDK download page or use an open-source alternative like Adoptium. Choose the version you need (e.g. JDK 17 or JDK 21 – LTS versions are recommended). Download the appropriate installer for your operating system. 💾 Install the JDK Windows: Run the .exe file and follow the installation prompts. macOS: Open the .dmg file and follow the instructions. Linux: Use your package manager, e.g., sudo apt install openjdk-17-jdk (Ubuntu/Debian). ⚙️ Set Environment Variables (Windows) Open System Properties > Advanced > Environment Variables. Under System Variables, find Path, click Edit, and add the path to your JDK’s bin directory (e.g., C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-17\bin). Set the JAVA_HOME variable: Click New under System Variables. Name: JAVA_HOME Value: The path to your JDK installation (e.g., C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-17). To verify your installation, open a terminal or command prompt and type: java -version javac -version You should see output confirming the JDK version installed.

Step 2: Choose and Install an IDE

An IDE makes coding much easier by offering code completion, debugging tools, and project management. Top IDE Options for Java: IntelliJ IDEA (Recommended) – Powerful and widely used. Community edition is free. Eclipse – Feature-rich and open-source. NetBeans – Official IDE from Oracle. 🔧 Installing IntelliJ IDEA (Example) Go to JetBrains IntelliJ IDEA. Download the Community Edition (free). Install and launch the IDE. On first run, choose a theme and install any additional plugins you may need.

Step 3: Create Your First Java Project

Open IntelliJ IDEA and click New Project. Select Java, and make sure the correct JDK is selected. Name your project and choose the location. Create a new Java class (e.g., HelloWorld.java) and paste the following code:

public class HelloWorld {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        System.out.println("Hello, World!");
    }
}

Click the Run button to compile and execute your program. 

Next Steps Learn Java syntax and object-oriented programming concepts Explore Java libraries and frameworks (like Spring) Build small projects to reinforce your skills Happy coding! ☕