Appendix C. Using the NetBeans Integrated Development Environment

Most Java programmers learn the language using the Java Development Kit (JDK) from Sun Microsystems, a set of command-line tools used to create Java programs that were described in Appendix A, "Using the Java Development Kit," and Appendix B, "Programming with the Java Development Kit."

The JDK is highly popular, but it lacks some features most professional programmers take for granted such as a built-in text editor, graphical user interface, and project management tools. These features, which are essential for everyday programming, are typically supplied in an integrated development environment (IDE).

One IDE you can choose for creating Java software is the NetBeans Integrated Development Environment, which is offered as a free download from Sun Microsystems.

This appendix covers how to download and install NetBeans and use it to create, compile, and run a simple Java program.