JDK Installation for Microsoft Windows

See JDK 7 and JRE 7 Installation Guide for general information about installing JDK 7 and JRE 7. The following topics are covered: System Requirements Installation Instructions Notation Installation Instructions o Downloading the Installer o Running the JDK Installer Installing the JDK Silently o Updating the PATH Environment Variable (Optional) o Starting to Use the JDK Uninstalling the JDK Installed Directory Tree Installation Troubleshooting o System File Not Suitable for Running MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows Applications o Corrupt Cabinet file o System Error During Decompression o Program Cannot Be Run in DOS Mode o Private Versus Public JRE o Creating Source Files in Notepad o Characters That Are Not Part of the System Code Page

System Requirements
See Oracle JRE 7 and JDK 7 Certified System Configurations for information about supported platforms, operating systems, and browsers. See Windows System Requirements for JDK and JRE for minimum processor, disk space, and memory requirements. Note: The JDK and JRE have a version string that enables you to determine the version number. See Java Platform Standard Edition 7, Names and Versions Version Number for information about Java SE 7 version numbers. The JDK has the option of installing the public JRE. For more information about JRE installation, see JRE Installation for Microsoft Windows. If you have any difficulties, see the Troubleshooting section at the end of this document or submit a bug report for your installation problem.

Installation Instructions Notation

For any text in this document that contains the following notation, you must substitute the appropriate update version number: <version> For example, if you were downloading the JDK installer for 32-bit systems for update 1.7.0_01, the file name: jdk-7<version>-windows-i586.exe would become jdk-7u1-windows-i586.exe. Similarly, if you were downloading the JDK installer for 64-bit systems for update 1.7.0_01, the file name jdk-7<version>-windows-x64.exe would become jdk-7u1-windows-x64.exe.

Installation Instructions
In this procedure, you will run the self-installing executable file to unpack and install the JDK. As part of the JDK, this installation includes an option to include the public Java Runtime Environment. (The JDK also contains a private JRE for use only by its tools; see Private Versus Public JRE for more information.) Install the JDK by doing the following: Downloading the Installer Running the JDK Installer o Installing the JDK Silently Updating the PATH Variable (Optional) Starting to Use the JDK

Downloading the Installer

If you save the self-installing executable file to disk without running it from the download page at the web site, note that its byte size provided on the download page. After the download has completed, verify that you have downloaded the full, uncorrupted software file.

Running the JDK Installer

You must have administrative permissions in order to install the JDK on Microsoft Windows. The file jdk-7<version>-windows-i586-i.exe is the JDK installer for 32-bit systems. The file jdk7<version>-windows-x64.exe is the JDK installer for 64-bit systems. If you downloaded either file instead of running it directly from the web site, double-click the installer's icon. Then, follow the instructions the installer provides. The installer may ask you to reboot your computer. When finished with the installation, you can delete the downloaded file to recover disk space. Note: Installers for JDK 7u6 and later install the JavaFX SDK and integrate it into the JDK installation directory. Installers for JDK 7u2 to 7u5 install the JDK first, then start the JavaFX SDK installer, which installs JavaFX SDK in the default directory C:\Program Files\Oracle\JavaFX 2.0 SDK or C:\Program Files (x86)\Oracle\JavaFX 2.0 SDK on 64-bit operating systems. If you want to install the JavaFX SDK (version 2.0.2) with JDK 7u1 or earlier, see Installing JavaFX for more information.

Installing the JDK Silently

You can perform a silent, non-interactive, JDK installation by using the command-line arguments. The following table lists example installation scenarios and the commands required to perform them:

Installation Scenario Install the public JRE in silent mode

jdk.exe /s

Command

Install development tools and source code in jdk.exe /s ADDLOCAL="ToolsFeature,SourceFeature" silent mode but not the public JRE Install development tools, source code, and the public JRE in silent
jdk.exe /s ADDLOCAL="ToolsFeature,SourceFeature,PublicjreFeature"

mode Install the public JRE in the specified directoryC:\test\ in silent mode
jdk.exe /s /INSTALLDIRPUBJRE=C:\test\

Updating the PATH Environment Variable (Optional)

