So You Want to Run a Java Program on Windows 10, Eh Champ? A Hilariously Unnecessary Guide
You've written some stellar Java code, a masterpiece that would make even Bruce Springsteen weep with pride (though likely over a different kind of code). But hold on there, cowboy, how do you unleash this digital stallion onto the world? Fear not, intrepid programmer, for I, your friendly neighborhood guide (with a slightly above average knowledge of Google), will show you the ropes...of the command prompt, that is.
Step 1: Installing the Right Wranglers (JDK)
First things first, you'll need the Java Development Kit (JDK). Think of it as the saddle and chaps for your Java ride. Don't worry, it ain't a wild bull; it installs pretty easily. Just mosey on over to the Oracle website (https://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/downloads/), grab the JDK download, and follow the instructions. Easy as wrangling kittens!
Pro Tip: Make sure you get the right JDK version for your system, 32-bit or 64-bit. Don't want your program to end up like a horse wearing mismatched shoes, now do we?
Step 2: Taming the Beast (Command Prompt)
Now comes the slightly more intimidating part: the command prompt. Don't let the black screen and blinking cursor scare you. It's more like a grumpy old goat than a ravenous beast.
Here's how to find it:
- Hit the Windows key + R (that's the fancy key with the Windows logo)
- Type in cmd and press Enter
- Voila! You're staring into the soul of the command prompt.
Alternatively: You can also search for "command prompt" in the Windows search bar. But hey, where's the fun in that?
Step 3: Wrangling Your Code (Compiling and Running)
Now that you've got your JDK installed and the command prompt tamed (or at least tolerated), it's time to unleash your Java program! But there's a little more wrangling to do first.
Part A: Compiling
Think of compiling like translating your fancy Java code into a language your computer can understand. Here's how to do it:
- Navigate to your program's location using the
cdcommand in the command prompt. For example, if your program is in a folder named "JavaPrograms" on your Desktop, you'd type:
cd Desktop\JavaPrograms
- Now, type the following command, replacing
[filename]with the actual name of your program (including the.javaextension):
javac [filename]
Press Enter, and if everything's compiled correctly, you shouldn't see any errors. But if you do, well, that's a whole different story for another campfire tale!
Part B: Running
Now that your program is compiled (hopefully!), it's time to set it loose! Here's the command:
java [filename]
Replace [filename] again with your program's name, minus the .java extension this time. Press Enter, and if all the stars have aligned and the computer gods are smiling upon you, your program should execute!
Congratulations! You've successfully run your Java program on the command prompt! Now, wasn't that easier than wrangling a herd of digital mustangs?
