macOS Java Help

[davisjw]

Hey,

Taking my first programming course in Java and got the textbook today (Java How to Program). The problem is the course is sadly targeted towards the Windows community and I really don't want to get a Windows computer so I can work on my projects at home. The book came with a CD that includes the software we'll need which are: BlueJ, jGRASP, jEdit, JCreator LE, NetBeans IDE, MySQL, MySQL Connector/ J, Apache Tomcat and JDK. About half of them are Linux usable which I can always download Linux I suppose but are there any alternatives to these so I can just use OSX and my teacher would still accept them or am I screwed? The examples are all based around those programs just as a side note. Thanks very much for your time!!

 

[bobber205]

BlueJ is for mac too and it's highly recommend. And it's not too hard (read: I can do it) to complie with Terminal.

Jump in!

 

[jsw]

I write Java code professionally on a Mac. There is no obstacle to creating any of the code you'll need. Apache (HTTP Server, Tomcat, etc.) is all open source and available for OS X (in fact, the HTTP server is already on your Mac) and so are many of the other apps you mentioned. Eclipse is an excellent free development environment - you don't need to use Terminal.

Basically, the only issues you'll have will be if the course provides project files for IDEs you can't run, but all of the Java files and apps you'll need to create can be created on the Mac.

Given that one of the main strengths of Java is its platform independence, and given the strength of Eclipse, I find it appalling that the course would be Windows (or any specific platform) centric.

 

[VanMac]

Hey.

You dont need any windows specific software to learn Java, or do your course.

DL the latest JDK and docs from sun:
http://java.sun.com

For an IDE, you can use Eclipse (most developers in the industry use this)
http://www.eclipse.org

Also, most OpenSource databases(MySQL, etc) have a version for OSX

Enjoy your coding. Java is a great language to learn(will certainly help land you a job in your future).

 

[davisjw]

Thanks all for your replies! So to break up the programs to see what will and wont work with OSX and what an alternative is to those that don't work:

BlueJ- Mac usable (though didn't see it on their site, might of missed something)

jGrasp

jEdit

JCreator LE

NetBeans IDE- use Eclipse?

MySQL- Mac

MySQL Connector/ J- Mac?

Apache Tomcat- Mac usable

JDK- Mac

Stupid question but what is the HTTP, what is that the replacements of on the list? Sorry really just a beginner in terms of programming Java (or most languages to be truthful)

How about the others without any next to it? Sorry for the newbie questions just a wandering computer user looking to delve into programming...

Thanks for your time and help!!! I'll bring my iBook into class proudly!!!! PS Will me using other programs have any effect when I turn in my projects?

 

[VanMac]

Hey.

Your first 4 tools in your list are just Java IDE / Editors.

You should be able to use any IDE or Editer to complete your projects and assignments. You will be graded likely on your Java source code, so it should not matter what editor you use.

HTTP stands for Hyper Text Transfrer Protocol.

Dont get too caught up in the tools. Start using the language, writing some simple programs, and playing around with things. Enjoy it.

 

[davisjw]

Sweet alright so really there's no worries most excellant!! Thanks for everyone's help! I guess I was just looking in the wrong places!!

 

[davisjw]

Ok well for some reason it wont let me edit my past post but call me dumb- i can't find a way to download Tomcat.. It says Windows and Unix.. Any help please? I guess I'm not done bugging you all yet!

Edit: Call me dumber because the JDK I only see using almost every other operating system but OS... What am I missing here because obviously it's something right under my nose.. *sigh*

 

[jsw]

Ok well for some reason it wont let me edit my past post but call me dumb- i can't find a way to download Tomcat.. It says Windows and Unix.. Any help please? I guess I'm not done bugging you all yet!

Get the UNIX version - it'll build on your Mac just fine.

See here for more instructions (it's a bit old but, I think, still valid).

 

[prostuff1]

Like the others have said using your mac for java programming should not be a problem.

I had my first java course in spring quarter at OSU and technically they did not "support" mac's but they were smart enough to use an IDE that can be had on all platforms. We used eclipse to do all of our programms. I almost always did my work form my laptop then went to the lab to submit it. Work really well.

 

[davisjw]

Thanks a bunch for those quick replies! I'll attempt to download the Tomcat tomorrow when I'm more awake.. Is there any alternatives to Tomcat that'll be better for the Mac?

Any thing on the JDK problem? prostuff1 what were you using? Thanks all!!!!

 

[x704]

I think the JDK is updated in your software update program. I downloaded netbeans 4.1 and did not have to download anything else because the JDK is included on my mac. I believe the current JDK version is 1.5.

 

[bousozoku]

I think the JDK is updated in your software update program. I downloaded netbeans 4.1 and did not have to download anything else because the JDK is included on my mac. I believe the current JDK version is 1.5.

Actually, there should be three different JDKs and JVMs on a Mac running Tiger: 1.3.x, 1.4.x, and 1.5.x. 1.6.x is close to being available.