You can run the JDK without setting the PATH environment variable, or you can optionally set it so that you can conveniently run the JDK executable files (javac.exe, java.exe,javadoc.exe, and so forth) from any directory without having to type the full path of the command. If you do not set the PATH variable, you need to specify the full path to the executable file every time you run it, such as: C:\> "C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.7.0\bin\javac" MyClass.java It is useful to set the PATH variable permanently so it will persist after rebooting. To set the PATH variable permanently, add the full path of the jdk1.7.0\bin directory to the PATH variable. Typically, this full path looks something like C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.7.0\bin. Set the PATH variable as follows on Microsoft Windows: 1. Click Start, then Control Panel, then System. 2. Click Advanced, then Environment Variables. 3. Add the location of the bin folder of the JDK installation for the PATH variable in System Variables. The following is a typical value for the PATH variable: C:\WINDOWS\system32;C:\WINDOWS;C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.7.0\bin Note: The PATH environment variable is a series of directories separated by semicolons ( ;) and is not case-sensitive. Microsoft Windows looks for programs in the PATH directories in order, from left to right. You should only have one bin directory for a JDK in the path at a time. Those following the first instance are ignored. If you are not sure where to add the path, add it to the right of the value of the PATH variable. The new path takes effect in each new command window you open after setting the PATH variable.

Starting to Use the JDK

If you are new to developing and running programs in the Java programming language, see The Java Tutorial online for some guidance. Note especially the tutorial trails under the heading Trails Covering the Basics. You can also download the JDK documentation from the Java SE Downloads page.

Uninstalling the JDK

If you should ever want to uninstall the JDK, use the "Add/Remove Programs" utility in the Microsoft Windows Control Panel.

Installed Directory Tree

See JDK and JRE File Structure for a description of the directory structure of the JDK. (Note that the file structure of the JRE is identical to that of the JDK's jre directory.)

Installation Troubleshooting
Below are some tips for working around problems that are sometimes seen during or following an installation. For more troubleshooting information, see Troubleshooting Java SE: Corrupt Cabinet file System Error During Decompression Program Cannot Be Run in DOS Mode Private Versus Public JRE Creating Source Files in Notepad Characters That Are Not Part of the System Code Page

Corrupt Cabinet File

If you see the error message "corrupt cabinet file," then the file you have downloaded is corrupted. Check the file size against the expected file size listed in these instructions. If sizes do not match, try downloading the bundle again. (A cabinet file contains compressed application, data, resource, and DLL files.)

System Error During Decompression

If you see the error message "system error during decompression," then you might not have enough space on the disk that contains your TEMP directory.

Program Cannot Be Run in DOS Mode

If you see the error message "This program cannot be run in DOS mode," then do the following: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Open the MS-DOS shell or Command Prompt window. Right-click the title bar. Select Properties. Choose the Program tab. Click the Advanced button. Ensure that the item "Prevent MS-DOS-based programs from detecting Windows" is not selected. Select OK. Select OK again. Exit the MS-DOS shell. Restart your computer.

Private Versus Public JRE

Installing the JDK also installs a private JRE and optionally a public copy. The private JRE is required to run the tools included with the JDK. It has no registry settings and is contained entirely in a jre directory (typically at C:\Program Files\jdk1.7.0\jre) whose location is known only to the JDK. On the other hand, the public JRE can be used by other Java applications, is contained outside the JDK (typically at C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.7.0), is registered with the Windows registry (at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\JavaSoft), can be removed using Add/Remove Programs, might be registered with browsers, and might have the java.exe file copied to the Windows system directory (which would make it the default system Java platform).

Source Files in Notepad

In Microsoft Windows, when you create a new file in Microsoft Notepad and then save it for the first time, Notepad usually adds the .txt extension to the file name. Therefore, a file you name Test.java is

saved as Test.java.txt. It is important to note that you cannot see the .txt extension unless you turn on the viewing of file extensions (in Microsoft Windows Explorer, unselect "Hide file extensions for known file types" under Folder Options). To prevent the .txt extension, enclose the file name in quotation marks, such as "Test.java", when typing it into the Save As dialog box. On the other hand, Microsoft WordPad does not add the .txt extension if you specify another extension. However, you must save the file as "Text Document".

