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Integrated Development Environments (IDEs). CS 21a: Introduction to Computing I First Semester, 2013-2014. Overview. What is an IDE? Why use an IDE? Familiarization with different IDEs JCreator BlueJ. What is an IDE?. "Integrated Development Environment" source code editor ,
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Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) CS 21a: Introduction to Computing I First Semester, 2013-2014
Overview • What is an IDE? • Why use an IDE? • Familiarization with different IDEs • JCreator • BlueJ
What is an IDE? • "Integrated Development Environment" • source code editor, • a compiler and/or interpreter, • build-automation tools, • and (usually) a debugger • Allows you to create, edit, compile and run programs written in a particular language, e.g. Java • Some IDEs can support more than one language
What is an IDE? • Some have other features that aid in developing better programs: • Debugging • Test cases • Code formatting (colored keywords, etc.) • etc.
Why use an IDE? • Easier to code because of colored text • Makes it easier to develop programs, so you can focus more on the coding • Contains features to make debugging and writing programs easier
Different IDEs for Java These are what we will use this semester. • JCreator • BlueJ • Eclipse • Visual Café • Java NetBeans • Visual Studio • …and many more!
JCreator • A small, lightweight IDE developed by the Xinox Software. • Two licenses available: • Lite edition - Freeware (limited features) • Pro edition - Shareware (requires payment, but with full features) • Download from http://www.jcreator.com • Will be introduced in the middle of the semester
BlueJ • Another IDE, but written in Java • First developed by University of Kent • Download from http://www.bluej.org • Ideal for first-time programmers • Features include the debugger, test runs, etc.
BlueJ • Allows you to start programming right away, focusing on object fields and methods, and less on syntax • Allows you to see objects in action • shows you how classes are related through boxes and lines
Using BlueJ for the First Time • You may have to specify where your Java executable is located • Usually atC:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.6.0_20\bin\java.exe • Then, create/open a BlueJ project • Note: Non-BlueJ folders containing Java files will have to be converted to a BlueJ project.
Familiarization with BlueJ • Again, create, compile and execute a HelloWorld application • Make sure there are multiple println statements in the Java class so that you can try out the debugger later • Execute by right-clicking on the Java class icon and executing main • Try out the debugger • Set a breakpoint and execute the Java class