In order to use and enjoy that excellent software written in the Java programming language or to develop your own programs, you will need to download and install on your computer the Java Virtual Machine, or abbreviated JVM.
First, let's see if the Java platform is already installed on your computer. To do this, run the command-line utility.
For example, in Windows XP go to the Start menu, click Run, type "cmd" in the pop-up box, and then click OK.
In Windows 10 press Windows + X hot-keys and select "Command Prompt" item from user menu.
You will see a command prompt with a flashing cursor. Type verbatim and without quotes the command "java -version" and press Enter.
If the Java executable is already installed on the computer, the output will be something like this:
java version "1.8.0_111" Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.8.0_111-b14) Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM (build 25.111-b14, mixed mode)
Pay attention to the first line - "1.8.0_111", this is the version of JVM.
If the output reports an error or an unknown command, you definitely have to install the virtual machine. It is also recommended to update the installation if the version of Java on your computer is lower than 1.8.
By the way, for programming in Java, you also need to get an IDE, in our opinion a good choice is NetBeans or Eclipse.
There are two types of Java products to download:
- JRE - Java Runtime Environment, it provides a Virtual Machine and API, it is suitable if you want to use ready-made programs in Java.
- JDK - Java Development Kit, it provides a Virtual Machine, API and tools for developing Java programs, such as compiler and debugger, it is necessary if you plan to write your own Java programs.
In this article let's discuss, for example, the process of installation of JDK.
Downloading the Java Virtual Machine
We must download the installer from the official website http://www.oracle.com/.
Select JRE or JDK, press the button and go to the next page.
In order for a download to be possible, you must agree with the license - check the "Accept License Agreement" option.
Then choose installer for your operating system and download the file. For example, then the file name contains the "windows-i586" string, it is for 32-bit and if "windows-x64", it is for 64-bit system.
Installing the Java Virtual Machine
Download the newest version and run the installer.
We will see the welcome window, so all is OK. Click "Next" and proceed to the next dialog.
It offers to choose components for installation and the path of installation of development tools - JDK. We leave the existing values and continue.
We are waiting for the JDK files to be copied and then get the request to install Java Runtime Environment - JRE. Of course, we agree. It is recommended to leave the default path and click "Next".
You will be waiting until the JRE files are copied.
The installation of all components is complete, click "Close".
From now you can use any Java programs, moreover, most of them are free.
At the end of the process, you could launch the browser, open Oracle site and register your copy. It is not necessary, but if you plan to program in Java, registration on the developer's website will be useful for you.