How do I compile a .java file?

[tmccann47]

I have recently started a Java Programming course and have followed everything in the first book to a t. For some reason though when I come to compile my test java file it simply tells me that 'javac' is not a valid term despite this being in the book.
I have tried this in both C++ and Visual Basic but get the same answer. I am unsure if there is a way to do this in some form of Java console.

[runFunning]

You have not set java up properly on your system and/or do not have the SDK installed.

1. Go here:
http://www.sun.com/download/index.jsp?cat=Java+%26+Technologies&tab=3&subcat=J ava

Download and install J2SE 1.4.2_10 SDK and JRE to start. Later you may wish to install the Netbeans GUI development enviroment. I would recommend only trying to learn one thing at a time. Attempting to learn a new language and a new GUI development enviroment at the same time is NEVER recommended.

2. Set up your classpath variable properly ( assuming you are using windows )
Here is a link to the whole process ( although this is old, you could google for a newer one if you need it )
http://java.sun.com/products/archive/j2se/1.2.2_013/install-windows.html

3. Have fun and good luck.

Don't forget you can always ask your teacher. Attempting to learn a programming language on your own is also NEVER recommended. It's just like learning French. In time, you'll learn the syntax of the language, but never the slang or even how to properly pronounce the sounds. Same goes with programming, the concepts are simple enough, but applying them to the real world is where a college professor earns his pay.

[Medium Dave]

presuming, of course, you've actually installed java - you're missing a 'path' variable

javac itself resides in with all the other java stuff, in program files. If you dno't have a path variable to point your system to this location, you can't call it from anywhere but that directory.

EDIT
presuming you're running XP:

* Right click "My computer", choose 'properties'
* go to the 'Advanced' tab
* click 'Environment Variables'
* find the PATH variable and 'Edit' its value to include the location of your javac, which will depend on version - for example, add

;c:\program files\Java\jdk1.6.0_05\bin

it should now work.