Characters That Are Not Part of the System Code Page

On Windows XP, it is possible to name directories using characters that are not part of the system locale's code page. If such a directory is part of the installation path, then generic error 1722 occurs, and installation is not completed. Error 1722 is a Windows Installer error code. It indicates that the installation process has failed. The exact reason for this error is not known at this time. To prevent this problem, ensure that the user and system locales are identical, and that the installation path contains only characters that are part of the system locale's code page. User and system locales can be set in the Regional Options or Regional Settings control panel. The associated bug number is 4895647.

**

TABLE OF CONTENTS (HIDE)

yet another insignificant programming notes... | HOME

1. How To Install JDK on Windows

1.1 Using TextPad for Java Programming (on Windows) 1.2 Using NotePad++ for Java Programming (on Windows)

2. How to Install JDK on Mac 3. How to Install JDK on Ubuntu 4. First Java Program with Eclipse 5. First Java Program with NetBeans 6. (Advanced) External JAR Files and Native Libraries

JDK 7
How to Install and Get Started with Java

Programming (on Windows, Mac & Ubuntu)

Java Development Kit (JDK) 1.7 (officially named Java SE 7), which is freely available from Sun Microsystems (now part of Oracle), is needed for writing Java programs. JDK can be downloaded from the Java mother site @ http://java.sun.com (or http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/index.html).

JDK or JRE?
JRE (Java Runtime) is needed for running Java programs. JDK (Java Development Kit), which includes JRE plus the development tools (such as compiler and debugger), is need for writing as well as running Java programs. Since you are supposed to write Java Programs, you should install JDK, which includes JRE.

JDK Versions
The various JDK versions are: 1. JDK Alpha and Beta (1995): Sun announced Java in September 23, 1995. 2. JDK 1.0 (January 23, 1996): Originally called Oak (named after the oak tree outside James Gosling's office). Renamed to Java 1 in JDK 1.0.2. 3. JDK 1.1 (February 19, 1997): Introduced AWT event model, inner class, JavaBean, JDBC, and RMI. 4. J2SE 1.2 (codename Playground) (December 8, 1998): Re-branded as "Java 2" and renamed JDK to J2SE (Java 2 Standard Edition). Also released J2EE (Java 2 Enterprise Edition) and J2ME (Java 2 Micro Edition). Included JFC (Java Foundation Classes Swing, Accessibility API, Java 2D, Pluggable Look and Feel and Drag and Drop). Introduced Collection Framework and JIT compiler. 5. J2SE 1.3 (codename Kestrel) (May 8, 2000): Introduced Hotspot JVM. 6. J2SE 1.4 (codename Merlin) (February 6, 2002): Introduced assert, non-blocking IO (nio), logging API, image IO, Java webstart, regular expression support. 7. J2SE 5.0 (codename Tiger) (September 30, 2004): Officially called 5.0 instead of 1.5. Introduced generics, autoboxing/unboxing, annotation, enum, varargs, for-each loop, static import. 8. Java SE 6 (codename Mustang) (December 11, 2006): Renamed J2SE to Java SE (Java Standard Edition). 9. Java SE 7 (codename Dolphin) (July 28, 2011): First version after Oracle purchased Sun (called Oracle JDK).

10. Java SE 8 : expected in summer 2013?!

1. How To Install JDK on Windows

Step 0(a): Un-Install Older Version(s) of JDK/JRE
I recommend that you install the latest JDK, but it can be messy if you have multiple versions of JDK/JRE. If you have previously installed older version(s) of JDK/JRE, un-install ALL of them. Run "Control Panel" Program and Features Un-install programs begin with "Java", such as "Java SE Development Kit" and "Java SE Runtime". If you are not sure whether you have older version(s) of JDK, check!

Step 0(b): Understand Windows' CMD Shell

Programmers need to know how to use CMD shell to issue commands. If you are completely new to CMD, read "Programmer's Survival Guide for Windows".

Step 1: Download JDK

1. Goto Java SE download site @ http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index.html. 2. Click the "Download" button under "JDK" of "Java SE 7". 3. Check "Accept License Agreement". 4. Choose your operating platform, e.g., Windows x86 for 32-bit Windows OS or Windows x64 for 64-bit Windows OS. You can check whether your Windows OS is 32bit or 64-bit via "Control Panel" System Under the "System Type".

