Installing Java IDEs and Using Them

Lesson Roadmap

1. What is an IDE?

IDE means Integrated Development Environment. It is a software application where we write, run, test, and debug programs.

2. Install Java JDK First

Before installing any Java IDE, install the Java Development Kit (JDK). The JDK contains the tools needed to compile and run Java programs.

Recommended beginner setup

Install steps

java -version

javac -version

3. Which IDE Should You Choose?

All four IDEs can be used for learning Java. For CBSE students, the best IDE is the one that lets you write, run, and understand simple Java programs without confusion.

4. Installing and Using Eclipse for Java

Eclipse is a popular Java Integrated Development Environment. It is especially useful for understanding Java projects, packages, classes, and debugging.

Installation steps

Create your first Eclipse project

1. Click File.
2. Click New.
3. Click Java Project.
4. Project name: FirstJavaProject.
5. Click Finish.
6. Right-click src.
7. Click New → Class.
8. Class name: HelloJava.
9. Select public static void main(String[] args) if the option appears.
10. Click Finish.

public class HelloJava {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        System.out.println("Hello Java from Eclipse!");
    }
}

5. Installing and Using Apache NetBeans for Java

Apache NetBeans is a beginner-friendly IDE for Java. It provides project templates, code highlighting, and easy Run buttons.

Installation steps

Create your first NetBeans project

1. Click File.
2. Click New Project.
3. Select Java with Ant or Java with Maven.
4. Select Java Application.
5. Project name: FirstNetBeansJava.
6. Click Finish.

public class Main {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        System.out.println("Hello Java from NetBeans!");
    }
}

6. Installing and Using Visual Studio Code for Java

Visual Studio Code, also called VS Code, is a lightweight editor. To use it properly for Java, install the Java extensions.

Installation steps

Create your first VS Code Java file

1. Create a folder named java-practice.
2. Open that folder in VS Code.
3. Create a file named HelloJava.java.
4. Write the code below.

public class HelloJava {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        System.out.println("Hello Java from VS Code!");
    }
}

Run using VS Code button

After the Java extension loads, VS Code usually shows a Run option above the main method.

Run using terminal

javac HelloJava.java
java HelloJava

7. Installing and Using IntelliJ IDEA for Java

IntelliJ IDEA is a modern Java IDE. For school-level Java and core Java practice, IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition is usually enough.

Installation steps

Create your first IntelliJ IDEA project

1. Click New Project.
2. Select Java.
3. Choose your installed JDK.
4. Project name: FirstIntelliJJava.
5. Create the project.
6. Right-click src.
7. Click New → Java Class.
8. Class name: HelloJava.

public class HelloJava {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        System.out.println("Hello Java from IntelliJ IDEA!");
    }
}

8. The First Program You Should Run in Every IDE

To check whether your IDE is working properly, run this same program in all four IDEs.

public class MyFirstProgram {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        System.out.println("My Java setup is working.");
        System.out.println("I am ready to learn CBSE Java.");
    }
}

Important rule about file name and class name

In Java, if the class is public, the file name must match the class name.

9. IDE Comparison for Students

10. Common Setup Errors and Fixes

public static void main(String[] args)

11. Practice Tasks

java -version
javac -version

import java.util.Scanner;

public class StudentIntro {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        Scanner sc = new Scanner(System.in);

        System.out.print("Enter your name: ");
        String name = sc.nextLine();

        System.out.print("Enter your age: ");
        int age = sc.nextInt();

        System.out.println("Hello " + name + ". You are " + age + " years old.");

        sc.close();
    }
}

12. Final Recommendation

For CBSE Java learners, do not waste too much time choosing the “perfect” IDE. The main goal is to write Java code regularly.

13. Join the Guided CBSE Java Learning System

Learn at your own pace with structured lessons, coding practice, doubt support, WhatsApp guidance, and Zoom help when needed.

• Step-by-step Java lessons
• CBSE-focused examples
• Weekly coding practice
• Debugging support
• Up to 10 support queries per week