NetBeans is a great environment, especially when you need to create GUI items. Why download version 4.1 instead of 5.0?

I use NetBeans, jGrasp, and a few other tools. I've never found one set of tools or one IDE to handle everything well--at least, not for Java.

 

[davisjw]

Where are they? I see some Java tools under the Xcode application, what are those?

 

[Eraserhead]

Where are they? I see some Java tools under the Xcode application, what are those?

First you will need a free developer account on Apple.com, then log into the account, and click on downloads, then on Java on the right hand side and download the latest version of Java for developers. (currently, Java SE 6.0 Release 1 Developer Preview 5)

I will link to the download page for all the programs you need and their Mac versions.

BlueJ

jGrasp

jEdit

JCreator is Windows Only

Netbeans

MySQL Information

Java, Tomcat and MySQL Information

I'm not too sure about setting up Mysql as I've never used it, ask your lecturers if needed... As others have mentioned they prefer Eclipse (and I agree) to Netbeans but if they do the course in Netbeans use that.

I suspect they are giving you all the programs at the top as they want you to choose which IDE you like best, they only give Windows applications as it's harder to set-up Java for windows and it's the most common platform.

Generally you don't do Java in Xcode as Xcode doesn't produce Javadoc documentation (very important), has more annoying auto-complete, and is harder to create targets for.

 

[davisjw]

Wow eraserhead that was awesome thank you so much! Solved pretty much all my problems! Only thing left to do is get MySQL to work on the Mac.. Oh the trials of being a Mac user

 

[x704]

Actually, there should be three different JDKs and JVMs on a Mac running Tiger: 1.3.x, 1.4.x, and 1.5.x. 1.6.x is close to being available.

NetBeans is a great environment, especially when you need to create GUI items. Why download version 4.1 instead of 5.0?

I use NetBeans, jGrasp, and a few other tools. I've never found one set of tools or one IDE to handle everything well--at least, not for Java.

The reason I have 4.1 is because that is what is avaliable at the time of downloading. On my windows machine I have 3.something on it. On both of them I have not bothered to update mainly because I do not have a high speed internet connection. I also don't like the forum editor for netbeans becasue it is too much like visualBASIC and I don't like VB.

If I had a high speed internet connection I would probably be able to help you more on the web side of programming/database/setup becasue I would be hosting my own website, but not yet.

 

[davisjw]

Well the information you posted was great thank you! Think I'm all setup now, I have downloaded the following *let me know if I've missed something*

BlueJ 2.1.3
Eclipse
Java SE 6 Release 1
Jave SE 6 Release 1 Documentation
jEdit
jgraspmac184.pkg.tar (not actually sure what that is/ was for *sent all my stuff to my new Java folder) and when I click on it, it says can't open because the original item can not be found...*
NetBeans
SUNWappserver

Haven't opened most of them up yet, is there anything I need to know prior to playing around with it?

Thank you all again for you help!

 

[bousozoku]

...I also don't like the forum editor for netbeans becasue it is too much like visualBASIC and I don't like VB.
...

It's also like Borland Delphi, C++Builder, and JBuilder, if that helps.

...
jgraspmac184.pkg.tar (not actually sure what that is/ was for *sent all my stuff to my new Java folder) and when I click on it, it says can't open because the original item can not be found...*
...

If you have Stuffit Expander installed, you need to open jgraspmac184.pkg.tar one more level. Then, you can double-click jgraspmac184.pkg and it will help install itself into the folder you choose--I suggest /Developer/Applications.

 

[davisjw]

Got it straight now thanks! Just downloaded it again

 

[almightyshoe]

I'm taking Java at the University also, and all we need is Eclipse, which took me about 3 days to get working.

 

[Eraserhead]

I'm taking Java at the University also, and all we need is Eclipse, which took me about 3 days to get working.

You are all lucky at my Uni the only software they suggested was NEdit on Unix, you were given no IDEs at all, (though my Uni still has only got Java 1.2 installed )

 

[coconn06]

Wow eraserhead that was awesome thank you so much! Solved pretty much all my problems! Only thing left to do is get MySQL to work on the Mac.. Oh the trials of being a Mac user

Marc Liyanage's site has a great tutorial for installing and setting up MySQL (and PHP, etc.) on Mac OS X...I highly recommend it.

 

[bobber205]

Don't go to that site.

Get MAMP. All you have to do is specify the home directory for the server so to speak, and press launch server!

There's even a widget!

 

[NewbieNerd]

I just started working about 2 months ago, and I use Eclipse on my iMac at work. I have tried Netbeans simply because it looks so much sexier in Mac OS X, but Eclipse has just seemed to work better for me. In a few weeks/months I may be doing some GUI design, in which case Netbeans is supposed to be very nice.

For a simple Java program, I like to use http://drjava.org. It is very simple. It just allows you to compile and run right within the program. No terminal/CLI stuff, which is good for starting. No autocompletion, none of the crap you have to go through in IDEs just to program (setting up a new Project, blah blah). Keep it simple when beginning.