Step 2: Install JDK and JRE

Run the downloaded installer (e.g., "jdk-7uxx-windows-i586.exe"), which installs both the JDK (Java Development Kit) and JRE (Java Runtime). By default, the JDK will be installed in directory "C:\Program
Files\Java\jdk1.7.0_xx", where xx denotes the latest upgrade

number; and JRE in "C:\Program Files\Java\jre7". For novices, accept the defaults. Simply click "next"..."next"... to install JDK in " C:\Program
Files\Java\jdk1.7.0_xx" and JRE in "C:\Program Files\Java\jre7".

Take note of your JDK installed directory (which you will need to use in the next step). Check the JDK installed directory by inspecting these folders using Windows' Explorer.

I shall refer to the JDK installed directory as <JAVA_HOME>, hereafter, in this article.

Step 3: Include JDK's " bin " Directory in the PATH

Windows OS searches the current directory and the directories listed in the PATH environment variable for executable programs. JDK's programs (such as Java compiler javac.exe and Java runtime java.exe) reside in directory "<JAVA_HOME>\bin" (where <JAVA_HOME> denotes the JDK installed directory, e.g., C:\Program
Files\Java\jdk1.7.0_xx). You need to include the "<JAVA_HOME>\bin" directory in the PATH.

To edit the PATH environment variable in Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7/8: 1. Click "Start" button "Control Panel" "System" (Vista/7/8 only) "Advanced system settings". 2. Switch to "Advanced" tab "Environment Variables..." 3. In "System Variables" box, scroll down to select "PATH" "Edit..." 4. (CAUTION: Read this paragraph 3 times before doing this step! There is no UNDO) In "Variable value" field, INSERT "c:\Program
Files\Java\jdk1.7.0_xx\bin" (Replace xx with the upgrade number and VERIFY that

this is your JDK's binary directory!!!) IN FRONT of all the existing directories, followed by a semi-colon (;) which separates the JDK's binary directory from the rest of the existing directories. DO NOT DELETEany existing entries; otherwise, some existing applications may not run.
5. Variable name : PATH

Variable value : c:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.7.0_xx\bin;[exiting entries]

(For Advanced Users Only)

I suggested that you place the JDK bin directory in front of "c:\windows\system32" and "c:\windows". This is because some Windows systems may have an out-dated copy of JDK/JRE in these directories. Do a search for "java.exe", and you will be amazed by the findings.

You could read "Java Applications and Environment Variable" for more discussions about PATH environment variable. I also recommend that you define an environment variable called JAVA_HOME, which contains the JDK installed directory, and include the JDK bindirectory in the PATH via JAVA_HOME, i.e., PATH=%JAVA_HOME%\bin;.....

Step 4: Verify the JDK Installation

Launch a CMD shell (Click "Start" button run... enter "cmd"; or "Start" button All Programs Accessories Command Prompt). 1. Issue a "path" command to list the contents of the PATH environment variable. Check the output and make sure that <JAVA_HOME>\bin is listed in the PATH.
2. prompt> path PATH=c:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.7.0_xx\bin;[other entries]

3. Issue the following commands to verify that JDK/JRE are properly installed and display their version:
4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. prompt> java -version java version "1.7.0_xx" Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.7.0_xx-b11) Java HotSpot(TM) Client VM (build 23.3-b01, mixed mode, sharing) prompt> javac -version javac 1.7.0_xx

Step 5: Write a Hello-World Java Program

1. Create a directory to keep all your works, e.g., d:\myproject, or any directory of your choice. Do NOT save your works in "Desktop" or "Documents" as they are hard to locate. The directory name shall not contain blank or special characters. Use meaningful but short name as it is easier to type. 2. Launch a programming text editor (such as TextPad or NotePad++). Begin with a new file and enter the following source code. Save the file as "Hello.java", under your work directory (e.g., d:\myproject).
3. /* 4. * First Java program to say Hello 5. */ 6. public class Hello { // Save as "Hello.java" under "d:\myproject" 7. public static void main(String[] args) { 8. System.out.println("Hello, world!"); 9. }

