Best compiler for java?

[Zach7]

Im taking the Java class for school. School is in 2 days, and they will probably ask me to use a specific compiler, but I want to get ahead so Im not confused about anything while taking the class. What do you guys think is the best Java compiler?

Requirements (If at all possible)

Windows 2000.
Free - Or a good free version.

If there really isnt any good free Java compilers or free versions, what non-free compiler do you reccommend. Though I'm really looking for a free one.

[ghostdog74]

have you downloaded the Java SDK/JRE? it comes with the compiler , javac
you can use that.

[Zach7]

Im using Jcreator as its the compiler that I have to use in class. Anyway, Im so confused on why this wont work. Ive created a new project. Havn't created or added any classes yet. But when I try to compile or run it, this is what I get:

 --------------------Configuration: Main - <Default> - <Default>--------------------
Error : Invalid path, \bin\javac.exe -classpath "C:\Program Files\Xinox Software\JCreatorV3LE\MyProjects" -d C:\Program" Files\Xinox "Software\JCreatorV3LE\MyProjects @src_main.txt"

Process completed.



 :-? Btw, Im downloading the SDK right now. Don't know if that will do anything.

[ghostdog74]

forget about Jcreator for a while. If you don't have Java installed , download it from the Sun website and install it. After installing, launch a command prompt. Type in "java -version" . It will show which version of java you have on your machine.
Also to make sure you have the java executables ( java.exe, javac.exe etc) Path set , type "java" on command prompt. If there is no error, you are good with the installation.
ACtually the installtion will set everything nicely for you......

Create a simple java class using an editor...notepad, wordpad etc.. Save it as .java file, and use the javac to compile it. you can run your program using java command...

Look up the docs if you have questions...

[Zach7]

It sounds so simple without a compiler. Isnt that ironic. I need to download Javac, which I will do tomorrow. Im going to bed right now.

[Zach7]

Where can I get javac? Ive done my fair share of google searches. Ive downloaded several java things, even though I dont know what they do.

[ghostdog74]

on the command prompt, type : javac
if there is no error, it's already installed.
It comes with the Java package you downloaded from SUN
another way is to find out where the Java package is installed eg Check C:\ or C:\program files. Its usually in the bin directory.