Step 6: Compile and Run the Hello-World Java Program

1. To compile the source code "Hello.java":

a. Start a CMD Shell (Click "Start" button Select "run..." Enter "cmd"; or "Start" button All Programs Accessories Command Prompt). b. Set the Current Drive to the drive where you saved your source file "Hello.java". For example, suppose that your source file is saved in drive "d", enter "d:" as follow:
c. prompt> d: D:\xxx>

d. Set the Current Working Directory to the directory that you saved your source file via the cd (Change Directory) command. For example, suppose that your source file is saved in directory "d:\myproject".
e. D:\xxx> cd \myproject D:\myproject>

f. Issue a dir (List Directory) command to confirm that your source file is present in the current directory.
g. D:\myproject> dir h. ...... i. 08-May-XX 06:25 PM ......

277 Hello.java

j. Invoke the JDK compiler "javac" to compile the source code "Hello.java".
D:\myproject> javac Hello.java

The compilation is successful if the command prompt returns. Otherwise, error messages would be shown. Correct the errors in your source file and re-compile. Check "Common JDK Installation Errors", if you encounter problem compiling your program. k. The output of the compilation is a Java class called "Hello.class". Issue a dir (List Directory) command again to check for the output.
l. m. n. o. D:\myproject> dir ...... xx-xxx-xx 01:53 PM xx-xxx-xx 06:25 PM ......

416 Hello.class 277 Hello.java

To run the program, invoke the Java Runtime "java":

D:\myproject> java Hello

Hello, world!

Everything that can possibly go wrong will go wrong : Read "JDK

Installation Common Errors".

Step 7: (Optional) Download JDK API Documentation, Samples and Demos

The JDK download does not include the documentation, which needs to be downloaded separately. In the past, I always insist that my students should have a local copy of JDK API Documentation. But, today, you can easily access the online copy by googling "JDK 7 Documentation". To install JDK API documentation: 1. From the Java SE download page (@ http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index.html), look for "Java SE 7 Documentation" (under "Additional Resources") Download the zip-file (e.g., "jdk-7....zip" - about 57MB). 2. Unzip into the <JAVA_HOME> (JDK installed directory). The documentation will be unzipped into "<$JAVA_HOME>\docs". Browse the JDK documentation by opening "<JAVA_HOME>\docs\index.html". You should also download the "JDK Samples and Demos" from the Java SE download site.

Step 8: (For Advanced Users Only) JDK's Source Code

Source code for JDK is provided and kept in "<JAVA_HOME>\src.zip". I strongly recommend that you to go through some of the source files such as " String.java", "Math.java", and "Integer.java", under "java\lang".

1.1 Using TextPad for Java Programming (on Windows)

TextPad (@ www.textpad.com) is an excellent programming text editor for writing toy Java programs. It can be configured to couple with the JDK, hence, bypassing the CMD shell. From the TextPad editor, you can invoke the JDK compiler/runtime directly via "Tools" menu External Tools "Compile Java" or "Run Java Application". Take note of the keyboard shortcuts - Ctrl+1 for compile and Ctrl+2 for run. If you cannot find these commands in the "Tools" menu, goto "Configure" Preferences... Tools Add JDK Commands. You can also configure the properties of "compile" and "run" there, such as prompting for command-line arguments.

TextPad Tips and Configuration

Check HERE!

1.2 Using NotePad++ for Java Programming (on Windows)

Notepad++ (@ http://notepad-plus-plus.org) is a free and open-source programming editor. You can use NotePad++ to input Java source code, and compile and run the Java program under CMD shell.

NotePad++ Customization and Tips

You can customize Notepad++ to compile and run Java programs with hot-keys. Read "NotePad++".

2. How to Install JDK on Mac

Step 0: Understand the "Terminal"

Programmers need to know how to issue commands through the "Terminal". If you are new to Terminal, read "Programmer's Survival Guide for Mac and Ubuntu".

Step 1: Check if JDK has been Pre-Installed

In some Mac systems (earlier than Mac OS X 10.7 (Lion)), JDK has been pre-installed. To check if JDK has been installed, open a "Terminal" (Go Utilities Terminal) and issue these commands:
$ javac -version

If a JDK version number is returned (e.g., JDK {1.x.x}), then JDK has already been installed. Proceed to "Step 3: Write a Hello-world Java program". If message "command not found" appears, JDK is NOT installed. Proceed to the "Step 2: Install JDK". If message "To open javac, you need a Java runtime" appears, select "Install" and follow the instructions to install JDK. Then, proceed to "Step 3: Write a Hello-world Java program".

Step 2: Download and Install JDK

1. Goto http://connect.apple.com. 2. Login with your AppleID. 3. Download "Java for Mac OS X {10.x} Update {u} Developer Package (DMG)". Choose {10.x} according to your Mac OS X version and the latest{u}. 4. Double-click to install the downloaded Disk Image (DMG) file. 5. Eject the DMG file. 6. To verify your installation, open a "Terminal" and issue these commands:
7. // Check the version of "javac" (Java Compiler) and "java" (Java Runtime) 8. $ javac -version 9. javac {1.x.x_xx} 10. 11. $ java -version 12. java version "{1.x.x_xx}" 13. Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build {1.x.x_xx-xxx}) 14. Java HotSpot(TM) Client VM (build 22.1-b02, mixed mode, sharing) 15.

16. // Find the location of "javac" (Java Compiler) and "java" (Java Runtime) 17. $ which javac 18. /usr/bin/javac 19. 20. $ which java /usr/bin/java

Step 3: Write a Hello-World Java Program

1. Create a directory called "myproject" under your home directory (Finder Go Home; File New Folder "myproject"). In Mac under the Terminal, the home directory of the current login user is denoted as "~". Hence, this new directory is represented as "~/myproject". 2. Use a programming text editor (such as jEdit, gedit) to input the following source code and save as "Hello.java" under the directory "~/myproject" created earlier. If you use "TextEdit" (NOT encouraged, as it is a plain text editor, NOT a programming text editor), you need to open a new file choose "Format" "Make Plain Text" Enter the source code Save as "Hello.java" (without the ".txt").
3. /* 4. * My First Java program to say Hello 5. */ 6. public class Hello { // Save as "Hello.java" under "~/myproject" 7. public static void main(String[] args) { 8. System.out.println("Hello, world from Mac!"); 9. } }

Step 4: Compile and Run the Hello-World Java Program

1. To compile the source code "Hello.java", open a new "Terminal" (Go Utilities Terminal) and issue these commands (as illustrated):
2. // Change Directory (cd) to where "Hello.java" resides

3. // i.e., sub-directory "myproject" under home (~) 4. $ cd ~/myproject 5. 6. // Check if "Hello.java" exists using list (ls) command 7. $ ls 8. Hello.java ...... 9. 10. // Compile "Hello.java" using JDK compiler "javac" 11. $ javac Hello.java 12. // If error message appears, debug your source code 13. 14. // Check for the output "Hello.class" 15. $ ls Hello.class Hello.java ......

16. To run the Hello-world, invoke the Java Runtime "java" as follows:
17. 18. // Run "Hello.class" $ java Hello

Hello, world from Mac!

3. How to Install JDK on Ubuntu

Read "How to Install JDK on Ubuntu".

4. First Java Program with Eclipse

1. You need to first install Eclipse. Read "How to Install Eclipse". 2. You can then proceed to write your first Java program. Read "Writing your first Java Program with Eclipse". 3. Read "Debugging program in Eclipse".

5. First Java Program with NetBeans

1. You need to first install NetBeans. Read "How to Install NetBeans". 2. You can then proceed to write your first Java program. Read "Writing your first Java program with NetBeans". 3. Read "Debugging program in NetBeans".

6. (Advanced) External JAR Files and Native Libraries

External Java packages (such as Servlet, MySQL Connector/J, JOGL, JUnit) are often distributed in JAR files (Java Archive - a single-file package of many Java classes), with possibly Native Libraries (".lib" and ".dll" in Windows, or ".a" and ".so" in Linux/Mac).

External JAR Files (" .jar ")

If external JAR files are not properly included:

During the compilation, you will receive compilation error "cannot find symbol" on classes belonging to the external packages. During execution, you will get a runtime error "Could not find or load main class xxx" or "NoClassDefFoundError".

To include external JAR files, you can either: 1. Copy all the JAR files of the external packages to the Java's Extension Directories.
o

For Windows, the JDK extension directory is located at " <JAVA_HOME>\jre\lib\ext" (e.g., "c:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.7.0_xx\jre\lib\ext"). For Mac, the JDK extension directories are "/Library/Java/Extensions" and "/System/Library/Java/Extensions". For Ubuntu, the JDK extension directories are "<JAVA_HOME>/jre/lib/ext" (e.g., "/usr/user/java/jdk1.7.0_xx/jre/lib/ext ") and "/usr/java/packages/lib/ext".

The location of JDK's extension directories is kept in Java's System Property "java.ext.dirs". You can print its contents viaSystem.out.println(System.getProperty("java.ext.dirs")) . 2. You can also include all the JAR files in the CLASSPATH environment variable. The CLASSPATH may contain directories (containing many Java classes) or JAR files (single-file archive of Java classes). If you set the CLASSPATH, you must also include the current directory (denoted as ".").
o

For Windows, set the CLASSPATH in Control Panel System Advanced system settings Advanced Environment Variables System Variables New In "Variable colon (;). name", enter "CLASSPATH" In "Variable value", enter ".;path1\xxx.jar;path2\yyy.jar", where the entries are separated by a semi-

For Linux and Mac OS: Edit ~/.profile or ~/.bash_profile (or /etc/profile for system-wide setting) to include the following line at the end of the file:
export CLASSPATH=.:path1/xxx.jar:path2/yyy.jar

The entries are separated by colon (:). 3. You can also set the CLASSPATH in the javac/java's command-line via the option -cp
<paths> (or -classpath <paths>), for example,

4. // Compile Java source code 5. > javac -cp .:path1/xxx.jar:path2/yyy.jar ClassName.java

6. // Run Java class > java -cp .:path1/xxx.jar:path2/yyy.jar ClassName

External Native Libraries (" .lib ", " .dll ", " .a ", " .so ")
Some external package may provide static or shared native libraries in the form of ".lib" (Windows' static library), ".dll" (Windows' dynamically link library), ".a" (Unix's static library), or ".so" (Unix's shared library). Native Libraries are to be kept in a directory accessible via JRE's Property "java.library.path", which normally but not necessarily includes all the directories in the PATH environment variable. Native libraries are not involved in the compilation. But if they are not properly included during runtime time, you will get a runtime error "java.lang.UnsatisfiedLinkError:
no xxx in java.library.path".

To include external native libraries: 1. Copy the native libraries into a system library directory, e.g., c:\windows\system32 (Windows), /usr/lib or /usr/local/lib (Linux or Mac OS). You can verify that the directory is included in Java's System Property "java.library.path", viaSystem.out.println(System.getProperty("java.library.path")) . 2. You can also set the native library path via the java's command-line option Djava.library.path=xxx, for example,

> java -Djava.library.path=xxx ClassName

Eclipse/NetBeans
Using an IDE can greatly simplifies inclusion of external packages. Read "Eclipse How-To" or "NetBeans How-To".

Link to References & Resources

Latest version tested: JDK 1.7.0_45 Last modified: January, 2014 Feedback, comments, corrections, and errata can be sent to Chua Hock-Chuan (ehchua@ntu.edu.sg) | HOME Path

Windows 7
1. 2. 3. Select Computer from the Start menu Choose System Properties from the context menu Click Advanced system settings > Advanced tab

4. 5.

Click on Environment Variables, under System Variables, find PATH, and click on it. In the Edit windows, modify PATH by adding the location of the class to the value for PATH. If you do not have the item PATH, you may select to add a new variable and add PATH as the name and the location of the class as the value.

6. 1. 2. 3. 4.

Reopen Command prompt window, and run your java code. Right click My Computer icon Choose Properties from the context menu Click Advanced tab (Advanced system settings link in Vista) In the Edit windows, modify PATH by adding the location of the class to the value for PATH. If you do not have the item PATH, you may select to add a new variable and add PATH as the name and the location of the class as the value.

Windows Vista

5.

Reopen Command prompt window, and run your java code.